Why is Laylatul Qadr called the Night of Power?
Laylatul Qadr or the Night of Power is described as such to illustrate the significance of what the night entails for human kind.
Allah says about the purpose of this night:
”Ha, Meem. By the clear Book, Indeed, We sent it down during a blessed night. Indeed, We were to warn [mankind]. On that night every precise matter – Every matter [proceeding] from Us. Indeed, We were to send (a messenger).”
(Qur’an 44:1-5)
Signs of Laylatul Qadr
Only Allah has knowledge of Laylatul Qadr. However, to determine its presence we are directed towards some signs.
Two of the most authentic signs of Laylatul Qadr are:
- The sun rises early in the morning without rays. Ubayy, (may Allah be pleased with him) said:
“The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “On the morning following Laylatul-Qadr, the sun rises without any rays, as if it were a brass dish, until it rises up.”
(Muslim)
- It is a pleasant and calm. Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him), said:
“Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him), said: “Laylatul-Qadr is calm and pleasant, neither hot nor cold, the sun rises on its morning being feeble and red.”
(Ibn Khuzaimah)
Try your best to catch Laylatul Qadr (the Night of Power) by focusing on Ibadah (worship) this Ramadan more than ever before! Therefore, by consistently making Du’a to catch it, it may be that Allah allows you to witness this precious and powerful night and earn its rewards!
Laylatul Qadr Surah
Laylatul Qadr, or The Night of Power/Decree is mentioned in the Qur’an in Surah Qadr, which is a whole Surah dedicated by Allah to describing this bountiful night in these precious verses:
“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.”
(Qur’an, 97:1-5)
What to read on Laylatul Qadr?
Scholars relay that one of the most beloved du’as to make during these last ten nights in the hope that it falls on Laylatul Qadr is the following:
“Allahumma innaka Afuwwun (Karimun) tuhibbul `afwa fa`fu `annee”
Translation: “O Allah, indeed You are Pardoning, (Generous) You love to pardon, so pardon me.”
How to pray on Laylatul Qadr
There are no specific prescribed acts of worship for Laylatul Qadr (the Night of Power). This is because the exact date is known only to Allah. However, as it is most commonly believed to occur in the last ten nights, Muslims are encouraged to follow the beautiful example of the Prophet (peace be upon him) during this precious time and maximise their worship:
Aisha (ra) said that:
“Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) used to exert himself in devotion during the last ten nights to a greater extent than at any other time.”
(Muslim)