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Night of Power
Night of Power
Night of Power
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Night of Power
(Laylat al-Qadr in Arabic: ليلة القدر)
Qadr night in Jamkara
Reading the Quran is a key observance of Laylat al-Qadr
Official nameArabic: ليلة القدر
Also calledNight of the unprecedented, Precious Night, Night Of Decree or Night of Determination[1]
Observed byMuslims
TypeAngels descend to the earth and the annual decree is revealed to them
ObservancesTahajjud night prayers, reading the Quran, making dua, doing dhikr, observing iʿtikāf, giving sadaqah, seeking forgiveness
DateLast 10 days of Ramadan, especially the odd nights (some add the 19th)
FrequencyAnnual
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In Islamic belief, Laylat al-Qadr[a] (in Arabic: لیلة القدر) or Night of Power[4] is an Islamic festival[5] in memory of the night when Muslims believe the Quran was first sent down from heaven to the world, the first revelation the Islamic prophet Muhammad received from the angel Gabriel.[6] The Night of Power belongs to one of the five Kandil Nights.

In the Quran, it is said this night is better than 1,000 months (approximately 83.3 years).[7] According to various hadiths, its exact date was uncertain, but was one of the odd-numbered nights of the last ten days of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Since that time, Muslims have regarded the last ten nights of Ramadan as being especially blessed. Muslims believe the Night comes again every year, with blessings and mercy of God in abundance.[8] The surah al-Qadr is named after this Night, and the chapter’s purpose is to describe the greatness of the occasion.[9][10]

Naming

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Qadr (قدر) in Arabic, means the measure and limit or value of something or destiny.[11] Some reasons have been offered for its naming:

  • It is said that it was called “al-Qadr” because the annual destiny of every person is determined by God.[12]
  • Some say if one stays awake on this night in prayer, reading the Quran, or repenting, one will reach a higher state.[13]
  • Some have said that it was called “al-Qadr” because it is a grand and highly valued night.[14]

Other names for this Night include Laylat al-'Azama (Arabic: ليلة العظمة, “Night of the Greatness”) and Laylat ash-Sharaf (Arabic: ليلة الشرف; lit. 'Night of the Honour').[15]

Revelation to Prophet Muhammad

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Some Islamic experts believe that the Quran was revealed to Muhammad twice:

  • The “immediate revelation”, at the Cave of Hira on the first Laylat al-Qadr in 610 CE;
  • The “gradual revelation” of Meccan and Medinan surat over the succeeding 23 years.

The Quran uses the word anzal (انزل) which justifies “immediate revelation”, according to Allamah Tabatabai.[16] Some others believe that the revelation of Quran occurred in two different phases, with the first being its entire revelation on Laylat al-Qadr to the angel Gabriel (Jibril in Arabic) in the lowest heaven, and then the subsequent verse-by-verse revelation to Muhammad from Gabriel.[2] The first surah revealed were the first seven āyat (verses) of Sūrat al-ʿAlaq ( العلق).[17][18]

Muhammad would usually practice spiritual retreat (Iʿtikāf) during the last ten days of Ramadan, awaiting the Night of Power, fasting and praying throughout the night, and abstaining from sexual relations. He urged his followers to do the same as one hadith notes: "Whoever stands [in prayer] during the Night of Power out of belief and seeking reward, his previous sins are forgiven." (Sahih al-Bukhari 1901)[19][8]

Date

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The specific date of Laylat al-Qadr is not mentioned in the Quran.[20][21] Muhammad said God told him the exact date in a dream, but as he went to tell his companions about it, he saw two people fighting and God made him forget the date.[22]

According to the Islamic calendar, an Islamic day begins at Maghrib prayer (sunset). The Night of Power thus spans Maghrib to Fajr prayer the following dawn.[23]

Sunni Islam

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Sunni Muslims believe Laylat al-Qadr is most likely one of the odd-numbered nights among the last ten of Ramadan (i.e., the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th). Some scholars opine the odd-numbered night falling on a Friday is the year’s Laylat al-Qadr.[24][25]

