Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Destiny: Complete Guide
Laylat al-Qadr is a blessed night for Muslims that falls during the last ten days of Ramadan. It is linked to the revelation of the Quran by the angel Jibril and is considered the holiest night in Islam. It also holds great spiritual and symbolic value, as it commemorates the moment when the Prophet Muhammad received the Quran.
Origins of Laylat al-Qadr
Laylat al-Qadr is a blessed night that takes place during the last ten days of Ramadan. According to tradition, it is also during this night that the Prophet Muhammad traveled to the mosque in Jerusalem and received the revelation of the Quran. The Night of Destiny refers to this blessed night and it is customary to associate it with the night of the 23rd of Ramadan. Muslims around the world eagerly await this night every year because it is worth more than 83 years of worship.
Dates of Laylat al-Qadr in 2023
Laylat al-Qadr, also known as the Night of Destiny or Night of Power, falls on the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan, which is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. This year, it falls on April 17, 2023. According to Islam, it is the most sacred night of the year. It is narrated that this night occurs on the 23rd day of Ramadan, although some also include the 19th day in the series. The Night of Destiny is observed in many cultures and is celebrated every year on the 27th day of Ramadan.
Laylat al-Qadr in the Quran and the Sunna
The night of power, or Laylat al-Qadr, falls within the last ten nights of Ramadan. According to Islamic tradition, this sacred night is the night when God revealed the Quran to Prophet Muhammad through the angel Gabriel. It is believed that this night occurred on one of the last 10 nights of Ramadan in 610 CE, although the exact night is unknown. According to the Quran and the Sunna, this blessed night is better than a thousand months. Popular belief holds that Laylat al-Qadr occurs on the odd nights of the last 10 days of Ramadan, and Prophet Muhammad encouraged people to seek this night during the last 7 nights of Ramadan. The Night of Power is a perfect time to study the Quran and pray for divine blessings.
Night prayers and supplications during the Night of Destiny
The Night of Destiny (Laylat al-Qadr) is a blessed night where prayers and supplications are encouraged. According to the Hadith, when Aisha asked Prophet Muhammad how she should pray to Allah during Laylatul Qadr, she was told to recite this Dua for Laylatul Qadr with a sincere heart: "O Allah, You are truly forgiving and generous; You love to forgive, so forgive us." It is also recommended to pray four cycles of ritual prayer (raka'), and to recite the following Dua during the Night of Destiny.
Laylat al-qadr surah
During the Night of Destiny (Laylat al-Qadr), it is recommended to recite Surah Fatiha once, as well as Surah Al-Qadr once and Surah Ikhlas three times. Surah Al-Qadr contains 5 verses and can be read in phonetic Arabic, in Arabic with transliterations, or in English with translations.
Laylat al-qadr phonetic
Surah Al-Qadr can be read in phonetic Arabic, with transliterations, or in French with translations.
What does the word "Al-Qadr" mean?
The word "al-qadr" means "night of destiny" or "night of power" in Arabic. In the Muslim religion, this night is considered very important and takes place during the last ten days of Ramadan. Surah Al-Qadr (the 97th surah) of the Quran contains 5 verses that explain the meaning of this word and its merits. The translation of the meanings of this surah provides a better understanding of its significance.
The Surah Al-Qadr and its verses
Surah Al-Qadr (The Decree) is the 97th surah of the Quran, composed of 5 verses. It speaks about the night of destiny and divine power.
The five verses of Surah Al-Qadr are as follows:
- "Indeed, We sent the revelation (Al-Qadr) down during the Night of Decree." (verse 1)
- "And what can make you know what is the Night of Decree? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months." (verse 3)
- "The angels and the Spirit descend therein, by permission of their Lord, for every matter." (verse 4)
- "It is peace and salvation until the emergence of dawn." (verse 5)
- "It is said: "O pure soul, return to your Lord, well-pleased and pleasing [to Him], and make your abode with My servants." (verse 27)
Muslim artists have created songs and poems to celebrate this surah, such as Mustapha El Gharbi with his song "Sourate Al Qadr" and Hizb Sabih with his song "Sourate Al Qadr".
