Laylat al-Qadr

What is Laylat al-Qadr?

The holy month of Ramadan is known for the vital act of worship that takes place within it. Muslims all over the world dedicate themselves to Allah (SWT) through fasting and focusing on other acts of worship to connect closer to Him and become spiritually renewed. But there is so much more to the holy month than this. There is also another event within the month that holds even greater significance than the month itself. This is known as Laylat al-Qadr, or the Night of Power. It is a time of the month that every Muslim seeks because it can provide them with immense rewards, that are equivalent to more than a thousand months! Due to this, the Night of Power in Islam is a time for increased worship and good deeds to gain these rewards.

Laylat al-Qadr, Night of Power, represents very important Islamic history, which is why it is so esteemed by Muslims worldwide, and why it stands out even within Ramadan, itself a holy month. It is when Islam began, but the exact date is unknown. All we know is that the Night of Power occurred in the last ten days of Ramadan and is believed to fall on one of the odd-numbered nights. So, the final ten days of the holy month are when every believer will devote even more of their time to their faith, increasing their acts of worship like prayer and charity to seek the blessed night and gain added, extremely powerful rewards from Allah (SWT). This night was made by Allah (SWT) to overflow with His mercy and blessings until Fajr time the following morning.

Discover more about the Night of Power in Islam and see just why this time of the holy month is so essential. With this understanding, you can ensure that you observe this very holy time and do everything needed to gain unparalleled rewards that no other time in the Islamic year provides.

What the Quran Says About Laylat al-Qadr

In Surah Ad-Dukhan (Chapter 44, Verse 3), Allah SWT says:

إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَاهُ فِي لَيْلَةٍ مُّبَارَكَةٍ إِنَّا كُنَّا مُنذِرِينَ 
Indeed, We sent it [the Qur'an] down during a blessed night. Indeed, We were to warn [mankind]. (44:3)

And in Surah Al-Qadr (Chapter 97, Verses 1-5), Allah SWT also states:

إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَاهُ فِي لَيْلَةِ الْقَدْرِ 
Indeed, We sent the Qur’an down during the Night of Decree. (97:1)

وَمَا أَدْرَاكَ مَا لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ 
And what can make you know what is the Night of Decree? (97:2)

لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ خَيْرٌ مِّنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍ 
The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. (97:3)

تَنَزَّلُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ وَالرُّوحُ فِيهَا بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهِم مِّن كُلِّ أَمْرٍ 
The angels and the Spirit [Jibreel] descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter. (97:4)

سَلَامٌ هِيَ حَتَّىٰ مَطْلَعِ الْفَجْرِ 
Peace it is until the emergence of dawn. (97:5)

These verses confirm the importance of Laylat al-Qadr, the level of rewards it brings and its timing.

Why is Laylat al-Qadr Important?

Laylat al-Qadr is important for numerous reasons. The term itself holds deep meanings as it translates to honour and decree. It is the Night of Honour because it is a time for utter devotion to Islam and also is a time when divine decrees for the upcoming year are made.

It is also called the Night of Decree, as highlighted in the Quran: “Therein (that night) is decreed every matter of ordainments.” [Surah Al-Dukhan 44:4]

It is also important because of the immense rewards Muslims can gain from Allah (SWT) that are equate to more than a thousand months. This is the only time in the Islamic calendar where believers can gain these multiplied blessings, so is important for them to seek the Night of Power. The last ten day of Ramadan are therefore spent in increased acts of worship and carrying out as many good deeds as possible, such as giving charity whether that be Zakat or Sadaqah. It is also essential because of the history attached to this time of Ramadan.

When Does Laylat al-Qadr Start?

The exact date of Laylat al-Qadr is unknown. It is only known that the night of power happened during the last 10 days of Ramadan and is believed to have occurred on the odd-numbered nights. Due to this, Muslims all over the world seek the night in the last 10 days to gain immense rewards. So, Laylat al-Qadr starts on the first day of the last ten days of the holy month.