Last five odd nights Gregorian date[26]
1441 15 May 2020, 17 May 2020, 19 May 2020, 21 May 2020 or 23 May 2020
1442 4 May 2021, 6 May 2021, 8 May 2021, 10 May 2021 or 12 May 2021
1443 22 April 2022, 24 April 2022, 26 April 2022, 28 April 2022 or 30 April 2022
1444 11 April 2023, 13 April 2023, 15 April 2023, 17 April 2023 or 19 April 2023
1445 31 March 2024, 2 April 2024, 4 April 2024, 6 April 2024 or 8 April 2024
1446 20 March 2025, 22 March 2025, 24 March 2025, 26 March 2025 or 28 March 2025

Shi’a Islam

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See also: Assassination of Ali
Iranians observing Qadr Night in Imam Reza shrine
Iranians observing Qadr Night in Jamkaran Mosque

Shi’a Muslims similarly believe Laylat al-Qadr to be one of the last ten odd-numbered nights in Ramadan, with the 19th, 21st, and especially the 23rd being most important.[27] The date of 19 Ramadan is the anniversary of Imam ʿAlī’s assassination while praying in the mihrab of the Great Mosque of Kufa, leading to his death on 21 Ramadan.[28]

Shi’a’s say ʿAlī (who is also the fourth Rashidun Caliph to Sunnis) had special insight and intimacy with God on this night. Imam Sadiq is quoted as saying in Tafsir "al-Burhan" (vol. 4, p. 487):

Once Imam Ali was reciting Surat al-Qadr and his sons, Imam Hasan (a) and Imam Husayn (a) were near him. Imam Husayn (a) asked his father: "Father, how come we feel a different sensation when you recite this surah?" Imam Ali(a) replied, "O son of the Prophet and my son! I know things from this chapter that you are not aware of now. When this surah was sent down to the Prophet he asked me to go to him. When I went to him he recited this surah, then he put his hand on my right shoulder and said: O my brother and my successor! O the leader of my nation after me! O tireless fighter with my enemies! This surah is yours after me, and is for your two sons after you. Gabriel who is my brother among the angels informs me of the events of one year of my nation at the night of Qadr. And after me he will give this information to you. This surah will always have a shining light in your heart and in the heart of your successors until the rising of the dawn of the day of reappearance of Qa'im [the one who rises, a title for the Islamic Messiah, Mahdi]."[29]

Ibn Abbas was meanwhile aware of both the date and day of the week.[30][31] Hence, Shi’as have generally concluded it falls on the 23 Ramadan.[2]

According to other hadiths, destinies are written on the night of 19 Ramadan, finalized the night of 21 Ramadan, and ultimately confirmed the night of 23 Ramadan.[32]

Two other possible dates for Laylat-al-Qadr are 27 Ramadan and 15 Sha'ban.[33]

23rd of Ramadan Gregorian date
1440 28 May 2019[34][35]
1441 16 May 2020[36]
1442 5 May 2021[37]
1443 24 April 2022[38]
1444 14 April 2023[39]
1445 3 April 2024[40]
1446 24 March 2025[41]

Religious importance

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The Night of Power is believed by Muslims to be of uncomparable importance.[27] Blessings received through acts of worship and sharity during this night are said to multiply and thus receive special importance. It is stated that the reward of acts of worship done in this one night is more than the reward of a thousand months of worship.[42]

Surah Al-Qadr of the Quran is about Laylat al-Qadr:[2][27]

  1. We have indeed revealed this (Message) in the Night of Decree:
  2. And what will explain to thee what the Night of Decree is?
  3. The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.
  4. Therein come down the angels and the Spirit by Allah's permission, on every errand:
  5. Peace!... This until the rise of dawn!

— Surah Al-Qadr 97:1-5

Devout Muslims practice spiritual retreat (Iʿtikāf) during the last ten days of Ramadan by staying at a mosque throughout the ten days, awaiting the Night of Power, fasting and praying throughout the night, and abstaining from sexual relations.[43]

To celebrate the Night of Power, Muslim societies lit candles in mosques, offer public charity, and celebrate fast-breaking in communities.[44] A special form of practise is that to pray 100 rakats. It is further said that whoever practises the Night of Power consciously, will be granted a wish by God.[45]

Special prayers (Shi'a)

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Shi'as practice the special prayers (Amaal) of the Night of Qadr every year in mosques, tekyehs, shrines of Imams or children of Imams, Husayniyyas or their own houses. They stay vigilant the whole night until dawn and worship God. The most important practices of the Night of Qadr include congregational prayers, recitation of the Iftitah Supplication, Abu Hamza al-Thumali Supplication, and al-Jawshan al-Kabir, and collective supplications while they keep volumes of the Quran on top of their heads. Other rituals of the night include donations of dawn food, payment of their nadhr for the dead, feeding the poor, and emancipation of financial prisoners.

