A Night Greater Than a Thousand Months
In the last ten nights of Ramadan comes one of the most sacred opportunities a believer can have, Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Power. It is the night the Qur’an was initially revealed, a moment of divine mercy and light that changed the trajectory of human history.
Allah tells us in the Qur’an:
“Indeed, We sent the Qur’an down during the Night of Decree. And what can make you know what the Night of Decree is? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.”
(Surah Al-Qadr 97:1–3)
One night’s worship in it is better than 83 years of worship. It is a moment where the angels descend, the heavens open, and destinies are inscribed for the year to come. During this night, the fasting believer hopes to be forgiven, elevated, and transformed.
The Night the Qur’an Was Revealed
So, Laylat al-Qadr is more than just a reward incentive. It is the night the Qur’an was sent from the Preserved Tablet to the lowest heaven before being revealed gradually upon the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. The beginning of divine guidance.
Allah also says:
“Indeed, We sent it [the Qur’an] down during a blessed night. Indeed, we were to warn [mankind]. On that night is made distinct every precise matter.”
(Surah Ad-Dukhan 44:3–4)
This holy month is the light of revelation piercing the darkness, guiding humanity toward mercy and righteousness.
The Angels Descend with Peace
Angels are said to descend on Laylat al-Qadr, increasing its spiritual merit. As described in the Qur’an:
“The angels and the Spirit [Jibreel] descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter. Peace it is until the emergence of dawn.”
(Surah Al-Qadr 97:4–5)
It is a night in which the sky is filled with tranquillity, the earth is overwhelmed with peace, and the du’as of believers are raised. A night in which hearts are softened and sins washed away for those who seek Allah in sincerity.
The Hidden Date: A Test of Sincerity
The exact date of Laylat al-Qadr is not known, but it is widely believed to be in the last ten nights of Ramadan, especially the odd nights, 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“Seek Laylat al-Qadr in the last ten nights of Ramadan, in the odd-numbered nights.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)
Its hidden date contains the wisdom of consistency called for in worship. It also gives leeway for believers to work hard for all ten nights to add more worship, like prayer, Qur’an recitation, du’a, and reflection.
The Most Powerful Du’a to Make
Aishah (RA) once asked the Prophet ﷺ, “If I find Laylat al-Qadr, what should I say in it?”
He ﷺ replied:
“Say: O Allah, You are Forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah 3850)
(اللهم إنك عفو تحب العفو فاعف عني)
This short supplication is a powerful plea for mercy. It exemplifies the humility of a believer and the hope that on this special night, Allah will wipe clean our sins and give us another chance.
How to Prepare for and Embrace Laylat al-Qadr?
Thus, if one wishes to attain the full benefit of Laylat al-Qadr, they must engage in it spiritually and with sincere intention.
- Night Prayer – Pray and do voluntary prayers (Qiyam and Tahajjud) and reflect.
- Read The Qur’an – This is the night of revelation and it’s therefore appropriate to want to connect deeply with the words of Allah.
- Donate Money – There is no donation on this night that will not pass through the doors of multiplication to an indescribable extent.
- Be Sincere In Du’a – Ask for forgiveness, guidance, and well being of the Ummah
- Cut Out Distractions – Retreat from the world and lose yourself in spiritual solitude.
Conclusion: A Doorway to Mercy and Destiny
Laylat al-Qadr is not an ordinary night, it is an opportunity to change your fate in the most significant way. And it is Allah inviting us closer and seeking His forgiveness, and gaining His reward for eternity. In its observance, those who spend the time in prayer, patience, and hope, this one night can be more than a lifetime of worship.
Let us not lose this opportunity from the divine. May Allah make us among those who will witness it with our hearts, and write us amongst those who will be forgiven and elevated through it.
“O Allah, let us reach Laylat al-Qadr, forgive our sins, and free us from the Fire.” Ameen.