The night of power 2026, is expected to begin on the 21st night of the holy month and will continue all the way to the night of the 30th day, when Ramadan comes to a close. Laylat al-Qadr is believed to fall on the odd-numbered nights, so this means it can be the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th and 29th night of the holy month of Ramadan. So, you should seek the night of power 2026 on these nights to earn blessings. The 21st night will be around the 10th of March and will continue until around the 18th of March, depending on the sighting of the moon to start the holy month.

The Prophet (SAW) advised: “Seek Laylat al-Qadr in the odd-numbered nights of the last ten nights of Ramadan.” [Bukhari, 4/259]

The best way to catch Laylat al-Qadr is to try your best throughout the last 10 nights of Ramadan. Go in extra hard with your efforts to guarantee success. For instance, as we are aware, charity is multiplied. This means you can set up a standing order with a charity of your choice and donate to them for 10 consecutive days ensuring no room for error.

What Happened on the Night of Power?

So, what happened on the night of power? It is a significant night because it is when the Angel Jibril came down to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to reveal the first verses of the Quran. This is the foundation of Islam and is the way of life for Muslims all over the world. The night started the Islamic guidance for humanity to follow. It is a night when angels descend, and peace prevails until dawn. The rewards for worship on this night are multiplied beyond imagination, so be sure to follow our guidance below to secure your good deeds.

How is Laylat al-Qadr Celebrated?

Many wonder how is Laylat al-Qadr celebrated? It is a time for Muslims to focus even more on acts of worship to gain immense rewards. This means believers worldwide increase their worship and devotion to Allah (SWT) and the last ten days of Ramadan are seen as the final sprint before the holy month is over. Many Muslims perform extra prayers, recite the Quran, seek forgiveness, make dua, give charity, help others and perform good deeds to gain blessings that are equivalent to more than a thousand months.

One of the most important supplications Muslims make during this time is: “Allahumma innaka afuwwun tuhibb al-afwa fa’fu anni”, which translates to: O Allah, You are forgiving and You love forgiveness, so forgive me [Al-Tirmidhi].

How to Pray Laylat al-Qadr

1. Increase in worship by performing extra prayers such as Tahajjud and reciting the Quran, a believer can most definitely multiply their rewards. Remember to also stand in prayer with sincerity and devotion, which can also bring immense rewards.
2. Seek forgiveness and make dua, remember “Astaghfirullah” is your best friend. Laylat al-Qadr is an opportunity to ask for Allah's (SWT) mercy and forgiveness. Engaging in heartfelt supplication and seeking repentance can wipe away past sins. The beauty of Islam is that even for a menstruating woman, she is able to seek forgiveness from Allah SWT and repent, given the opportunity for her sins to be erased too.
3. Give your charity generously by giving Sadaqah on Laylat al-Qadr. You can multiply the rewards manyfold. Supporting those in need through donations to food parcels, orphans, and emergency aid is a highly rewarding act.
4. Help others and perform good deeds. Acts of kindness such as helping the less fortunate, feeding the hungry, and offering assistance to those in need can earn immense rewards. Small deeds, like making a sincere dua for someone else, can also have a lasting impact.

Signs of Laylat al-Qadr

Laylat al-Qadr is described as a night of peace and tranquillity. One interesting fact is that there are evident signs, such as the sun rising the next morning without visible rays, symbolising the peacefulness of the night.

Laylat al-Qadr Charity

The rewards for charity on this night are immense, as highlighted in the Quran: “The Night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is better than a thousand months.” [Surah Al-Qadr 97:3] The Prophet (SAW) was exceptionally generous during Ramadan, and believers are encouraged to follow his example by giving Sadaqah, particularly on the nights of Laylat al-Qadr.

Support Charity Meals on the Night of Power This Ramadan. Your donations will help provide hot meals, food parcels, and clean water to those in need, including orphans, widows, and vulnerable communities affected by war and disaster. Give generously on the Night of Power 2026 and make a lasting impact.