Since the assassination of Ali occurred in the last ten days of the Ramadan month, Shi'as mourn in these nights.[46]

See also

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Notes

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Night of Power

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from Grokipedia
Laylat al-Qadr, known in English as the Night of Power or Night of Decree, is a sacred night in commemorating the initial revelation of the to the Prophet Muhammad by the angel Jibril (Gabriel) in 610 CE while he was meditating in the Cave of Hira near . This event marks the beginning of Muhammad's prophethood and the transmission of divine guidance that forms the foundation of Islamic scripture. The night is described in the Quran's Al-Qadr (Chapter 97), which states that the was sent down on this night and emphasizes its unparalleled spiritual value. Occurring during the last ten nights of Ramadan, Laylat al-Qadr is believed to fall on one of the odd-numbered nights—specifically the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th—though tradition most commonly identifies it with the 27th night of the month. The exact date remains unknown to encourage heightened devotion throughout Ramadan's final days, a practice rooted in prophetic traditions urging believers to seek it diligently. Quranic verses highlight its supremacy, declaring that "the Night of Decree is better than a thousand months," meaning acts of worship performed on this night yield rewards equivalent to those over eighty-three years. Furthermore, it is a night of divine mercy when angels, including the Holy Spirit (Jibril), descend to earth by God's permission, carrying decrees for the coming year and enveloping the world in peace until dawn. Muslims observe Laylat al-Qadr through intensified prayer, recitation of the , supplication (du'a), and charity, often retreating into mosques for i'tikaf () to maximize spiritual benefits. The night's virtues are such that sincere and during it can lead to forgiveness of past sins, underscoring its role as a pivotal opportunity for renewal in the . Signs of its arrival, as described in , include a serene atmosphere, mild weather without extreme cold or heat, and the absence of celestial disturbances like shooting stars.

Terminology and Etymology

Arabic Name and Meaning

The Arabic term for the Night of Power is Laylat al-Qadr (ليلة القدر), where "Laylat" (ليلة) literally denotes "night" in classical Arabic, referring to the period from sunset to dawn. The compound phrase appears directly in the Quran's Surah Al-Qadr (97:1), establishing it as the primary scriptural reference for the concept. The word "al-Qadr" derives from the triliteral root qāf-dāl-rā (ق-د-ر), which encompasses a range of interconnected meanings in classical Arabic lexicography, including power, decree, measurement, and value. In Edward William Lane's Arabic-English Lexicon, the root verb qadara is defined as "to measure, to decree, or to have power over," reflecting its usage in pre-Islamic and early Islamic poetry and prose to signify determination or apportionment. Classical dictionaries like Lisān al-ʿArab by Ibn Manẓūr further elaborate that qadr implies both the act of quantifying or evaluating and the inherent might or grandeur associated with divine authority, linking it to concepts of fate (qaḍāʾ wa qadar) in early Islamic texts. In Islamic theology, "al-Qadr" carries interpretive layers tied to its linguistic roots: as the "night of power," it evokes divine might and the night's elevated status, where righteous acts hold amplified potency; as the "night of decree," it signifies , when annual destinies such as sustenance and lifespan are apportioned by ; and as the "night of measurement," it suggests divine evaluation of human deeds, aligning with the root's connotation of precise appraisal. These understandings are drawn from early tafsīr (Quranic exegeses), such as those by Ibn ʿAbbās and Mujāhid, who emphasize decree in the context of Surah Al-Qadr, while later scholars like Ibn al-ʿUthaymīn highlight power and grandeur to underscore the night's spiritual eminence.

