It’s the final days of Ramadan, which means it’s time for one of the most significant nights in the Islamic calendar — Laylatul Qadr, the Night of Decree.
This night holds special importance because it is associated with the revelation of the Qur’an and is described in the Qur’an as a night filled with blessings and mercy. Because its exact date is not known, Muslims are encouraged to increase their prayers and acts of worship during the final nights of Ramadan.
Here are five important facts about Laylatul Qadr that every Muslim should know.
It is the night the Qur’an was first revealed
One of the most important aspects of Laylatul Qadr is that it marks the beginning of the revelation of the Qur’an.
Allah mentions this clearly in the Qur’an:
إِنَّا أَنْزَلْنَاهُ فِي لَيْلَةِ الْقَدْرِ
Translation:
“Indeed, We sent it down during the Night of Decree.” (Qur’an 97:1)
Transliteration:
Innā anzalnāhu fī laylatil qadr.
This verse refers to the moment when the Qur’an began to be revealed to the Prophet Muhammad through the Angel Jibril. Because of this, Laylatul Qadr is deeply connected to the message and guidance of the Qur’an.
The night is better than a thousand months
The Qur’an also emphasises the immense value of this night.
لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ خَيْرٌ مِّنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍ
Translation:
“The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.” (Qur’an 97:3)
Transliteration:
Laylatul qadri khayrun min alfi shahr.
A thousand months is roughly equivalent to more than eighty years. This means that acts of worship performed on Laylatul Qadr are believed to carry rewards greater than those performed over many decades.
Because of this, many Muslims increase their prayers, recitation of the Qur’an, and supplications during the last ten nights of Ramadan in the hope of witnessing this special night.
Angels descend during the night
Another unique feature of Laylatul Qadr is that angels descend to the earth during the night.
The Qur’an states:
تَنَزَّلُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ وَالرُّوحُ فِيهَا بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهِم مِّن كُلِّ أَمْرٍ
Translation:
“The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter.” (Qur’an 97:4)
Transliteration:
Tanazzalul malā’ikatu war-rūḥu fīhā bi’idhni rabbihim min kulli amr.
The exact night is not known
Although Laylatul Qadr is recognised as one of the last ten nights of Ramadan, its exact date has not been specified.
Islamic encourage Muslims to seek the night within the final ten nights, particularly the odd-numbered nights such as the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, and 29th nights of Ramadan.
This uncertainty encourages believers to remain consistent in worship throughout the final nights, and not focus on only one night.
It is described as a night of peace
The Qur’an concludes the description of Laylatul Qadr by emphasising the calm and peaceful nature of the night.
سَلَامٌ هِيَ حَتَّىٰ مَطْلَعِ الْفَجْرِ
Translation:
“Peace it is until the emergence of dawn.” (Qur’an 97:5)
Transliteration:
Salāmun hiya ḥattā maṭla‘il fajr.
Many Muslims understand this verse to mean that the night is filled with tranquillity, mercy, and spiritual peace until the break of dawn.
A night Muslims continue to seek
Because of its significance, Laylatul Qadr remains one of the most anticipated moments of Ramadan. While its exact date is unknown, Muslims continue to seek it through prayer, reflection, and acts of worship during the last ten nights of the fasting month.
These nights represent an opportunity to seek forgiveness, renew faith, connect to Allah, and strengthen connection with Allah before Ramadan comes to an end.
