Performing acts of worship such as Nafl (voluntary) prayers, Sadaqah and Du’a can earn you bountiful rewards, but when performed on The Night of Power, with sincere intention and faith in Allah’s (SWT) acceptance, the rewards could be exceptional. Giving Zakat or Sadaqah during Ramadan is multiplied by 70 times, and the reward for any righteous act is equivalent to having performed that same deed every day for 83 years, SubhanAllah!
In a famous hadith it is narrated:
“Whoever prays on Laylatul Qadr out of faith and sincerity, shall have all their past sins forgiven.”
(Bukhari and Muslim)
How Long is The Night of Power?
In the Islamic calendar, the start of each new calendar day begins at Maghrib prayer (just after sunset). It coincides with Tahajjud prayers, which occurs each night between Isha prayer (the evening prayer) and Fajr Prayer (the morning prayer). Allah (SWT) says that each night, He descends to the lowest heavens in the last third of the night. Waking up just 20 mins before Fajr to make Tahajjud prayers and Du’a could earn bountiful rewards!
Even though the beginning of the new day begins at Maghrib, the Night of Power begins and extends from Maghrib to Fajr time.
How is The Night of Power Observed?
Muslims around the world are encouraged to observe The Night of Power by making extra Ibaadah (worship). Therefore, this could include acts such as giving Zakat (alms giving) and Sadaqah (voluntary charity), praying Nafl prayers (voluntary prayers), and making Du’a.
In some cases, communities may encourage each other to gather together at the Mosque in the last ten nights to pray or fundraise Sadaqah in the hope of catching extra rewards, However, Laylatul Qadr may be observed at home in solitude, in Itikaf (devotion to Ibaadah inside a mosque for the last ten nights) or in a visit to a mosque. However, there is no prescribed way to observe The Night of Power.
How is The Night of Power Celebrated?
Although Laylatul Qadr is the most important night in the Islamic year (despite its exact date being unknown), it is not a celebratory night. Muslims are encouraged to seek it throughout Ramadan and specifically in the last ten nights, by being steadfast in their worship in the hope of catching it and earning exceptional reward.
Religious Importance of Laylatul Qadr
The Night of Power marks the single most important event in the Islamic calendar, the revelation of the Qur’an. During the month of Ramadan in 610 CE, the Qur’an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and thus began the Prophethood of the Messenger of Allah with a message to humanity for the remainder of existence.
As a result, Muslims around the world are encouraged to seek this night out with worship throughout the month of Ramadan in the hope of catching its bountiful rewards.