Translations and Alternative Names

The common English translations of Laylat al-Qadr are "Night of Power," "Night of Decree," and "Night of Majesty." The rendering "Night of Power" originated in 19th-century Orientalist scholarship, particularly in Patrick Hughes' A Dictionary of Islam (1885), where it is described as the "Night of Power or Destiny," emphasizing its spiritual grandeur. "Night of Decree" became widespread in 20th-century Quran translations, such as the version (1997), which interprets qadr as or divine measurement in Al-Qadr (97:1). "Night of Majesty" appears in some modern , reflecting interpretations of qadr as honor or esteem. In non-Arabic Muslim communities, the term is often transliterated with local linguistic adaptations. In and Persian-speaking regions, it is commonly called Lailat al-Qadr or Shab-e-Qadr, where shab denotes "night" in , highlighting its observance in South Asian traditions. In Turkish contexts, it is known as Kadir Gecesi, a direct phonetic adaptation emphasizing the night's sanctity during . Indonesian Muslims refer to it as Lailatul Qadar or Malam Lailatul Qadar, integrating local cultural festivities. Historically, early Islamic sources such as collections use the term straightforwardly as Laylat al-Qadr without elaborate synonyms. In non-Arabic speaking areas, regional differences emerged through phonetic transliterations and cultural integrations, such as Shab-e-Qadr in Urdu-influenced , adapting the term to vernacular poetry and devotional practices while preserving its core meaning. These variations reflect the term's etymological around qadr, briefly encompassing power, , or value across traditions.

Quranic Revelation

Surah Al-Qadr Description

Surah Al-Qadr, the 97th chapter of the , is a concise comprising five verses that serve as the foundational scriptural reference for the Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr). Revealed during the early Meccan period, it emphasizes the night's role in the initial descent of the and its unparalleled spiritual value. The surah's Arabic text and a standard English translation () are as follows:
  1. إِنَّا أَنْزَلْنَاهُ فِي لَيْلَةِ الْقَدْرِ
    Indeed, We sent the Qur'an down during the Decree.
  2. وَمَا أَدْرَاكَ مَا لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ
    And what can make you know what is the Decree?
  3. لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ خَيْرٌ مِنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍ
    The Decree is better than a thousand months.
  4. تَنَزَّلُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ وَالرُّوحُ فِيهَا بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهِمْ مِنْ كُلِّ أَمْرٍ
    The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their for every matter.
  5. سَلَامٌ هِيَ حَتَّىٰ مَطْلَعِ الْفَجْرِ
    Peace it is until the emergence of dawn.
Thematically, the surah opens with the revelation of the Quran on the Night of Power, highlighting divine initiation of guidance to humanity (verse 1). Verse 2 employs a rhetorical question to underscore the night's profound mystery and significance, drawing attention to its exalted status. The core theme of superiority emerges in verse 3, where the night is declared khayrun min alfi shahr ("better than a thousand months"), emphasizing its spiritual rewards surpassing extensive worship over years. Verse 4 depicts the descent of angels and the Spirit (often interpreted as the archangel Gabriel) bearing divine decrees for all affairs, symbolizing the night's connection to predestination and mercy. The surah concludes in verse 5 with an affirmation of peace (salam) enveloping the night until dawn, portraying it as a serene, blessed period under divine command and obedience. In classical , such as 's Jami' al-Bayan, the surah's Meccan origin is affirmed, linking it to the early prophetic mission, while its brevity—among the shortest chapters—intensifies the focus on the night's eminence without extraneous detail, allowing the verses' potency to resonate directly. interprets "Qadr" as connoting divine measurement or power, with the revelation signifying the Quran's complete descent from the Preserved Tablet to the lowest heaven on this night.

