How to Perform the Qadr Night Prayer

The Night of Qadr (Laylat al-Qadr) is a treasure of immense spiritual blessings for believers. On this night, devoted worship and heartfelt supplications can open the doors of divine mercy. Its rewards are countless, offering abundant blessings and forgiveness.

What Is the Night of Qadr?

The Night of Qadr is the sacred night during which the Qur’an began to be revealed. It is known to be better than a thousand months and is particularly cherished by Muslims (Tafsir al-Tabari). Although Laylat al-Qadr is often observed on the 27th night of Ramadan, its exact date is not definitively known; the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) advised seeking it in the last ten days of Ramadan (Bukhari, Fadl Laylat al-Qadr).

Importance of Qadr Night Prayer

The Qadr Night Prayer holds exceptional significance. Although there is no specific obligatory prayer fixed for Laylat al-Qadr, the performance of Sunnah (voluntary) prayers is highly encouraged during these hours. Worship on this night carries far greater spiritual weight compared to other nights.

Many narrations indicate that those who worship sincerely on this night, repent, and seek God’s forgiveness are granted pardon for their sins. The Qadr Night Prayer offers believers a path toward turning sincerely to the Almighty (Muslim, Salah).

How to Perform the Qadr Night Prayer

Intention and Mental Preparation

The starting point for performing Qadr Night Prayer is pure intention. One should mentally affirm, “O Allah, I perform these prayers solely to seek Your pleasure and to benefit from the blessings of this sacred night.” The essence of every act of worship is sincerity.

Number of Rak’ahs and Method

There is no fixed number of rak’ahs for the Qadr Night Prayer. What truly matters is spending the night in abundant worship, reciting the Qur’an, and making sincere supplications. Many scholars recommend performing two- or four-rak’ah voluntary prayers multiple times. Those capable of performing longer prayers are also encouraged to do so (Ibn Majah, Iqamat al-Salah).

For example:

1. Two-Rak’ah Voluntary Prayer:
   • In the first rak’ah, recite Surat al-Fatihah followed by a short surah (e.g., Surah al-Ikhlas).
   • In the second rak’ah, recite Surat al-Fatihah followed by another short surah (e.g., Surah al-Falaq).
   • After completing the prayer, raise your hands in supplication.
2. Eight-Rak’ah Voluntary Prayer:
   • Performed in sets of two rak’ahs.
   • Each rak’ah includes Surat al-Fatihah and any short surah or verse selection.
   • End with additional praise, remembrance (dhikr), and supplications.

Role of Supplications

Prayers (du’as) recited after completing Qadr Night Prayer are especially beneficial. Lady Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) advised the following prayer for Laylat al-Qadr:

اَللّٰهُمَّ اِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ كَرٖيمٌ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنّٖي

Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun kareemun tuhibbul-‘afwa fa’fu ‘anni

“O Allah, indeed You are pardoning, generous; You love to pardon, so pardon me.”

(As narrated in Tirmidhi) Believers can also offer any sincere supplication from the heart, hoping it will be accepted.

Significance of Prostration (Sajdah)

Prostration is when a servant is closest to the Lord. Extending and intensifying our prostrations during Qadr Night Prayer, asking forgiveness, and expressing gratitude gives additional depth to our worship (Abu Dawud, Salah).

Other Recommended Acts on This Night

Filling this night with various forms of worship enriches its spiritual atmosphere. One can perform additional optional prayers, such as the Prayer of Tasbih or the Prayer of Awwabin.

Sending abundant blessings and salutations (salawat) upon the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), engaging in istighfar (asking for forgiveness), and reciting the Qur’an are all commendable ways of maximizing the night’s blessings.

Simple yet powerful phrases like “Astaghfirullah al-‘azim al-karim alladhi la ilaha illa Hu, wa atubu ilayh” (I seek forgiveness from Allah, the Exalted, the Generous, none has the right to be worshiped except Him, and I turn in repentance to Him) can help open the doors of mercy.

Special Verses from the Qur’an

Surah al-Qadr (Qur’an 97) succinctly encapsulates the significance of Laylat al-Qadr. Consisting of five verses, it powerfully highlights the blessing and magnitude of this night:

Arabic Text:

بِسْمِ اللّٰهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَاهُ فِي لَيْلَةِ الْقَدْرِۚ وَمَا أَدْرَاكَ مَا لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِۚ لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ خَيْرٌ مِّنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍۚ تَنَزَّلُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ وَالرُّوحُ فِيهَا بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهِم مِّن كُلِّ أَمْرٍۚ سَلَامٌ هِيَ حَتَّىٰ مَطْلَعِ الْفَجْرِ

Transliteration:

Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Rahim Inna anzalnahu fi laylatil-qadr Wa ma adraka ma laylatul-qadr Laylatul-qadri khayrun min alfi shahr Tanazzalul-malaikatu war-ruhu fiha bi-idhni rabbihim min kulli amr Salamun hiya hatta matla’il-fajr

Translation:

“In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful. Indeed, We sent it (the Qur’an) down during the Night of Qadr. And what can make you know what the Night of Qadr is? The Night of Qadr 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.”

Hadiths on the Night of Qadr

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Seek the Night of Qadr in the last ten days of Ramadan” (Bukhari, Fadl Laylat al-Qadr). Another narration offers glad tidings: “Whoever stands (in prayer) during the Night of Qadr with faith and in hope of reward (from Allah) will have his past sins forgiven” (Bukhari, Iman).

Practical Tips for Qadr Night Prayer

1. Purity and Ablution: Spiritual and physical cleanliness can enhance the depth of worship. Many believers choose to perform a full ritual bath (ghusl) and wear clean garments.
2. Calm Atmosphere: Serenity is essential to maintain focus. Engage your heart, tongue, and mind in the remembrance of Allah.
3. Dhikr (Remembrance) and Praise: Extend your post-prayer supplications, send blessings upon the Prophet, and recite the Qur’an.
4. Consistent Intention: Since we are uncertain of the exact date of Laylat al-Qadr, observing diligent worship throughout the last ten nights ensures it is not missed.

Power of Heartfelt Devotion

Ultimately, the essence of worship during the Night of Qadr is sincerity, gratitude, and longing for closeness to the Almighty. Lengthier prayers, extended supplications, and consistent devotion fortify a believer’s faith (Bukhari, Tahajjud).

Tears of repentance, genuine pleas for forgiveness, and heartfelt supplications help attract divine mercy. Between or after prayers, never neglect to whisper your deepest hopes to your Lord, pouring out your heart on the prayer mat.

Final Words

The Night of Qadr represents the pinnacle of spiritual elevation and purification. Through the special prayers, supplications, and heartfelt devotion offered, believers open themselves to divine mercy on a night superior to a thousand months. By commemorating the descent of the Qur’an and striving to live its teachings, believers can emerge at dawn feeling a profound sense of joy and serenity.

References

• Bukhari, Fadl Laylat al-Qadr
• Bukhari, Iman
• Bukhari, Tahajjud
• Abu Dawud, Salah
• Ibn Majah, Iqamat al-Salah
• Muslim, Salah
• Tafsir al-Tabari
• Tirmidhi

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