Significance of Laylatul Qadr in Islam

Laylatul Qadr is one of the holiest nights in the Islamic Calendar. It means ‘The night of decree’ or power. Ramadan is a month of heightened spirituality during which Muslims fast, pray, and act charitably. While Ramadan offers several spiritual and health benefits, its last ten days are considered the most rewarding. Laylatul Qadr falls during these last ten days, and with its arrival, believers put much greater effort into maximizing their spiritual rewards and seeking forgiveness from Allah (SWT). In this article, we will explore the significance of Laylatul Qadr, especially in relation to Ramadan.

What is Ramadan, and why is it important?

Ramadan is the ninth and one of the holiest months in Islam. During Ramadan, Muslims practice the fourth pillar of Islam: fasting. Fasting requires believers to refrain from eating, drinking, physical intimacy, and all immoral acts from dawn (fajr) until sunset (maghrib). Allah (SWT) clearly defines the purpose of fasting in the Quran.

“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous –“ (Surat Al-Baqarah, 2:183)

Like most Islamic practices, fasting also centers on the concept of taqwa, piousness resulting from the fear of Allah (SWT). While Ramadan presents an opportunity for the whole society to self-reflect and evolve positively, it also offers salvation and forgiveness for believers as individuals:

Narrated Abu Huraira: I heard Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) saying regarding Ramadan, “Whoever prayed at night in it (the month of Ramadan) out of sincere Faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 2008)

Do you want to catch Laylatul Qadr this Ramadan?

The Three Ashras (Stages) of Ramadan

The month of Ramadan comes in three stages. A unique blessing characterizes each stage.

The first Ashra (ten days) presents the first stage of Ramadan. It reflects the Rehmah, or the mercy of Allah (SWT). The supplication for the first Ashra is as follows:

“My Lord, forgive and have mercy, and You are the best of the merciful.” (Surat Al-Mu’minūn, 23: 118)

رَبِّ اغْفِرْ وَارْحَمْ وَأَنْتَ خَيْرُ الرَّاحِمِينَ

The second Ashra of Ramadan is characterized by Maghfirah, the forgiveness of Allah (SWT). The supplication for the second Ashra is as follows:

“I seek forgiveness from Allah for all my sins and turn to Him.”

اَسْتَغْفِرُ اللهَ رَبِّىْ مِنْ كُلِّ ذَنْۢبٍ وَّاَتُوْبُ اِلَيْهِ

The third and the last Ashra of Ramadan emphasizes Nijat, safety from hell. The supplication for the third Ashra is as follows:

“O Allah, save me from the Hell – Fire”

اَللَّهُمَّ أَجِرْنِي مِنَ النَّارِ

Laylatul Qadr and the Third Ashra of Ramadan

The last Ashra of Ramadan urges believers to repent and seek forgiveness from Allah (SWT) so that they can stay safe from Hell and its horrors. Laylatul Qadr lies in the last ten days of Ramadan. While no one can tell the exact date of Laylatul Qadr’s occurrence, Hadiths confirm that it is one of the last ten nights of Ramadan.

Hazrat Ayesha (R.A) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “Search for the Night of Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan.” Sahih al-Bukhari, 2017

Another Hadith tells us that the Laylatul Qadr occurs during the last seven nights of Ramadan.

Ibn `Umar Narrated that some men amongst the companions of the Prophet (ﷺ) were shown in their dreams that the night of Qadr was in the last seven nights of Ramadan. Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “It seems that all your dreams agree that (the Night of Qadr) is in the last seven nights, and whoever wants to search for it (i.e., the Night of Qadr) should search in the last seven (nights of Ramadan). (Sahih al-Bukhari, 2015)

Increase Your Chances of Catching Laylatul Qadr

What is Laylatul Qadr, and what is its importance?

Laylatul Qadr, or the ‘night of decree’ is described by the Quran as follows:

“The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months” (Surah Al-Qadr, 97:3)

That means that each act of devotion done on Laylatul Qadr will be rewarded as if repeated for a thousand months. Allah (SWT) reserves great incentives for believers willing to spend the night worshipping in pursuit of Allah’s (SWT) forgiveness.

Earlier, in the same Surat, Allah (SWT) tells us that the Quran was revealed on Laylatul Qadr

“Indeed, We sent the Qur’an down during the Night of Decree.” (Surat Al-Qadr 97:1)

In the same Surat, we are given another clue about the power of Laylatul Qadr:

“The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter.” (Surat Al-Qadr, 97:4)

Some scholars believe that the aforementioned Quranic verse indicates that “all the affairs of lifespan, deeds, creation, and provision are decreed on Laylatul-Qadr in the month of Ramadan and will come to pass in the coming year.” (Al-Bayhaqi, Kitab Fada’il Al-Awqat, 213).

Laylatul Qadr is a gift for believers. It is a perfect opportunity to self-reflect and strive for spiritual and ethical improvements. It is a night of decree when everyone’s fate is revealed. The Quran tells us:

“Ha, Meem. By the clear Book, Indeed, We sent it down during a blessed night. Indeed, We were to warn [mankind].On that night is made distinct every precise matter – On that night is made distinct every precise matter – [Every] matter [proceeding] from Us. Indeed, We were to send [a messenger] As mercy from your Lord. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the Knowing.” (Surat Ad-Dukhān (44-1:6)

Such is the importance of Laylatul Qadr, that believers should dedicate the entire last Ashra of Ramadan to worshipping. Charity is a practical form of worshipping. While it is impossible to be sure of the exact night of Laylatul Qadr, one can give charity during all of the last nights of the last Ashra. This will ensure that you don’t miss the blessings of Laylatul Qadr while helping deserving people during the end of Ramadan.

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Conclusion:

Laylatul Qadr is of immense significance in Islam. The purpose of any Muslim’s life is to pursue taqwa, the fear of Allah (SWT). While fasting helps believers achieve taqwa, Laylatul Qadr provides a great opportunity to ensure safety from Hell and its terrors. It is the “night of decree” that offers elevated rewards. It is a reminder of Allah (SWT)’s boundless grace and kindness and the peak spiritual point during Ramadan.

Significance of Laylatul Qadr in Islam