Historical Event with Prophet Muhammad

In the early 7th century, around 610 CE, ibn Abdullah, a merchant from , began retreating to the Cave of Hira on Jabal al-Nur for periods of seclusion and worship, seeking spiritual clarity amid the polytheistic society of Arabia. This practice of tahannuth, or devotional retreat, involved continuous prayer and reflection for several days at a time before returning home. Islamic tradition identifies this period as culminating on Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Power, when the initial Quranic revelation descended upon him. While alone in the cave, the Angel Jibril (Gabriel) suddenly appeared to and commanded, "Iqra!" (Recite!). Startled and unable to read, as he was unlettered, protested, "I cannot recite." Jibril then embraced him firmly three times, each time repeating the command, until relented, at which point the angel conveyed the first five verses of (Quran 96:1-5), beginning with "Recite in the name of your Lord who created—created man from a clinging substance." This dramatic encounter, squeezing the breath from him in divine compression, marked the commencement of 's prophetic mission and the gradual revelation of the over the next 23 years. Terrified and trembling, Muhammad fled the cave and hurried home to his wife Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, collapsing and pleading, "Cover me! Cover me!" in fear for his life and sanity. Khadijah consoled him, affirming his honorable character and piety, before escorting him to her cousin , an elderly Christian scholar familiar with biblical scriptures. Waraqah examined Muhammad and declared that the same (the angel of revelation) who had come to had visited him, confirming Muhammad as the anticipated of his people, though he warned of impending and similar to earlier messengers. This validation from Waraqah reassured Muhammad, though the revelations paused briefly thereafter until resuming some months later.

Timing and Observance Period

Placement in Ramadan

The Night of Power, known as Laylat al-Qadr, is universally recognized in Islamic tradition as occurring within the last ten nights of the month of Ramadan. This consensus is derived from authentic hadiths narrated by the Prophet Muhammad, who instructed believers to seek the night during this period to maximize spiritual devotion. The rationale for this placement stems from the Prophet's own practices and teachings, as recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, where he emphasized exerting extra effort in worship during the final ten nights of Ramadan. He would specifically withdraw into seclusion, known as itikaf, in the mosque during these nights, awakening his family for prayer and increasing his acts of worship to demonstrate the night's profound importance. This tradition underscores the last ten days as a time of heightened spiritual intensity, aligning with the Quranic encouragement for itikaf in Ramadan. Ramadan, as an Islamic lunar month, typically spans 29 or 30 days, determined by the sighting of , which positions the last ten nights toward the month's conclusion. The exact night of Laylat al-Qadr is deliberately concealed, as illustrated in a from where the Prophet intended to announce its precise date but forgot due to a quarrel among companions, an event interpreted as divine wisdom to motivate continuous worship rather than limiting it to one night. Many traditions further highlight the odd-numbered nights within this period as particularly worthy of attention.

Sunni Perspectives

In , the Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr) is generally sought during the last ten nights of , with particular emphasis on the odd-numbered nights: the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, and 29th. This guidance stems from authentic hadiths in which the Muhammad instructed believers to search for it in these periods. For instance, in , it is narrated that the Prophet said, "Search for the Night of Decree in the odd nights among the last ten nights of Ramadan." Among these, the 27th night holds the most prominence in Sunni tradition, based on narrations attributed to Ibn Umar. A hadith reported by Ahmad ibn Hanbal from Ibn Umar states that the Night of Power is likely the 27th of Ramadan, reinforcing its special status while encouraging vigilance across the odd nights. This emphasis does not preclude its occurrence on other specified dates but highlights the 27th as the most probable based on prophetic indications preserved in major Sunni collections. Sunni scholars, including , affirm that Laylat al-Qadr recurs annually, though its exact date may vary within the last ten nights rather than being fixed to a single night. This view is supported by the practices of the 's companions, such as , who reported that the would exert himself in worship during the last ten nights each , seeking the blessed night yearly. Such annual recurrence underscores the ongoing opportunity for spiritual elevation every . Following the Prophet's death, an early consensus emerged among Sunni companions and successors regarding the timing in the last ten nights, particularly the odd ones, as documented in the foundational hadith compilations like Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim. This consensus shaped global Sunni observance, leading to widespread i'tikaf (seclusion for worship) and heightened devotion during these nights across diverse Muslim communities.