What are the merits of Laylat-Al-Qadr?
Laylat-al-Qadr is a blessed night for Muslims and it is closely linked to the Quran. It has great value and a high status with God.
Actions performed during this night are better than actions performed during 1000 months other than Ramadan.
There are at least five merits of Laylat-Al-Qadr, notably the fact that the Quran was revealed during this night.
What happens during Laylat-Al-Qadr?
During Laylat-al-Qadr (the blessed night), Muslims are invited to stay awake until dawn and increase prayers and supplications.
When does Laylat-Al-Qadr actually occur?
Laylat-al-Qadr usually falls during the last ten days of Ramadan, most often on the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th day. In 2022, it will take place on April 28. In 2023, it will take place on April 17.
How to celebrate Laylat-Al-Qadr?
To celebrate Laylat-al-Qadr (the blessed night), Muslims are invited to stay awake until dawn and increase prayers and supplications. It is also recommended to recite the Quran, sincerely ask for forgiveness, and make invocations.
Are there physical signs that show the manifestation of Laylat-Al-Qadr?
The physical signs of Laylat-al-Qadr (the blessed night) include the silence of dogs and donkeys, the sea water being sweet and smooth, trees bending their branches out of respect, an indescribable peace from sunset to sunrise, and a gentle and harmonious temperature. The presence of Jibril and angels in large numbers is also a clear sign of the blessing of this night. Unfortunately, these signs are only visible the morning after the night of destiny.
How to prepare for Laylat-Al-Qadr?
To prepare for Laylat-al-Qadr (the blessed night), Muslims are invited to stay awake until dawn and multiply prayers and invocations. It is also recommended to recite the Quran, sincerely ask for forgiveness, make invocations, as well as abandon worldly pleasures to devote oneself to worship and obedience and to give donations. The night of destiny is also considered the night when the Quran was revealed.
Is there a specific invocation for the night of Laylat-Al-Qadr?
A specific invocation for Laylat-al-Qadr (the blessed night) is: "O Allah! You are indeed Forgiving, You love forgiveness, so forgive me!". This invocation is recommended by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and Muslims should multiply prayers and invocations during this blessed night.
Laylat al-Qadr according to classical Sunni exegesis
According to classical Sunni exegesis, Laylat-al-Qadr is the night during which the Quran was revealed to Muhammad in the cave of Hira by the angel Gabriel (Jibrīl or Jibrā'īl). This exegesis differs from the ancient Shi'ite exegesis which does not consider the "descent" of the Quran as the main event of this night. In Sunni exegesis, the Quran was revealed in its entirety during this night, but its revelation spanned 23 years. The date of Laylat-al-Qadr for 2023 is Thursday, April 17, 2022. Classical Sunni exegesis is distinguished from other exegeses such as allegorical and historical-critical which interpret religious texts differently.
The benefits of laylat al qadr (the Night of Destiny)
The most pious will have the privilege of experiencing an incredible event on this blessed night, as it is considered the best of all nights. According to Muslim interpretation, it is the night when the Quran was revealed to Muhammad.
How to recognize laylat al qadr?
To recognize Laylat-al-Qadr (the blessed night), one must know that it is a night that is neither hot nor cold and is luminous. The angels on earth are more numerous than the number of stones, and the sun rises the morning of this night white and bright. Muslims should make invocations, prayers, recite the Quran, and sincerely ask for forgiveness. It is also important to prepare for this blessed night by having a pious attitude and doing good deeds.
How to pray laylat al qadr?
During the Night of Destiny (Laylat al-Qadr), it is recommended to stand in prayer with faith and sincerity. It is also advised to say 70 times "Astaghfiroullâh wa atoûbou ilayhi" (I ask the Lord for forgiveness and repent). The night of destiny is the ideal time to pray and ask Allah for forgiveness for all committed sins. At home, one can start with prayers of 2 rakats, then make invocations and ask for what one desires.