A Night Hidden in Plain Sight
With the end of Ramadan approaching and the anticipation of sighting the Shawwal crescent moon, joy for Eid starts to build. But in that hopefulness, many forget about a night of immense reward. Lailatul Jaiza, the Night of Reward.
Unlike Laylat al-Qadr, whose nature is to be sought amongst the last ten nights of Ramadan, Lailatul Jaiza is established and definite; it takes place in the night between 29/30 period of Ramadan and Eid day, depending on moon sighting. It is that last spiritual door just before Ramadan closes, and Eid day opens.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“On the night of Eid, the heavens are opened, and Allah calls out: ‘Is there anyone who seeks, that I may give? Is there anyone seeking forgiveness that I may forgive?”
(Bayhaqi)
The Significance of Lailatul Jaiza
Lailatul Jaiza (ليلة الجائزة) means “The Night of Prize” and it is indeed. This evening is like a divine graduation ceremony for the faithful who worked this month to fulfill those commandments through fasting, prayer and charity.
Tonight is not a test, like other nights; tonight is a gift. This is the night when Allah gives rewards to His servants who sacrificed everything for him in Ramadan.
The scholars compare it to being a laborer who has worked a full month and now approaches the King to be paid his dues. This is the night when the spiritually dedicated receive their unseen income, forgiveness, compassion, high status, and accepted supplications.
How to Spend the Night of Lailatul Jaiza?
Although this night is not a religious obligation, the pious ones have always held it in great respect and importance. Here’s how to get the most out of it:
1. Perform Qiyam al-Layl (Voluntary Night Prayers)
After Isha, I offer Nafl (optional) prayers to end the month with humility and devotion. If you miss your regular Tahajjud during Ramadan, this is your chance.
2. Make Sincere Du’a
Ask Allah to accept your fast, your Qur’an reading, your charity, and your praying late at night. Pour your heart out. Thank Him for having given you Ramadan, and ask Him to allow you to reach the next one.
3. Seek Forgiveness and Mercy
Seek forgiveness for sins, past and present. Pray for a clean heart, a purified soul, and strength for the coming year.
4. Reflect on your Ramadan Journey
Use this night to reflect. What changed in your heart? What habits did you leave? What habits did you build? Have your intentions set for life post-Ramadan.
5. Give Charity One Last Time
This last night before Eid Salah is your final opportunity for giving Zakat al-Fitr if you have not yet done so. Better yet if you pray and give a final Sadaqah of gratitude, thanking Allah for granting you a month full of mercy.
A Night of Joyful Obedience
Whereas the atmosphere in homes may be heavy with cooking, cleaning, and preparation for Eid, Lailatul Jaiza invites the believer to take a moment, to reflect, to be grateful,l and to submit one last time before Ramadan departs.
This night is not hidden like Laylat al-Qadr. It is guaranteed. And it is a last chance to end your Ramadan with sincerity.
Conclusion: Celebrate With a Clean Heart
Lailatul Jaiza is not a night of celebration outwardly, it is a night of celebration inwardly. To empty your heart so that it is ready for Eid, to say dua and have hope as you close the book of deeds for Ramadan, to meet the day of festivity with humility and joy.
As the month fades and Eid arrives, may this night serve as a bridge between your Ramadan resolve and your everyday life. And may Allah accept from all of us. Ameen.