Shia Perspectives

In Twelver Shia tradition, the Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr) is primarily associated with the 19th, 21st, and 23rd nights of Ramadan, all within the last ten days of the month, though this framework is shared with broader Islamic observance. These dates are derived from narrations attributed to the Imams, emphasizing their occurrence during odd-numbered nights in the final third of Ramadan, with the 23rd held as the most probable by a majority of scholars. Narrations in Bihar al-Anwar, compiled by the prominent post-occultation scholar Muhammad Baqir al-Majlisi (d. 1699 CE), affirm these specific nights, drawing from reports by Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib and Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq. For instance, Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq is quoted as stating that Laylat al-Qadr falls on the 21st or 23rd night of Ramadan, underscoring the 23rd as particularly meritorious due to its alignment with divine decrees being finalized. Al-Majlisi's compilation reinforces this consensus among Imami scholars, prioritizing these dates over the 27th favored in other traditions, based on chains of transmission from the Prophet through the Imams. In Shia tradition, the 19th night also commemorates the attack on Imam Ali in , with his martyrdom on the 21st, prompting specific supplications cursing his attackers and seeking . Theologically, Shia perspectives link Laylat al-Qadr to the enduring role of the and divine authority (), reaffirmed annually through angelic mediation. This recurrence carries escalating spiritual value across the three nights: the 19th for initial decree-writing, the 21st for confirmation, and the 23rd for delivery to the angels, enhancing the night's potency in relation to and .

Theological Significance

Spiritual Merit and Rewards

The Night of Power, or Laylat al-Qadr, holds unparalleled spiritual value in Islamic tradition, as described in the , where it is stated that this night is superior to a thousand months. This equivalence is interpreted by scholars such as to mean that acts of performed during this night yield rewards equivalent to over 83 years of devotion, emphasizing its extraordinary merit over ordinary nights due to the initial revelation of the upon Prophet Muhammad. Authentic further elaborate on these rewards, particularly the promise of divine forgiveness. For instance, the Prophet Muhammad is reported to have said that whoever stands in prayer during Laylat al-Qadr with faith and in hope of reward will have all previous sins forgiven, a narration found in both and . Similar accounts in reinforce this, stating that such worship leads to absolution of past transgressions, highlighting the night's role in spiritual renewal. In addition to , the night is associated with the of supplications and an outpouring of mercy, as supplications made during this time are particularly likely to be granted. This hierarchical merit, rooted in the night's connection to Quranic revelation, is affirmed across Sunni and Shia traditions through shared Quranic emphasis and narrations promising personal rewards such as forgiveness of sins.

Role of Angels and Divine Decree

During the Night of Power, angels descend to earth in great numbers, led by the Jibril, referred to as the Spirit (ar-Ruh), by the permission of their for every decreed matter. This descent, as described in Surah Al-Qadr, envelops the night in peace and tranquility until the break of dawn, symbolizing permeating creation. A narrated by recounts that Jibril descends with a company of angels who invoke blessings on everyone standing in , and peace is offered to them until morning, highlighting their role in bestowing blessings upon the faithful. This angelic mission amplifies the night's holiness, as the earth becomes filled with their presence, akin to pebbles scattered across a . Central to the Night of Power is the annual confirmation of the divine (Qadr), when transfers predestined matters for the coming year from the Preserved Tablet (al-Lawh al-Mahfuz) to the angels for execution. These decrees encompass key aspects of human and cosmic affairs, including life spans, deaths, provisions, births, rainfall, and pilgrimages, as explained in narrations from , classified as authentic. The angels then act as intermediaries, carrying out these determinations throughout the year, ensuring alignment with 's eternal knowledge and wisdom. Theologically, this convergence of angelic descent and divine decree reinforces the Islamic doctrine of Qadar, or , where Allah's absolute sovereignty over all events is mediated through celestial agents without compromising human accountability. Angels function as executors of the divine will, bridging the realms of the unseen and the visible, while supplications on this night can influence certain decrees, as nothing repels fate except . This framework addresses longstanding debates on and by affirming that Allah's foreknowledge encompasses human choices, with the Night of Power serving as an annual manifestation of balanced cosmic order.

