Laylat-ul-Qadr
laylat-ul-qadr
the night of power
Laylat-ul-Qadr, often called the Night of Power or the Night of Decree, stands as one of the most sacred occasions in Islam. It falls within the last ten nights of Ramadan, marking a period rich with opportunity for believers to gain immense rewards for their acts of faith. Among these nights, Laylat-ul-Qadr shines the brightest, holding unparalleled significance. This night is so esteemed that an entire chapter in the Qur'an, the 97th, is devoted to it, underscoring its profound importance in the Islamic tradition.
Learn more below!
Introduction
In Islam, certain times and places are especially sacred, offering unique chances for believers to get closer to Allah (SWT). Although one can pray and remember Allah anytime and anywhere, Islam highlights specific times and places for their special spiritual rewards. This idea also includes sacred places that are particularly blessed. This concept creates a strong desire among the faithful to seek out these special times and places, leading to feelings of awe, respect, anticipation, and longing, all part of what's called shawq.
In our modern world, filled with distractions, it's easy for our worship to become brief and shallow, missing out on deeper spiritual experiences. Islam counters this by encouraging intensive worship, especially during the holy nights of Ramadan. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) taught us the value of dedicating ourselves to prayer during Ramadan, assuring us that those who do so with faith and hope will be forgiven for their past mistakes.
Dr. Omar Suleiman describes how sins can lead you to possibly miss the rewards of Laylat-ul-Qadr. With the last 10 nights of Ramadan nearly upon us, we must be vigilant in avoiding them to make the most of this sacred time
Laylat-ul-Qadr
Among these nights, Laylat-ul-Qadr, or the Night of Decree, stands unparalleled. The Quran dedicates an entire chapter to this night, revealing its significance:
"Indeed, We revealed [the Qur'an] during the Night of Decree. And what can make you know what is the Night of Decree? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter. Peace it is until the emergence of dawn." (Quran, 97:1-5)
The Prophet (ﷺ) urged the ummah to seek Laylat-ul-Qadr during Ramadan's last ten nights, particularly the odd ones. Its exact date remains undisclosed, a divine wisdom that encourages believers to immerse themselves in worship throughout Ramadan, reflecting a broader Islamic ethos of seeking and striving.
Scholars interpret the term Qadr diversely, associating it with destiny, power, and the profound impact of worship during this night. This ambiguity enriches the night's spiritual significance, underscoring its role in determining destinies, amplifying the value of good deeds, and representing a confluence of divine mercy and forgiveness.
Laylat-ul-Qadr is not just a night of decree but also of profound forgiveness. The Prophet (ﷺ) provided a special supplication for this night, emphasizing seeking Allah's forgiveness. This act of supplication holds the promise of altering one's fate, highlighting the night's significance as a moment of divine intervention and mercy.
To honor Laylat-ul-Qadr, believers are encouraged to immerse themselves in worship, seeking to maximize the night's boundless rewards. The practices range from performing Isha and Fajr in congregation to engaging in additional prayers and supplications. This dedication reflects the night's capacity to forgive sins and transform fates, offering a unique opportunity for spiritual renewal and divine closeness.
Laylat-ul-Qadr, the Night of Power, embodies the essence of Ramadan and the spiritual journey of a believer. It is a night that stands as a beacon of hope, mercy, and divine benevolence, offering unparalleled opportunities for forgiveness and spiritual elevation. In embracing this night with sincerity and devotion, we connect deeply with our faith's core, aspiring to the lofty ideals of patience, perseverance, and unwavering faith in Allah's mercy and wisdom.
In this video, Ustadh Nouman teaches us the nuances of the phrase “laylat-ul-qadr” in Arabic, which combines the meanings of night of “decree”, “honor” and “power”.
Free PDF of Practices for Laylat-ul-Qadr from the Hadith. Download this resource for free and prepare for Laylat-ul-Qadr. It is filled with the best deeds to do this night to maximize your good deeds and rewards.
