The Virtues of Laylat al-Qadr: A Night Better Than a Thousand Months

Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Power, shines as the heart of Ramadan, a night more virtuous than a thousand months. It is the night when the Quran was first revealed, when angels descend to earth, when prayers are answered, and when the doors of forgiveness and mercy are wide open. Laylat al-Qadr is a unique opportunity for Muslims, a night of hope and rebirth.

The Significance and Virtues of Laylat al-Qadr

The importance of Laylat al-Qadr is explicitly stated in the Quran in Surah Al-Qadr. This surah proclaims that Laylat al-Qadr is better than a thousand months. A thousand months equate to approximately 83 years. This means that acts of worship performed on Laylat al-Qadr are more rewarding than those performed over 83 years.

“Indeed, We sent the Qur’an down 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.”¹ (Surah Al-Qadr, 97:1-5)

إِنَّا أَنْزَلْنَاهُ فِي لَيْلَةِ الْقَدْرِ

innā anzalnāhu fī laylati l-qadr

Meaning: Indeed, We sent the Qur’an down during the Night of Decree.

وَمَا أَدْرَاكَ مَا لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ

wa mā adrāka mā laylatu l-qadr

Meaning: And what can make you know what is the Night of Decree?

لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ خَيْرٌ مِنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍ

laylatu l-qadri khayrun min alfi shahr

Meaning: The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.

تَنَزَّلُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ وَالرُّوحُ فِيهَا بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهِمْ مِنْ كُلِّ أَمْرٍ

tanazzalu l-malāʾikatu wa-r-rūḥu fīhā bi-idhni rabbihim min kulli amr

Meaning: The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter.

سَلَامٌ هِيَ حَتَّىٰ مَطْلَعِ الْفَجْرِ

salāmun hiya ḥattā maṭlaʿi l-fajr

Meaning: Peace it is until the emergence of dawn.

On Laylat al-Qadr, angels, led by Jibril (Gabriel), descend to earth. This is a moment when the earth is filled with spiritual fervor, and prayers and repentance ascend to Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) gave glad tidings that prayers made on Laylat al-Qadr would be accepted.

“Whoever prays on Laylat al-Qadr out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.” (Bukhari, Muslim)

Laylat al-Qadr is also a night of forgiveness and pardon. Sincere repentance made on this night is accepted by Allah’s permission, and sins are forgiven. Laylat al-Qadr is an opportunity for Muslims to purify themselves, cleanse their souls, and start anew.

How to Observe Laylat al-Qadr

Observing Laylat al-Qadr means making the most of this blessed night’s virtues. Here are some acts of worship that can be performed:

Reciting the Quran and reflecting on its meanings.
Performing prayers and supplications.
Seeking repentance and forgiveness.
Engaging in remembrance (dhikr) and glorification (tasbih).
Giving charity (sadaqah) and helping those in need.
Making up for any missed obligatory prayers.

Every act of worship performed on Laylat al-Qadr is highly valued by Allah. However, sincerity and devotion are paramount.

When Is Laylat al-Qadr?

The exact date of Laylat al-Qadr is unknown. However, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) indicated that it is likely to be in the last ten nights of Ramadan, especially on the odd-numbered nights (21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th). Therefore, Muslims spend the last ten nights of Ramadan in worship, hoping to catch Laylat al-Qadr.

Final Words

Laylat al-Qadr is a night of grace, mercy, opportunity, and hope for Muslims. Making the most of this night means seeking Allah’s pleasure, having past sins forgiven, preparing for the future, and attaining eternal salvation. May our Laylat al-Qadr be blessed.

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