Laylat al Qadr, the Night of Power, marks the night in which the Qur’an was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) by Allah.
Muslims regard this as the most important event in history, and the Qur’an says that this night is better than a thousand months (97:3), and that on this night the angels descend to earth.
Although the Prophet Muhammad did not mention when the Night of Power would be, although it was suggested it was in the last 10 days of the month.
Because of this, many Muslims will treat the last 10 days of the month of Ramadan as a particularly good time for prayer, reciting the Qur’an and ask for forgiveness.
Abu Huraira narrated that the Messenger said:
Whoever stands (in prayer) in Laylatul Qadr while nourishing his faith with self-evaluation, expecting reward from Allah, will have all of his past sins forgiven. Hadith, Bukhari Vol 1, Book 2:34
Beautiful Dua for the last 10 Days of Ramadan
اَللَّهُمَّ اِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ ، تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي
Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibul ‘afwa fa’fu ‘anni
O Allah, you are the One who pardons greatly and loves to pardon, So pardon me.
When you break your fast, remember to be mindful that Allah may not accept your fasting, so you should yearn for and anticipate His mercy and reward. Supplicate with the following:
Arabic: اللهم اعني و وفقني لقيام ليلة القدر
Transliteration: “Allahumma ‘ainni wa waffiqni li qiyami Laylatul qadr”
Translation: “O Allah, help me and facilitate for me to worship You on the Night of Power.”
This one night surpasses the value of 30,000 nights. This means that any act of worship performed on Laylatul Qadr is considered more rewarding than worship performed over a period of 83 years and 4 months. Such is the magnitude of the blessings and mercy bestowed upon believers on this auspicious night. The most authentic account of the occurrence of the Night indicates that it can occur on any one of the last ten, odd numbered nights of Ramadan, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29.
To maximise the blessings of Laylatul Qadr, follow these steps:
- Tasbeeh Namaz: Engage in prolonged prayer during the night, offering Tasbeeh Namaz or Tahajjud prayers. These prayers are performed after the obligatory night prayers (Isha) and before the Fajr (dawn) prayer. Use this time to connect deeply with Allah, seeking His forgiveness, guidance, and blessings.
- Recite the Qur’an abundantly: Laylatul Qadr is the night when the Qur’an was first revealed, so immerse yourself in the recitation of the Qur’an. Read and reflect upon its verses, pondering over their meanings and seeking spiritual enlightenment. Aim to recite as much of the Qur’an as possible during this blessed night.
- Strive to gain forgiveness: Use Laylatul Qadr as an opportunity to seek forgiveness from Allah for any past sins and shortcomings. Engage in sincere repentance (Tawbah), expressing regret for your actions and resolving to avoid repeating them in the future. Turn to Allah with humility and sincerity, seeking His mercy and forgiveness.
- Engage in Dhikr (Remembrance): Remember Allah frequently through the recitation of SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar, and other adhkar.
- Give Charity: Offer charity and engage in acts of kindness and generosity towards others, seeking to earn Allah’s pleasure and blessings.
- Many Nafl Prayers: Perform numerous voluntary prayers (Nafl) throughout the night, seeking to draw closer to Allah and earn His pleasure. These additional prayers are a means of increasing your worship and devotion, demonstrating your love and obedience to Allah. Offer Nafl prayers with sincerity and devotion, knowing that each act of worship brings you closer to Allah’s mercy and blessings.
- End the Night with Sujood and Dua: Conclude your night with prostration (sujood) and heartfelt supplications. Use this time to ask Allah for His mercy, forgiveness, guidance, and blessings for yourself, your family, and the entire Muslim Ummah.
When you make Dua (supplication), it’s important to observe certain etiquette:
- Praise Allah first: Begin your supplication by praising and glorifying Allah. This acknowledgment of His greatness and mercy sets the tone for your Dua and reaffirms your faith in Him.
- Send salutations upon the Prophet: After praising Allah, send blessings and peace upon the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.). This is a sign of respect and love for the Prophet and serves as a means of seeking Allah’s blessings upon him and his followers.
- Make Dua for yourself: Once you have praised Allah and sent salutations upon the Prophet, make your personal supplications. Ask Allah for what you need, whether it’s guidance, forgiveness, protection, or blessings in this life and the hereafter.
- Make Dua for your family and the rest of the Ummah: Finally, extend your supplications to include your family, friends, and the entire Muslim community (Ummah). Pray for their well-being, guidance, and success in this life and the hereafter, demonstrating solidarity and concern for others in your community.
Prophet’s ﷺ Dua that equals the reward of freeing 10 people from bondage
لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لاَ شَرِيكَ لَهُ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ، وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ، وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَىْءٍ قَدِيرٌ
La ilaha illallahu wahdahu la sharika lahu lahul mulku wa lahul hamdu wa huwa ala kulli shay in qadeer
There is no god but Allah, the One, having no partner with Him. Sovereignty belongs to Him and all the praise is due to Him, and He is Potent over everything
From the hadith, it says to those who recite 100 times it as if:
– You get the reward of manumitting (setting free) ten slaves.
– One-hundred good deeds will be written in his account.
– One-hundred bad deeds will be wiped off or erased from his account.
– Protected from the morning till evening from Shaitan.
Surah Al-Qadr (97)
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
إِنَّا أَنْزَلْنَاهُ فِي لَيْلَةِ الْقَدْرِ وَمَا أَدْرَاكَ مَا لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ خَيْرٌ مِنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍ تَنَزَّلُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ وَالرُّوحُ فِيهَا بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهِمْ مِنْ كُلِّ أَمْرٍ سَلَامٌ هِيَ حَتَّىٰ مَطْلَعِ الْفَجْرِ
Bismillaahir Rahmaanir Raheem. Innaa anzalnaahu fee lailatil qadr Wa maa adraaka ma lailatul qadr Lailatul qadri khairum min alfee shahr Tanaz zalul malaa-ikatu war roohu feeha bi izni-rab bihim min kulli amr Salaamun hiya hattaa mat la’il fajr
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. We have indeed revealed this (Message) in the Night of Power: And what will explain to thee what the night of power is? The Night of Power is better than a thousand months. Therein come down the angels and the Spirit by Allah´s permission, on every errand: Peace!… This until the rise of morn!
