Exploring One of the Most Important Dates of the Islamic Calendar

Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Power or the Night of Decree, falls in the last ten days of Ramadan, an important time of fasting for our Muslim communities. The Night of Power is recognised as the night on which the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) first received the initial verses of the Holy Qur’an.

This night holds great importance and is recognised as one of the most important and Holy nights in the Islamic calendar. On this night, Allah (SWT) is most merciful, forgiving the sins of man and accepting supplications made by devotees. It is also said that on this auspicious night, Angel Jibril, amongst other Angels, descend to earth to meet and greet the believers during their time of worship.

When is Laylat Al-Qadr?

Traditionally, there is no fixed date for the Night of Power as Ramadan dates fall according to the lunar calendar, which depends on the sighting of the moon. However, it is believed that the Night of Decree falls within the last ten days of Ramadan and many scholars believe it to fall on the 27th night of Ramadan.

Many Islamic scholars believe that the Night of Power falls on one of the odd-numbered nights during the final ten days of Ramadan. This could be the 19th, 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or the 29th but no definitive date is given. As there is no regular Islamic calendar date for the Night of Power, Islamic scholars and councils recommend taking these final ten days of the Holy month as annual leave from work or study to spend in devotion, reciting prayers.

Observing the Night of Power

While Ramadan is a blessed month, the Night of Power is one of the Holiest and should be observed by all able Muslims. It is referenced in the Holy Qur'an as a night for which received blessings from acts of worship cannot be equalled, even if one should perform acts of worship for 1,000 months, equivalent to around 83 years.

‘And what will 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 dawn!’

- Surah 97.1 – 97.5 (Al-Qadr) 

Because of the extreme significance of the Night of Power, many Muslims choose to donate their Zakat at this time of year and spend the last ten days of Ramadan in devoted prayer. If you are planning to spend the final ten days in worship, remember to plan ahead to ensure you are prepared:

• Plan your worship in hourly portions with regular breaks
• Prepare a checklist of all the specific duas you wish to make
• If you can, book time off where necessary

It is said that our destiny for the year ahead is decided on the Night of Power, so it’s important to take this opportunity for plenty of self-reflection, seeking repentance and making your wishes known to Allah (SWT).

Some individuals choose to perform I’tikaaf, an act of continuous prayer and devotion at the Masjid (Mosque), during the final days of the Holy month. Those who cannot perform I’tikaaf should perform ibaadah (worship) on the Night of Power in their local Masjid, reciting the Holy Qur’an and offering tasbih prayers. It is important to spend time studying and understanding the teachings and blessings of the Holy Qur’an and what they mean to you during this time.

If there are events held local to you as part of your community or in your local Masjid, this is an excellent opportunity for you and your loved ones to attend and join with your brothers and sisters in worship.

Donating on the Night of Power

The Holy month of Ramadan allows us to be closer to Allah (SWT), to thank him for peace and unity and the immeasurable blessings that we receive every day. Ramadan helps us to remain humble, remembering those less fortunate and reaping the rewards of giving. Those who give in charity or donations during Ramadan are blessed, and those who give charity, even a small amount, on the Night of Power will receive infinite reward.

If you’d like to donate your Zakat on the Night of Power, you can use our Zakat calculator to work out the exact amount of Zakat that you need to pay. Our team will distribute your Zakat to those in need who are eligible to receive Zakat donations.

‘Whoever establishes the prayers on the night of Qadr out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah's rewards (not to show off) then all his past sins will be forgiven.’

- Hadith, Bukhari Vol 1, Book 2:34