The Night of Power – Described as ‘Better than a Thousand Months’
Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power), which falls towards the end of Ramadan, is a great opportunity for Muslims. This night marks the beginning of the blessed time when the Quran was revealed. So, what prayers and acts of worship should be performed on Laylat al-Qadr? In this article, we will examine the virtues of Laylat al-Qadr and 10 important recommended acts of worship to perform during this night.
The most exceptional time in Ramadan is Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power). Allah Almighty states in the Surah Al-Qadr that the Quran was revealed on this night and that Laylat al-Qadr is better than a thousand months. (See Surah Al-Qadr 1-5)
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said about this night: “Whoever spends the Night of Power in worship, believing in it and seeking its reward only from Allah – except for rights over people – his past sins will be forgiven.” (Muslim, Musafirīn, 175)
Another hadith states:
“There is a night in Ramadan that Allah makes better than a thousand months. Whoever misses out on the goodness of that night has truly missed out on a great blessing.”” (Nasā’ī, Siyām, 5; Ahmed, II, 230, 385, 425)
Therefore, Laylat al-Qadr is of immense value, and it is the duty of every Muslim to make the most of this night.
Prayers and Acts of Worship Recommended for Laylat al-Qadr
Laylat al-Qadr is a sacred night when the Quran was revealed. This night is described as “better than a thousand months” in Surah Al-Qadr (Surah Al-Qadr 3).
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) has given the glad tidings that those who revive Laylat al-Qadr with belief and expecting reward from Allah will have their past sins forgiven. (Bukhari, “Fazlu leyleti’l-Ḳadr”, 1; Muslim, “Ṣalâtü’l-müsâfirîn”, 175-176)
Although the exact date of Laylat al-Qadr is not known, it is recommended to seek it within the last ten days of Ramadan. (Bukhari, Fazlu leyleti’l-kadr, 3 [2018])
1. Making Dua (Supplication)
Dua for Laylat al-Qadr
One of the most important acts of worship to perform on Laylat al-Qadr is making dua. Lady Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) asked the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him):
“O Messenger of Allah! If I knew which night that was, how would I pray in it?”
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) recommended the following prayer:
Recitation: