The Night of Lailatul Qadr: A Night Better Than a Thousand Months
Lailatul Qadr is a highly special night in the sight of Allah SWT. It is a night of immense virtue, where Allah grants great forgiveness and immeasurable rewards to those who worship Him sincerely.
The Greatness of Lailatul Qadr in the Quran
The virtue of Lailatul Qadr is mentioned in Surah Al-Qadr, verse 3:
لَيْلَةُ ٱلْقَدْرِ خَيْرٌۭ مِّنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍۢ
"The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months." (QS. Al-Qadr: 3)
This verse explains that worship performed on Lailatul Qadr is more valuable than worship done over a thousand months, which equals more than 83 years. This is a great mercy from Allah SWT because not everyone is granted such a long life to worship. However, through this blessed night, a Muslim can earn rewards equivalent to decades of worship in just one night.
Lailatul Qadr: The Night of Great Forgiveness
Besides being a night full of blessings, Lailatul Qadr is also a night of immense forgiveness. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
"Whoever stands (in prayer) on the Night of Qadr with faith and hope (for the reward of Allah), his past sins will be forgiven." (HR. Bukhari & Muslim)
This hadith emphasizes that anyone who sincerely worships on this night, with true faith and a sincere heart, will have all their past sins forgiven by Allah SWT.
When Does Lailatul Qadr Occur?
Lailatul Qadr usually falls on the odd-numbered nights of the last ten nights of Ramadan. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
"Seek Lailatul Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten nights of Ramadan." (HR. Bukhari & Muslim)
Several narrations mention that Lailatul Qadr often falls on the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th night of Ramadan. However, many scholars believe that the 27th night is the most likely based on certain hadiths.
Nevertheless, to fully benefit from its blessings, Muslims should not only focus on one specific night but rather devote themselves to worship throughout the last ten nights of Ramadan.
Recommended Acts of Worship on Lailatul Qadr
To fully attain the blessings of Lailatul Qadr, here are some recommended acts of worship:
- Night Prayer (Qiyamul Lail)
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) strongly encouraged night prayers, especially during the last ten nights of Ramadan. Performing Tahajjud and other voluntary prayers during this night carries immense rewards.
- Recitation of the Quran
Since the Quran was first revealed on Lailatul Qadr, reading, understanding, and reflecting upon its verses on this night is highly encouraged.
- Supplication and Remembrance of Allah (Dhikr)
One of the best supplications taught by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to Aisha (RA) when she asked about what to say on Lailatul Qadr is:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي
"Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibbul ‘afwa fa’fu ‘anni."
Meaning: "O Allah, indeed You are the Most Forgiving, and You love to forgive, so forgive me." (HR. Tirmidhi)
- Giving Charity (Sadaqah)
Donating to those in need during the last nights of Ramadan, particularly on Lailatul Qadr, brings immense rewards.
- Seclusion in the Mosque (I'tikaf)
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would seclude himself in the mosque (i’tikaf) during the last ten nights of Ramadan to seek Lailatul Qadr. This act of devotion helps believers draw closer to Allah.
Lailatul Qadr is an exceptionally blessed night that Allah SWT has granted to the Muslim Ummah. It is a night better than a thousand months, and those who sincerely worship on this night will receive immense rewards and forgiveness.
Since its exact timing is unknown, Muslims are encouraged to increase their acts of worship throughout the last ten nights of Ramadan, especially on the odd nights. With sincerity and dedication, may we all be granted the blessings of Lailatul Qadr, forgiveness of our sins, and the mercy of Allah SWT. Ameen.