Imagine being given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity where, in just one night, you can earn the rewards of over 83 years of worship. That’s Laylatul Qadr, the Night of Power, a night so special and full of blessings that Allah dedicated an entire Surah (Chapter 97) in the Qur’an to highlight its significance.
اللَّيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ خَيْرٌ مِّنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍ
“The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.” (Qur’an 97:3)
This means that whatever you do on this night, your prayers, your charity, your recitation of the Qur’an will be rewarded as if you did it continuously for more than a thousand months (over 83 years)!
But what makes this night so powerful? And how can we make the most of it? Let’s dive in!
Why is Laylatul Qadr So Important?
1. It’s the Night the Qur’an Was Revealed
Laylatul Qadr is when the greatest miracle in Islam, the Qur’an, was first sent down. It was on this night that Angel Jibril (Gabriel) came to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) with the first revelation:
ٱقْرَأْ بِٱسْمِ رَبِّكَ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَ
"Read! In the name of your Lord who created." (Qur’an 96:1)
Imagine someone hands you the most valuable book ever, one that contains the secrets to success in both this life and the Hereafter. Wouldn’t you want to treasure it and study it? This is what the Qur’an is, and Laylatul Qadr is the night it was first given to humanity.
2. Your Sins Can Be Completely Erased
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
مَن قَامَ لَيْلَةَ القَدْرِ إِيمَانًا وَاحْتِسَابًا، غُفِرَ لَهُ مَا تَقَدَّمَ مِنْ ذَنْبِهِ
“Whoever prays during Laylatul Qadr with faith and seeking reward, their past sins will be forgiven.” (Sahih Bukhari)
We all have things we regret—mistakes, missed prayers, harsh words, or bad habits. Laylatul Qadr is a chance to wipe your record clean and start fresh with Allah’s forgiveness.
3. The Angels Fill the Earth with Peace
Allah says:
تَنَزَّلُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ وَالرُّوحُ فِيهَا بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهِم مِّن كُلِّ أَمْرٍ سَلَامٌ هِيَ حَتَّىٰ مَطْلَعِ الْفَجْرِ
“The angels and the Spirit [Jibril] descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter. Peace it is until the emergence of dawn.” (Qur’an 97:4-5)
On this night, countless angels come down to the earth, spreading peace and blessings. It’s a night filled with tranquility, hope, and mercy.
Have you ever felt that strange calmness in the air during the last nights of Ramadan? Many people describe a unique peace, as if the whole world slows down, this is one of the signs of Laylatul Qadr.
How to Make the Most of Laylatul Qadr
Since we don’t know exactly which night it is, the Prophet (peace be upon him) advised us:
تَحَرَّوْا لَيْلَةَ الْقَدْرِ فِي الْعَشْرِ الأَوَاخِرِ مِنْ رَمَضَانَ، فِي الْوِتْرِ مِنْهَا
“Seek Laylatul Qadr in the last ten nights of Ramadan, particularly in the odd nights.” (Sahih Muslim)
That means we should increase our worship in the last 10 nights, especially on nights like the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, and 29th of Ramadan.
Here’s what you can do:
1. Pray Extra Night Prayers (Tahajjud & Qiyam-ul-Layl)
This is the best night for standing in prayer! Even if you struggle to pray long Rak‘ahs, try at least two sincere Rak‘ahs and ask Allah for whatever is in your heart.
You don’t need to be a scholar or a saint just talk to Allah. Imagine standing before Him, asking for guidance, healing, success, and Jannah. This is your night to pour your heart out.
2. Make Powerful Du‘as (Supplications)
One of the best du‘as to say on Laylatul Qadr is the one the Prophet (peace be upon him) taught Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her):
اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي
Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibbul ‘afwa fa‘fu ‘anni.
(O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, and You love to forgive, so forgive me.) (Tirmidhi)
If you could ask for anything and be guaranteed an answer, what would it be? This is your moment. Laylatul Qadr is the night to make du‘a with full faith that Allah is listening.
3. Read and Reflect on the Qur’an
Since this is the night the Qur’an was revealed, what better way to honor it than by reciting and reflecting on it? Even if you struggle with Arabic, read the translation and try to understand Allah’s message to you.
Ever felt like a certain verse spoke directly to your heart? That’s because the Qur’an is alive with guidance. Take this night to find verses that inspire and motivate you.
4. Give Charity (Sadaqah)
The rewards for giving in charity on Laylatul Qadr are multiplied beyond imagination. Even if you give a small amount, Allah will count it as if you gave it for over 83 years!
Many people set up automatic donations during the last ten nights so they never miss Laylatul Qadr. Even if you give just ₦500 or $1 every night, it could be the best investment of your life.
5. Repent & Let Go of Grudges
Laylatul Qadr is a night of forgiveness. But if we want Allah to forgive us, we should also forgive others.
Is there someone you’ve been holding a grudge against? Use this night to let go. Remember, when you forgive, you free yourself first.
In conclusion, you wake up the next morning with a heart full of peace, knowing that your past sins have been erased and that you’ve just secured a lifetime of rewards. That’s the power of Laylatul Qadr.
So, whether you can spend the whole night in worship or just a few sincere moments, make it count. Because this is not just another night—it’s a golden opportunity to rewrite your destiny.
May Allah allow us all to experience the blessings of Laylatul Qadr and grant us entry into Jannah. Ameen!