Tell me about Laylat ul-Qadr
The Mercy of the Most Merciful
لَيۡلَةُ ٱلۡقَدۡرِ خَيۡرٞ مِّنۡ أَلۡفِ شَهۡرٖ
The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months (Surah Qadr: 3)
The sweet essence of Ramaḍān encompasses the ummah, reviving and strengthening the hearts of the believers. It is filled with opportunities to gain bountiful rewards. One of its virtues is the night of power: Laylat ul-Qadr. Laylatul Qadr is a night that is highly anticipated by everyone during Ramaḍān. From the beginning to the end, we hear discussions about the night that is better than one thousand months. Sometimes it is very difficult to tell truth from speculation.
So, here is everything you need to know about it:
What is Laylat ul-Qadr?
As a Muslim, you may have heard of preordainment and how Allah decrees everything beforehand. In Arabic, we use the word qadr. Destiny, power, and fate are among the English translations of the meaning of this word. On Laylat ul-Qadr, the destiny of all creatures for the coming year is decreed by Allah. It is written who will live, who will die, and everything else that Allah wills in that year.
In Surah Dukhān: 4, Allah says, فِيهَا يُفۡرَقُ كُلُّ أَمۡرٍ حَكِيمٍ, “On that night every precise matter is made distinct.” The blessed Quran itself was also sent down on this night.
What are the virtues of Laylat ul-Qadr?
For eleven months in the year, we are challenged, fighting our nafs and the wasāwis, the whispers of the shayāṭīn, yet Allah’s mercy is so vast that he grants the blessing of Ramaḍān to us. Even more so, the night of power where we have a jackpot opportunity for forgiveness. Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) said that the Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever spends the night of Laylat ul-Qadr in prayer out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.” Our Lord is so merciful to us that it doesn’t just stop at forgiveness, Allah has honoured this night and made it better than a thousand months (83 years and 4 months). He has filled it with rewards for those who work hard; striving in worship. Wouldn’t you like to be one receiving the reward?
How to identify Laylat ul-Qadr?
I’m sure by now you are preparing to max out the opportunity to gain these rewards and are eager to know when this powerful night is. On the advice of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, search for the Night of Qadr in the last ten nights of the last ten days of Ramaḍān. If you haven’t looked at your calendar yet, grab it now! Mark off and highlight the odd nights specifically of Ramaḍān. Especially search for Laylat ul-Qadr in these five nights; the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, and 29th nights in extra worship to gain its rewards.
But how do you know you’ve caught it? There is no sure way of knowing, but the very famous ayah in Surah Qadr tells us: “It is peaceful until the emergence of dawn.” Other signs mentioned in ḥadīth are that the sun rises on the following morning with no visible rays, and there is the possibility of rain.
What are some actions you can do on Laylat ul-Qadr?
Usually, many people are tired and burnt out at the ending of this busy month. Additionally, this year, the masājid have been locked down due to the spread of the coronavirus, COVID-19, again. However, instead of feeling sad that we can’t pray Tarawēh, let’s look at this as Allah calling us individually. It’s now up to us to ensure we finish this month on a high note, hoping for the rewards of the Most Merciful. Don’t focus on the negative noise around you, think about how long you can spend in sujūd asking Ar-Razzāq (the provider) for your heart’s desire. Here’s a list of what you can do at home:
Pray
Worried about falling asleep and missing out on spending the night in worship? Don’t worry! Head on over to the clock app on your phone or electronic device and set an alarm. You can set the time around 2:00 am, for tahajjud, in the last third of the night. Even if you can only recite 10 ayat or you’re a new Muslim who only knows Surah Fatiḥah and Surah Ikhlās, remember, the Prophet ﷺ said, “Whoever stands (in prayer) in Laylat ul-Qadr while nourishing his faith with self-evaluation, expecting reward from Allah, will have all of his previous sins forgiven.” Don’t think twice about it. Set your alarm and Bismillah, let’s go!
Tarawēh
Have you missed Tarawēh because you were busy for most of Ramaḍān? Was the Masjid too far to be able to get there on time? Did you have a hectic work schedule? Look at this as an opportunity that Allah has allowed you to pray Tarawēh in your home. What if you only know a few surahs? That’s okay, recite them over and over. These are the last 10 days of this bountiful month. Who knows if you will live to see the next Ramaḍān.
Make Dua
There is a special dua that the Prophet ﷺ recommended that should be said in abundance on these nights:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي
(“Allahumma innaka `afuwwun tuhibbul `afwa fa`fu `annee”) – O Allah, You are pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon me.’
Dua is limitless. Make a list of everything, no matter how small or how big it is. Ask yourself what you want from Allah. Ask Him for everything and beyond, with firm faith that He will answer.
P.S. Don’t forget to include your family, friends, and the ummah in your dua list!
Recite Qurān
The Qurān was revealed in this blessed month! Read as much as you can and reflect on its meanings. Even if you struggle to read, don’t be intimidated. Never forget that Allah is the Most Merciful. The Prophet ﷺ said the one who recites the Qurān beautifully, smoothly, and precisely, he will be in the company of the noble and obedient angels. And as for the one who recites with difficulty, stammering or stumbling through its verses, then he will have twice that reward.” You can even memorise another surah to add the list of ones you know. Now you have more to choose from when praying Tarawēh or your daily salah.
Plan your nights!
Try doing these extra acts of worship to help maximise the hours. The night may even pass in the blink of an eye so be prepared. During the downtime, listen to a lecture, read Islamic material, learn a ḥadīth, memorise a surah or a dua. Don’t waste a minute! Be prepared, if it’s your first time, waking through the odd nights of the last week of Ramaḍān can be super tiring. However, the reward of that sacrifice is more than worth it.
It’s also important to remember that our bodies have rights over us. Fasting during the day as well as staying awake for the entire night can easily drain you. My advice? Stay hydrated, drink lots of water, tea, or coffee, munch on healthy snacks and conserve energy by taking small naps if you need. But don’t forget to set an alarm to wake you up again!
Don’t commit any sins!
The night is of great merit, therefore praying and doing any ibadah will mean that you have gained the reward of the night in sha Allah, but the one thing that can spoil this is the committing of sins, it can ruin all that you can gain. As a POWER TIP, remember that you need to be super careful and stay away from all things that might be remotely sinful!
Give Charity!
Lastly, did you know that the act of charity for all good causes is an act of worship! It’s bonus rewards with little effort and the night in which you spend, that coincides with Laylat ul-Qadr would mean you get the reward of spending for 83 years and 4 months! So have a manageable budget and spend in these last nights.
Now that you have all the information, I hope you feel better prepared! I ask Allah to make it easy for us to maximise our efforts so that we may gain the rewards of Laylat ul-Qadr.
Sister Khadijah Khan
