What to Do on Laylat al-Qadr?

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ urged us to spend the night of Laylat al-Qadr in prayer out of faith and in the hope of reward. On Laylat al-Qadr, you can read the Quran, observe i’tikaf, pray qiyam al-layl, and give charity.

What Prophet Muhammad did in the last ten days of Ramadan?

The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to strive hard in worship during the last ten nights of Ramadan as he did not do at other times, praying and reading the Quran.

    Al-Bukhari and Muslim narrated from `Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) that when the last ten days of Ramadan began, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) would stay up at night, wake his family and tie his lower garment tight. According to Ahmad and Muslim: “he would strive hard in worship during the last ten nights of Ramadan as he did not do at other times.”

    Image: A young girl carrying her brother smiling after receiving an Iftar Meal.

      What to do on Laylat al-Qadr?

      The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) urged us to spend the night of Laylat al-Qadr in prayer out of faith and in the hope of reward.

        Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever spends the night of Laylat al-Qadr in prayer out of faith and in the hope of reward, will be forgiven his previous sins.”

        This was narrated by the group apart from Ibn Majah. This hadith indicates that it is prescribed to stay up and spend this night in prayer.

          Best Du`a for Laylat al-Qadr

          One of the best du`a’s that can be recited on Laylat al-Qadr is that which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) taught `Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her). It was narrated by al-Tirmidhi, who classed it as sahih, that `Aishah said: I said: “O Messenger of Allah, If I know which night is Laylat al-Qadr, what should I say?” He said: “Say: Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibb al-‘afwa fa’fu ‘anni (O Allah, You are All-Forgiving and You love forgiveness so forgive me).”

          Singling out one night of Ramadan as Laylat al-Qadr

          With regard to singling out one night of Ramadan and regarding that as Laylat al-Qadr, this requires evidence. But the odd-numbered nights during the last ten nights are more likely than others, and the night of the twenty-seventh is more likely to be Laylat al-Qadr, because of the hadiths which indicate that.

          Virtues of the Last Ten Days of Ramadan

          The last ten days of Ramadan are marked by the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) intensified worship, including secluding himself in I’tikaaf and seeking Laylat al-Qadr. He would stay up at night in prayer and wake his family to join in worship, emphasizing the importance of these nights. The Prophet’s commitment to these practices serves as a model for all Muslims, urging them to strive in worship, as these days may not come again.

          Significance of Laylat al-Qadr

          Laylat al-Qadr, or the Night of Decree, is among the last ten nights, likely on an odd night, and is better than a thousand months. It is the night the Quran was revealed, and on it, every matter of ordainment is decreed. It is a time of peace, with many angels descending, and those who worship on this night with faith and hope for reward will have their past sins forgiven.

          I’tikaaf and Its Importance

          I’tikaaf, or seclusion in the mosque, is a highly recommended act during these nights, as practised by the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). It is a time dedicated to worship and seeking closeness to Allah, avoiding worldly distractions. The practice of I’tikaaf, especially during the last ten nights, helps one focus on worship and seek the blessings of Laylat al-Qadr.

          Signs of Laylat al-Qadr

          Laylat al-Qadr is described as a calm night, neither hot nor cold, and the following morning, the sun rises without visible rays. These signs serve as indicators, but the emphasis remains on sincere worship, regardless of whether one is aware of the exact night.

          Encouragement to Seek Laylat al-Qadr

          Muslims are encouraged to seek Laylat al-Qadr in the last ten nights of Ramadan, especially the odd-numbered nights. The blessings of this night are immense, and missing out on them due to neglect is a lost opportunity for spiritual growth and forgiveness. Muslims are urged to maximize their worship and seek Allah’s mercy during this blessed time.

          May Allah accept our efforts and grant us the blessings of Laylat al-Qadr.

          Image: A young Syrian girl smiling after receiving a meal before Iftar in Ramadan.

            This Ramadan – Help Alleviate Poverty

            We are a UK-based international relief and development charity. Inspired by Islamic teachings of empathy, generosity, and selflessness, we focus on alleviating poverty and suffering across the world. We operate a 100% Zakat Policy, which means every single penny of your Zakat will go to the victims of poverty, wars, and natural disasters.

            Before you support our Food Appeal, Water Appeal, Gaza Emergency Appeal, Syria Emergency Appeal, Yemen Emergency Appeal, Pakistan Appeal, or any Emergency Appeal, remember to make the intention that you are donating for the sake of Allah first and helping your fellow Muslim brothers and sisters second. This is very important because as Muslims, whatever act of worship we do, we do it for the sake of Allah.

            Along with our emergency appeals, we are working on some amazing projects which will, Insha’Allah, bring prosperity to many Muslim homes from around the world. Donate your Sadaqah and Zakat to our projects like Build a Masjid, Livelihoods for the Poor, Sponsor a Widow, Sponsor an Orphan, Sponsor a Nikah, Donate a Sewing Machine, or help educate the Ummah by donating towards education projects, Sponsoring a Hafiz, Sponsoring a Child in Education, or supporting young people in university and Islamic education. Donate with confidence, Insha’Allah, every penny of your donation is your Amanah, and we will try our best to spend it on people who are in need.

            Every year, we as Muslims celebrate two seasons the most: one, Ramadan, and two, the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah. During these blessed days, we put all our efforts into pleasing Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى by performing good deeds. Here at HCR, we provide you with the platform to perform an important act of worship: charity. In Ramadan, you can donate to the Ramadan Food Appeal, and Ramadan Zakat Appeal, Donate Your Fidyah, Donate Your Fitrana, and Pay Your Kaffarah for Breaking Oath or Breaking Fast, especially during the blessed nights of Laylatul Qadr. In Dhul Hijjah, we are here to help fulfil your duty of performing Qurbani. Whichever cause you choose, choose it with confidence. Insha’Allah.