The Significance of Lailatul Qadr (The night of Decree)

The importance of Lailatul Qadr is great since Holy Quran was sent down in this night. The Muslims who find Lailatul Qadr should stay up and pray whole night out of faith and hoping for reward from Allah. As to the importance of Laylatul Qadr (the night of Decree), it is better than a thousand months. Allah almighty says in the Holy Quran:

“verily! We have sent it (Quran) down in the Night of Decree (Lailatul-Qadr). And what will make you know what the Night of Decree is? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. Therein descend the angels and the Rooh (i.e. Gabriel) by Allaah’s Permission with all Decrees, Peace! until the appearance of dawn.” (Al-Qadr 97: 1-5)

Another important factor related to this night is that in it every decreed matter is conveyed as mentioned in the Holy Quran:

“We sent it (Quran) down on a blessed Night. Verily,We are ever warning. Therein ( in that Night) is decreed every matter of ordainment. Amran (i.e. a command or this Quran or His Decree of every matter) from Us. Verily, We are ever sending (the Messenger) (As) a Mercy from your Lord.” (Ad-Dukhaan 44: 3-6)

When is Lailatul-Qadr:
It is known from the Hadith that the exact knowledge of when Lailatul Qadr falls was taken because some people argued. Ubaadah ibn as-Saamit (R.A) said:

“The Prophet (P.B.U.H) came out intending to tell us about Lailatul-Qadr, however two men were arguing and he said: “I came out to inform you about Lailatul-Qadr but so and so, and, so and so were arguing, so it was raised up, and perhaps that is better for you, so seek it on the (twenty) ninth and (twenty) seventh and the (twenty) fifth.” (Bukhari)

Also it is reported from the Prophet (P.B.U.H) that:

“Verily I saw Lailatul Qadr, and I was caused to forget it, and indeed it is during the last ten (nights). It is during an odd night”

So the night of Decree occurs in odd-numbered nights during the last ten days of Ramadan. It may be on twenty-first, twenty-third, twenty-fifth, twenty-seventh or twenty-ninth. It is narrated by Aisha (R.A):

“Allah’s Messenger (P.B.U.H) used to practice Itikaaf in the last ten nights and say: ‘Seek out Lailatul-Qadr in the (odd nights) of the last ten days of Ramadhan.” (Bukhari, Muslim)

If some one is too weak and unable to pray for all odd nights, then he must not let go the last seven nights. It is reported from Ibn Umar (R.A):

“Allah’s Messenger (P.B.U.H) said: “Seek it in the last ten, and if one of you is too weak or unable then let him not allow that to make him miss the final seven.” (Bukhari, Muslim)

How should we observe Laylatul-Qadr:
1. The prophet (P.B.U.H) used to stay up and pray on Lailatul-Qadr so it is prescribed to stay up and pray whole night. The Prophet (P.B.U.H) said:

“Whoever stands in (Prayer) in Lailatul-Qadr out of Eemaan and seeking reward then his previous sins are forgiven.” (Bukhari)

2. It is prescribed to supplicate a great in Lailatul Qadr. It is reported from Aisha (R.A):

“O Messenger of Allah! What if I knew which night Lailatul-Qadr was, then what should I say in it?” He said: “Say: Allaahumma innaka ‘affuwwun tuhibbul ‘afwa fa’fu ‘annee.” (O Allah, You are forgiving and You love forgiveness, so forgive me).” (at-Tirmidhi)

3. One should strive hard in worship during the last ten days of Ramadan. The Prophet (P.B.U.H) used to worship in the last ten days of Ramadan as he never did at any other time. One should pray, read Quran and make Dua’s. it is reported from Aisha (R.A):

“The Prophet (P.B.U.H) used to exert himself in the last ten nights more than he would at other times.” (Muslim)

If one misses this blessed night it is as if he has missed a lot. Therefore every Muslim should pray and hope for the great reward associated with this night.