“Indeed, we sent it (this Quran) down during a blessed night..”
[Al-Quran 44-3]
Laylatul Qadr
Laylatul Qadr is the most blessed night of Ramadan. While the whole month is full of blessings, Laylatul Qadr is especially characterised by mercy and peace until the break of dawn. There is a specific chapter in the Quran dedicated to this glorious night.
“We have sent it (this Quran) down in the Night of Qadr.
And what may let you know what the Night of Qadr is.
The Night of Qadr is much better than one thousand months.
The angels and the Spirit (Jibril) descend in it, with the leave of your Lord, along with every
command. Peace it is till the debut of dawn.” [Al-Qadr 1-5]
The revelation of the Quran began on Laylatul Qadr. The Angel Jibril brought the first verses to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) on this night, which is one of the last 10 odd nights of Ramadan. According to Ibne Abbas, a distinguished companion of the Prophet (SAW), the Quran was sent down all at once on Laylat al-Qadr, then Allah (SWT) sent it down to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) bit by bit. (Tafsir at-Tabari 20/129)
Signs of Laylatul Qadr
The companions used to recognise Laylatul Qadr by some signs. However, the Prophet (SAW) encouraged believers to seek this night among the last 10 odd nights of Ramadan, and whoever does so with sincerity is promised a great reward. In a well-known hadith, the Prophet (SAW) is reported to have said:
“Whoever spends the night of Laylat al-Qadr in prayer out of faith and seeking reward, all his previous sins will be forgiven.”
In another hadith, he said: “Whoever spends that night in prayer, seeking Laylat al-Qadr, then he catches it, his previous and future sins will be forgiven.”
Though spotting Laylatul Qadr signs is not necessary for the acceptance of worship, it is worthwhile to learn about these. In the light of authentic reports from the Prophet (SAW), a sign of Laylatul Qadr is that the sun rises without visible rays the following morning. Apart from that, this night has been described in the Quran as a peaceful night.
What to Do on Laylatul Qadr
Due to the immense virtue of Laylatul Qadr, believers are strongly encouraged to engage in recommended acts of worship. Some of the righteous deeds taken from the Sunnah of the Prophet (SAW) and the distinguished companions are discussed below.
Stay Away from Sins from Maghrib Until Dawn
It is important to stay away from evil deeds from Maghrib, like backbiting, slander, or foul language, until dawn. The believers are advised to remember that the night in Islam starts at sunset, which is the time of breaking fast and praying Maghrib. Making sincere supplications and performing the Salah of Maghrib on time is the right way to start the night of Laylatul Qadr.
Pray Isha and Fajr in Congregation
Praying Isha and Fajr in the congregation will make you deserve the reward of worshipping Allah (SWT) the whole night. According to hadith, the Prophet (SAW) said that whoever prays Isha in congregation, Allah (SWT) will write down for them the first half of the night in prayer; and whoever prays Fajr prayer in congregation, Allah (SWT) will write down for them the second half of the night in prayer.
Observe Tarawih with the Imam
Praying Tarawih at the mosque is another noble deed to be performed on all 10 nights of Ramadan. In a hadith, the Prophet (SAW) said,
“Whoever prays qiyam with the imam until he finishes, Allah will write down for him the entire night in prayer.”
Engage in Dua – Supplication
The most important dua is the one narrated from Aishah (R.A.):
(Oh Allah, you are the pardoner, you love to pardon, so pardon me)
The believers can also supplicate to Allah (SWT), in other words. You can make any good dua, keeping in mind the manners and sincerity of intention, as the dua made on this night has the highest chance of being answered.
Increase Your Generosity
Charity is a virtuous deed that should be performed on all of the last 10 nights. Laylatul Qadr charity brings multiplied rewards as charitable deeds performed on this night are better than those performed in a thousand months.
The Benefits of Laylatul Qadr
Laylatul Qadr provides a great opportunity for earning the pleasure and forgiveness of Allah (SWT). It is a chance to accumulate precious deeds that significantly raise the status of a believer, as Laylatul Qadr carries a greater reward than a thousand months.
Sadaqah and dua have a direct link to this sacred night. The Prophet (SAW) mentioned dua (supplication) and Sadaqah (charity) as the two things that carry the power to change divine decree and extend the lifetime of a believer.
“Nothing can change the Divine decree except dua.” [Ahmad 5/277]
According to another hadith, nothing extends the life of a person except for Sadaqah. In the light of these narrations, virtuous acts like prayers, dua and spending in the path of Allah (SWT) on this night bring numerous benefits to an individual’s life. Prayers are the source of achieving forgiveness of sins. Every small act of goodness performed on this night is increased multiple times in virtue.
Make Your Laylatul Qadr Donation
Donate to Charity Meals on the last 10 nights and secure the blessings of Laylatul Qadr. Support our campaigns to help those suffering from food and water shortages in areas struck by war, conflict and disaster. Your donation on this night will weigh heavily on the scales, ensuring reward beyond measure. Embrace the spirit of Laylatul Qadr and donate generously to help those in need around the world.
