Amid the sacred stillness of Ramadhan’s final nights lies Lailatul Qadar – a night so powerful that it eclipses a thousand months in divine blessings.
More than just a date on the Islamic calendar, this Night of Decree is a moment suspended in celestial significance, marking the very dawn of divine revelation. It was on this night that the first verses of Al-Quran illuminated the world, setting forth a spiritual awakening that would transform history.
For centuries, Muslims have sought its profound mercy, deepening their faith in hushed prayers, candlelit supplications, and shared reverence.
Lailatul Qadar is not merely a night as it is a gateway to infinite grace, a guiding light for believers towards renewal, forgiveness and boundless reward.
A NIGHT THAT CHANGED HISTORY
The origins of Lailatul Qadar trace back to a night unlike any other in the early 7th Century – a night when the heavens stirred, and divine revelation descended upon a solitary seeker in the Cave of Hira.
In the hush of the Meccan desert, the angel Jibreel (Gabriel) appeared before Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), commanding him with the momentous words: “Read! In the name of your Lord who created” (Surah Al-’Alaq, 96:1).
That singular moment ignited a spiritual revolution, transforming an introspective merchant into the bearer of Islam’s eternal message and marking the birth of Al-Quran’s revelation.
Lailatul Qadar is veiled in mystery, nestled within the final 10 nights of Ramadhan, its exact date undisclosed, compelling believers into nights of deep devotion and eager anticipation.
The 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th and 29th nights are often singled out as its most likely occurrence, yet its precise timing remains unknown – a divine wisdom that fuels unwavering spiritual dedication.
With each passing night, worshippers immerse themselves in prayer, seeking the unseen moment when the celestial gates open wide, and the blessings of a thousand months pour forth.
RELIGIOUS IMPORTANCE
Al-Quran itself elevates the significance of Lailatul Qadar with a divine proclamation in Surah Al-Qadr (Chapter 97): “The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months” (97:3).
The celestial decree transforms a single night into a span of more than 83 years of worship, an offering of limitless spiritual reward.
It is a night when the unseen world draws closer, as angels, along with the Spirit (Jibreel), descend by Allah the Almighty’s command, enveloping the earth in an atmosphere of peace and divine mercy until the break of dawn.
The hadith further amplifies its weight, with Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) declaring: “Whoever prays during Lailatul Qadar with faith and sincerity will have all their past sins forgiven” (Sahih Bukhari).
For believers, this is more than a night of devotion. It is an unparalleled opportunity for renewal, a gateway to redemption and spiritual rebirth.
It is the moment when hearts turn fully to their Creator, pleading for forgiveness, for guidance, for blessings beyond measure.
Lailatul Qadar is not just a night of personal worship; it is a unifying force across the Muslim world.
In Makkah and Madinah, millions flood the sacred mosques, standing shoulder to shoulder in hours of prayer.
Across continents, mosques remain illuminated with the hushed murmur of qiamullail , the rhythmic recitation of Al-Quran, and hands raised in earnest supplication.
In Egypt, the night is marked with glowing minarets and televised spiritual programmes, while in South Asia, families gather in prayer, sharing in the collective warmth of faith.
In Turkiye and parts of the Middle East, the air is thick with the solemn beauty of Al-Quran recitations and heartfelt doa, as believers seek the blessings of this divine night.
But beyond the walls of mosques and prayer spaces, Lailatul Qadar ignites a spirit of generosity.
Charity flows freely as believers reach out to those in need, knowing that a single act of kindness on this night carries immeasurable reward.
Food is distributed to the less fortunate, financial aid reaches the struggling, and communities come together in an expression of shared compassion and solidarity.
In the quiet moments of the night, as prayers rise towards the heavens, so too does the spirit of giving – an echo of Lailatul Qadar’s enduring legacy of mercy and grace. – Izah Azahari