Rituals and Practices

General Muslim Observances

across the world commemorate Laylat al-Qadr through a range of devotional practices aimed at spiritual renewal and closeness to God. Central to these observances are extended Taraweeh prayers, which are night prayers performed in congregation at mosques, often extending late into the night to include additional rak'ahs and reflections on the Quran's revelation. These prayers are seen as particularly meritorious on this night, drawing large crowds to mosques for communal worship. Another key activity is the of the , with many Muslims striving to complete a full khatm, or reading of the entire holy book, during the night. This practice is rooted in the belief that Laylat al-Qadr marks the 's initial , making recitation a direct engagement with its divine origin. Accompanying this are sessions of , or rhythmic remembrance of through phrases like "Subhanallah" and "Allahu ," typically held in to foster collective spiritual immersion. Additionally, itikaf—a form of spiritual retreat involving seclusion in the for worship and abstention from worldly affairs—is widely observed during the last ten nights of , with heightened focus on Laylat al-Qadr to maximize devotion. Supplications form an integral part of the night's observances, with engaging in prolonged to seek and blessings. A prominent supplication, recommended by the Prophet Muhammad, is: "Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul-'afwa fa'fu 'anni" (O , You are Forgiving and love , so forgive me), drawn from authentic and recited fervently during prayers and personal reflection. These supplications often extend to personal and communal needs, emphasizing and reliance on . Global customs also include family gatherings after , where members share meals, recite together, and make collective , strengthening familial bonds through shared faith. In contemporary times, observances have adapted to include increased mosque attendance, with millions gathering at major sites like the Grand Mosque in —over 4.2 million worshippers reported in 2025 alone—reflecting the night's universal draw. Online live streams from mosques worldwide, such as those broadcast from and , enable broader participation, allowing Muslims unable to attend in person to join Taraweeh prayers and sessions virtually, thus extending the night's spiritual reach in the digital age.

Sect-Specific Variations

In Sunni Islam, observances of the Night of Power place particular emphasis on the 27th night of Ramadan, where devotees engage in extended sunnah prayers known as Qiyam al-Layl, involving voluntary night prayers such as Tahajjud to seek the night's blessings. Charity, or sadaqah, is heightened during this time, with acts of giving considered especially meritorious due to the night's multiplied rewards. Among the Hanafi and Shafi'i schools, these practices align closely, often incorporating communal Tarawih prayers extended into the night, drawing from prophetic traditions to foster spiritual vigilance. Shia Muslims, in contrast, highlight special salat on the 23rd night, including two-rak'ah prayers where Surah al-Hamd and Surah are recited seven times in each rak'ah, alongside up to 100 rak'ah of voluntary namaz to invoke divine proximity. A key is the recitation of , a attributed to Ali for seeking and , often performed in gatherings to deepen repentance. Visits to Husayn's in are also emphasized, where pilgrims perform rituals, reciting specific s to commemorate the night's sanctity and connect with Imamic heritage. While both sects share core elements like increased worship and itikaf for seclusion in prayer, differences arise in their foundational guidance: Sunnis prioritize prophetic from collections like , focusing on Muhammad's example of night vigils, whereas Shias draw from Imamic narrations in sources like for tailored supplications and shrine pilgrimages. Regionally, Iranian Shia practices often involve large-scale communal recitations of at Husseiniyas, amplifying collective mourning and devotion, while Turkish Sunni customs feature mosque stays until dawn with readings and family-based charity distributions, reflecting Ottoman-influenced communal piety.

