The Significance of Lailatul Qadr
by Safiul Azam *
Lailatul Qadr is most commonly known as Shab-e-Qadr, the Night of Decree, Night of Power, Night of Value, Night of Destiny, or Night of Measures, is the night when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It is one of the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan and is better than thousands months of worship. Muslims believe that on this night the blessings and mercy of Allah are abundant, sins are forgiven, supplications are accepted, and that the annual decree is revealed to the angels who also descend to earth.
When is Lailatul-Qadr
Lailatul Qadr is to be found in the last five odd nights occurring during the final 10 days of Ramadan. There is no mention in the Quran as to when the specific date is. Therefore, in Islamic countries all over the world observed it mostly in on one of the odd nights (21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or 29th) whereby night precedes day. Many traditions insist particularly on the night before the 27th of Ramadan.
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 (PBUH) 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 (PBUH) 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 (PBUH) 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)
“Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) 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)
The significance of lailatul Qadr (The night of Decree)
The importance of Lailatul Qadr is great since Holy Quran was reveled 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:
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 dawn!
— Sura 97 (Al-Qadr)
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)
How should we observe Laylatul-Qadr
- The prophet (PBUH) used to stay up and pray on Lailatul-Qadr so it is prescribed to stay up and pray whole night. The Prophet (PBUH) said:
“Whoever stands in (Prayer) in Lailatul-Qadr out of Eemaan and seeking reward then his previous sins are forgiven.” (Bukhari)
- 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)
- One should strive hard in worship during the last ten days of Ramadan. The Prophet (PBUH) 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 (PBUH) 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.
This night is as better than thousand months. The whole month of Ramadan is a period of spiritual training wherein believers devote much of their time to fasting, praying, reciting the Quran, remembering Allah (SWT), and giving charity. However, because of the revealed importance of this night, Muslims strive (give more effort) harder in the last ten days of Ramadan. May Allah (SWT) allow us the full benefits of Ramdan and the night of mercy.
*Safiul Azam is an Associate member of ICMAB, Council member of Dhaka Branch Council (DBC) of ICMAB and involves in private service at pharmaceuticals industries. Mr. Azam is a Senior Editorial Consultant of NsNewsWire (an international award winning news agency), Senior Fellow of Bangladesh China Media Consortium (BCMC), Secretary General, The World Raymen (a consortium for peace keeping and aid). He will reach at E-mail: azam_safiul2000@yahoo.com