Laylat ul-Qadr. The Night of Power and its meaning in Islam

 

Laylat ul Qadr is often referred to as the Night of Power or Night of Decree, it holds great significance in Islam and it is believed to be the night when the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through the Angel Jibril (Gabriel) and the night is also mentioned in the Quran in Surah Al-Qadr (Chapter 97) which emphasizes its importance.

 

Key Points about Laylat ul Qadr

It is the night of revelation and the night when the Qur'an began its revelation, this makes it one of the most sacred nights for Muslims as it marks the commencement of the divine guidance sent to humanity. It is considered to appear during the last ten days of Ramadan and is normally on the 27th night, though its precise date is not ultimatley known and it is also a night of special blessings and immense spiritual significance, where the blessings of Allah are plentiful. The Qur'an describes it as a "night better than a thousand months" (Qur'an 97:3) meaning the worship and good deeds performed on this night are more rewarding than those of 83 years.

 

The Date

The exact date of Laylat ul-Qadr is not known but it is generally believed to fall on one of the odd-numbered nights in the last ten days of Ramadan, most commonly on the 27th night. However some traditions suggest it could be on the 21st, 23rd, or 29th night as well and because the exact date is not known, Muslims increase their worship and supplication during the last ten nights of Ramadan in hope of encountering this blessed night.

 

The Importance of Worship

Muslims believe that on this night, the mercy of Allah (God) is abundant, and prayers made during this night are especially powerful and it is a time for increased worship, prayer, reflection, and seeking forgiveness. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is reported to have encouraged his followers to seek Laylat ul-Qadr by engaging in extra acts of worship during the last ten nights of Ramadan.

A Night Better Than a Thousand Months

The Qur'an describes Laylat ul-Qadr as being "better than a thousand months" (Surah Al-Qadr, 97:3), this signifies that the rewards for good deeds and acts of worship on this night are multiplied immensely, making it an incredibly special time for Muslims, meaning the worship and good deeds performed on this night are more rewarding than those of 83 years. The night is filled with serenity and tranquility, and it is said that no evil is allowed to prevail on this blessed night.  The Night of Revelation and the night’s impact is not only significant in terms of worship but also because it marks the commencement of the Qur'an’s guidance for humanity, for Muslims, the Qur'an is the final revelation and contains wisdom for life, guiding them in their worship, ethics, and understanding of the world.

Angel's Descend

The Angelic Presence on this night is marked by the descent of angels, including Jibril, and peace is said to prevail until the break of dawn. Muslims believe that on this night, Allah's mercy and forgiveness are abundant.

Seeking Forgiveness

Muslims believe that Laylat ul-Qadr is a night when Allah grants forgiveness and mercy to those who sincerely repent and seek His pardon and it is an opportunity for Muslims to renew their faith, ask for Allah's mercy, and strive to become better individuals. It is a time for forgiveness and supplication, Muslims believe that Laylat ul-Qadr is an opportunity for their prayers to be answered and they seek Allah’s forgiveness, mercy, and blessings. It is an especially good time for personal reflection, repentance, and making supplications (dua).

 

How Muslims Observe Laylat al-Qadr

 

Increased Worship

Muslims engage in additional prayers (such as Taraweeh and Qiyam-ul-Lail), supplication, and the recitation of the Qur'an and many Muslims spend the night in prayer, reciting the Qur'an, seeking forgiveness, and offering acts of devotion. This is done in the hope of gaining the rewards of Laylat ul-Qadr and the closeness to Allah.

Dua (Supplication)

Many recite special prayers and ask for forgiveness, blessings, and mercy from Allah. One of the recommended supplications for Laylat al-Qadr is:

• "Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibbul ‘afwa fa’fu ‘annee." (O Allah, You are the Most Pardoning, and You love to pardon, so pardon me.)

 

Charity and Good Deeds

Many Muslims also multiply acts of charity, helpfulness and other good deeds to gain more rewards, especially in the last ten days of Ramadan and if it happens to fall on the night of laylat ul-qadr it is believed this will be accounted for in the Akirah (Afterlife). To conclude Laylat ul-Qadr is a night of great religious meaning offering Muslims a chance to pursue Allah's grace, forgiveness, blessings and it is also a time for deep reflection, prayer and determination to be close to Allah SWT.