References

  1. https://www.islamic-relief.org.uk/giving/islamic-giving/ramadan/laylatul-qadr/what-happened-on-laylatul-qadr/
  2. https://islamqa.info/en/answers/314716
  3. https://www.islamic-relief.org.uk/giving/islamic-giving/ramadan/laylatul-qadr/
  4. https://www.islamicfinder.org/special-islamic-days/laylat-al-qadr-2025/
  5. https://www.muslimaid.org/what-we-do/religious-dues/the-night-of-power-laylat-ul-qadr/
  6. https://quran.com/en/al-qadr/3
  7. https://www.islamicreliefcanada.org/resources/islamic-calendar/laylatul-qadr
  8. https://yaqeeninstitute.org/read/paper/why-laylatul-qadr-the-significance-virtues-of-the-most-important-night-of-the-year
  9. https://islamqa.info/en/answers/21905
  10. https://corpus.quran.com/qurandictionary.jsp?q=qdr
  11. https://www.laneslexicon.com/?word=%D9%82%D8%AF%D8%B1
  12. https://corpus.quran.com/translation.jsp?chapter=97&verse=1
  13. https://www.academia.edu/39167511/The_importance_of_context_in_translation_A_study_of_some_selected_English_and_Arabic_terms_and_concepts
  14. https://bangladeshpost.net/posts/glorious-night-of-laylat-al-qadr-33926
  15. https://www.aa.com.tr/en/world/laylat-al-qadr-the-holiest-night-in-islam/2874278
  16. https://eastofwallace.com/en/news/details/malam-ela-ela-the-night-of-destiny-on-ternate-island
  17. https://www.newageislam.com/islam-spiritualism/ghulam-rasool-dehlvi-new-age-islam/-night-decree-how-make-it-out-sufi-insights-shab-e-qadr/d/132075
  18. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1057/978-1-137-48609-7_8
  19. https://quran.com/en/al-qadr
  20. https://www.islamicstudies.info/tafheem.php?sura=97
  21. https://www.islamicity.org/12189/tafsir-surah-al-qadr-the-night-of-power/
  22. https://sunnahonline.com/library/the-majestic-quran/481-tasfir-of-chapter-097-surah-al-qadr-power
  23. https://www.altafsir.com/Tafasir.asp?tMadhNo=0&tTafsirNo=1&tSoraNo=97&tAyahNo=1&tDisplay=yes&UserProfile=0&LanguageId=2
  24. https://sunnah.com/bukhari:3
  25. https://yaqeeninstitute.org/read/paper/on-the-timing-and-virtues-of-the-night-of-power-the-hearts-joy-in-remembering-laylat-al-qadr-by-ibn-al-iraqi
  26. https://islamqa.info/en/articles/70
  27. https://seekersguidance.org/answers/general-counsel/when-is-laylat-al-qadr/
  28. https://www.abuaminaelias.com/dailyhadithonline/2013/07/14/last-ten-nights-ramadan/
  29. https://al-islam.org/fast-month-ramadhan-philosophy-and-ahkam-yasin-t-al-jibouri/which-night-lailatul-qadr
  30. https://en.al-shia.org/significance-of-laylat-al-qadr-and-its-aamaal/
  31. https://al-islam.org/fast-month-ramadhan-philosophy-and-ahkam-yasin-t-al-jibouri/night-destiny-lailatul-qadr
  32. https://www.duas.org/mobile/ramadan-laylatul-qadr.html
  33. https://quran.com/97/3
  34. https://www.taghribnews.com/en/note/671002/laylatul-qadr-the-night-of-destiny-in-shia-beliefs
  35. https://sunnah.com/mishkat:2096
  36. https://islamqa.info/en/answers/233677/on-laylat-al-qadr-allah-transfers-from-al-lawh-al-mahfooz-and-gives-to-the-angels-what-is-to-happen-by-his-decree-in-the-coming-year
  37. https://yaqeeninstitute.org/read/paper/predestination-vs-free-will-in-islam-understanding-allahs-qadr
  38. https://islamqa.info/en/articles/71
  39. https://www.arabnews.com/node/2594984/amp
  40. https://yaqeeninstitute.org/omar-suleiman/5-best-things-to-do-on-laylatul-qadr-khutbah
  41. https://islamonline.net/en/itikaf-laylatul-qadr-virtues-guidelines-and-practical-ruling/
  42. https://www.whyislam.org/lasttennights/
  43. https://www.soundvision.com/article/the-beauty-of-spending-laylatul-qadar-with-family
  44. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIHRc6FsYHc
  45. https://lifewithallah.com/articles/seasons-of-worship/ramadan/laylat-al-qadr-the-last-10-days/
  46. https://seekersguidance.org/articles/general-artices/the-last-ten-nights-of-ramadan/
  47. https://www.al-islam.org/supplications-month-ramadhan/laylatul-qadr-night-power
  48. https://www.duas.org/laylatqadrarticle.htm
  49. https://ijtihadnet.com/the-discrepancy-in-the-laylat-al-qadr-between-shia-and-sunni/
  50. https://www.insideoutinistanbul.com/kadir-gecesi/
  51. https://shiawaves.com/english/ahlulbayt-occasions/121051-shia-muslims-commemorate-first-night-of-qadr-wounding-anniversary-of-imam-ali/
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