Ramadan is the month of devotion, self-reflection, and fasting. Though the focus of Ramadan is fasting, it is also about strengthening one’s relationship with Allah (SWT) through worship. The month is a prominent time in Islam, particularly the evening of Laylat-al-Qadr.
Laylatul Qadr is an Arabic term meaning ‘the Night of Power’. This night is of great value as it is when the holy book of the Quran was revealed to the world. It was on this night Angel Jibreel came down from heaven to Prophet Mohammad and revealed the holy Quran. Laylatul Qadr is also referred to as the ‘Night of Measures’, or the ‘Night of Value’.
The exact day and date of Laylatul Qadr is not known, but it is considered to be an 0dd-numbered night of the last ten days of the holy month of Ramadan. There is also a difference of belief between the two Muslim communities. According to one sect, the last five odd nights of Ramadan are the most important. Especially the night before the 27th is considered to be very powerful. However, for the other sect, the 23rd of the Ramadan month is the most sacred. However, it remains an important time for both. It is observed with great fervor and devotion by all Muslims. This year, Laylatul Qadr 2022 will be observed on the 27th night, which begins after sunset on Thursday, 28 April 2022.
Laylatul Qadr Dua
It is also stated in the Quran that devoting this night to praying results in multiple rewards. In order to gain Allah’s favour and get the wish fulfilled one must spend the whole night praying and reciting the Dua.
Dua: “Allaahumma innaka ‘afuwwun, tuhibb al-‘afwa, fa’fu ‘anni”
Meaning :O Allah, You are the Most forgiving, and You love to forgive, so forgive me.
Things to do on Laylatul Qadr
Some of the things that Muslims should do on Laylatul Qadr to earn multiple rewards and blessings are:
Perform Itikaf or Seclusion
During the last 10 days of Ramadan, a devotee should detach from the outside world and spend time praying, reciting the Quran, and focusing on good deeds. It gives an opportunity to connect with God and review his or her actions. If isolation in Masjid is not possible, isolation can be done at home.
Making supplications or Duas
On the Night of Power, Allah is believed to be most forgiving thus it is also suggested to make sincere supplications for mercy and for the wellbeing of the world. As stated in the Hadith on Laylatul Qadr, Prophet Mohammad told his wife Aisha to recite the dua for Laylatul Qadr wholeheartedly.
Read the holy Quran
Reciting the verses of the Quran brings peace, calm, and clarity. The verses of the Quran are the words of God to humanity so reciting them enlightens one’s soul.
Do Charity or Sadaqah
Performing any good act is believed to bring rewards equivalent to the devotion of 1000 months. To receive Allah’s attention and seek forgiveness for past sins it is essential to do good deeds and perform Sadaqah.
Unite with family
The holy days of Ramadan provide an opportunity to spend quality time with family. One should aim at spending as much time as possible with the family praying, visiting the mosque, and having suhoor and iftar with them.
Prayer by standing
As narrated by An-Nasa’i, whoever stands and spends the night of Laylatul-Qadr in prayer with the faith and the hope of being rewarded, his previous sins will be forgiven.
Not only the significance of Laylatul Qadr lies as the night of revelation of the Holy book of the Quran. But also, that the angel descends to earth from heaven with innumerable assignments. Hence, Muslims spend this night in devotion by offering duas, reciting verses of the Quran or by performing I’tikaf.
