When Is Laylat al-Qadr?

Laylat al-Qadr occurs during the last ten nights of Ramadan, most likely on an odd night. The 27th night is widely believed to be Laylat al-Qadr, but its exact date is unknown.

Table of Contents

When Is Laylat al-Qadr?
Is The Exact Date Of Laylat al-Qadr Known?
Is The 27th Night Definitely Laylat al-Qadr?
Why Is Laylat al-Qadr Hidden?
When Is Laylat al-Qadr Observed Today?
Final Reflection
References

Is The Exact Date Of Laylat al-Qadr Known?

The precise date of Laylat al-Qadr is not definitively known.
According to Islamic tradition and authentic hadiths, this night falls within the last ten nights of Ramadan, particularly the odd-numbered nights (21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th).

Hadith:
“Seek Laylat al-Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten nights of Ramadan.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Laylat al-Qadr; Sahih Muslim, Book of Prayer)

The hidden nature of the exact date encourages believers to stay spiritually engaged and worship consistently during these final nights.

Is The 27th Night Definitely Laylat al-Qadr?

Among Muslims, the 27th night of Ramadan is the most commonly believed to be Laylat al-Qadr.
This belief is supported by certain sayings and practices of the Prophet’s companions.

Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) said:
“I believe Laylat al-Qadr is the 27th night, based on the signs the Prophet ﷺ gave us.”
(Musnad Ahmad, Jami’ al-Tirmidhi)

Ubai ibn Ka’b, another Companion, said with certainty:
“By Allah, I know which night it is. It is the night the Messenger of Allah ﷺ commanded us to observe in prayer—it is the 27th night.”
(Sahih Muslim)

However, scholars emphasize that this does not guarantee the night always falls on the 27th.
It may shift from year to year.
Therefore, we are advised to observe all of the last ten nights, especially the odd ones.
(Fath al-Bari, Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani)

Why Is Laylat al-Qadr Hidden?

The exact timing of Laylat al-Qadr is intentionally veiled by divine wisdom. Some of the reasons include:

Encouraging Persistence In Worship:
Believers are motivated to seek Allah’s pleasure consistently over multiple nights.
Promoting Sincerity:
The uncertainty increases sincerity and spiritual readiness, as each night may be the blessed one.
Spiritual Discipline:
Worship becomes a daily practice, fostering humility, patience, and devotion.

Imam al-Nawawi comments:
“Allah concealed Laylat al-Qadr so that people would strive in worship and not rely on a single night.”
(Riyadh as-Salihin, Book of Virtues)

When Is Laylat al-Qadr Observed Today?

In many Muslim-majority countries, including Turkey, the 27th night of Ramadan is widely commemorated as Laylat al-Qadr.
Islamic institutions such as the Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) in Turkey officially mark this night with special prayers, Qur’an recitation, and community worship.

However, this is based on strong likelihood, not certainty.
Hence, sincere believers strive to worship throughout the final ten nights, ensuring they witness Laylat al-Qadr, regardless of its exact date.

Final Reflection

The unknown timing of Laylat al-Qadr is, in itself, a mercy from Allah.
It invites believers to deepen their devotion, increase their remembrance, and consistently seek nearness to the Divine.
Whoever sincerely worships in the final ten nights of Ramadan will, in shā’ Allāh, experience the blessings of Laylat al-Qadr.

Let us not wait for signs or guesses—let us prepare our hearts and hands in worship each night, trusting that Allah sees every moment of sincerity.