Laylatul Qadr and the Importance of the last 10 Nights of Ramadan
Written by Suha Syed
The last 10 days and nights of Ramadan are upon us and with this blessed time brings Laylatul Qadr, known as the night of power. As the most beneficial month of the Islamic calendar comes to a close, it is our duty as Muslims to be as proactive as possible in our faith in order to benefit from Allah’s mercy.
The Significance of Laylatul Qadr
Muslims believe that certain times, particularly during the blessed month of Ramadan to be sacred, Laylatul Qadr being no exception. It is believed that the Holy Quran was revealed on this night and those who spend it in worship will be rewarded as if they have been doing so for a thousand months. The 97th Surah of the Holy Quran, titled Al- Qadr, goes into detail about this monumental time.
“Indeed, We revealed [the Qur’an] during the Night of Decree. And what can make you know what is the Night of Decree? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter. Peace it is until the emergence of dawn. (97:1-5)”
Another significant aspect of Laylatul Qadr is that it’s The Night of Decree. Muslims believe affairs and events related to creation will be decided on this night for the following year. Muslims use this opportunity to seek from Allah the different things they hope to happen for the year, whether it is traveling opportunities, increases in wealth or better health. They also believe that angels descend to join circles of prayer. Therefore, by spending it in worship (ibadah), one’s supplications have a higher chance of being accepted if done so with sincerity on this night.
When is Laylatul Qadr?
Laylatul Qadr falls on the odd nights of the last 10 nights of Ramadan. It is recommended that Muslims engage in deep and sincere worship every night in order to extract the most benefit from this sacred time.
How should this night be spent?
Spending the night in prayer is the best way to benefit from Allah’s mercy.
[1] Long prayers: standing in prayers for a long time shows the willingness of standing for Allah.
Aisha noted that “Allah’s Messenger used to exert himself in devotion during the last ten nights to a greater extent than at any other time.” (Muslim)
[2] Reading Quran: every letter is a reward multiplied.
[3] Doing dhikr: especially as you may become tired from standing, it is beneficial to sit and contemplate about the greatness and mercy of Allah.
A’isha 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).” (Tirmidhi)
[4] A lot of dua. This is the night you can ask for all the dreams you have for the upcoming year. Whether it’s moving to a dream home, having a wonderful career, or excelling in your academic pursuits. No dua is impossible for Allah. The best thing to do is have a dua list inclusive of all your desires for this world and the hereafter, and listing out your friends and families you want to make dua for.
[5] Donate generously. Give your zakat. Give your sadaqa!
Importance of the last ten nights
As Ramadan comes to a close, the last ten nights are a special time to spend in worship and the remembrance of Allah. If you feel as if the first 20 nights of Ramadan were not spent in proper worship, use this time to put your full energy in prayer and ibadat. The last ten days are especially beneficial for giving Zakat as one’s deeds are counted to a higher degree.
May Allah see the sincerity in our efforts and continue to guide us all on the straight path, Ameen.