Laylatulm Qadr, also known as the Night of Destiny, is one of the holiest nights in Islam. It is believed to be the night when the Qur’an was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad (SAW), and it carries immense spiritual rewards for those who stay up to commune with God during this night.
Proprietor of Ar-Rushdy Comprehensive Schools, Imam Abdul Wāsi’ Yusuf Ar-Rushdyexplained the meaning behind the term, he said “LaylatulQadr is an Arabic term where ‘Layla’ means night and ‘Qadr’ means destiny or decree. It is a night of majesty, a night when Allah’s decrees are sent down.”
The significance of LaylatulQadris highlighted in the Qur’an, particularly in Surah Al-Qadr (Chapter 97), which states that worship on this night is better than a thousand months, equivalent to approximately 83 years and four months. “If you have the opportunity to worship on this night and Allah accepts your supplications, it is as if you have worshipped for over 1,000 months” Imam Abdul Wāsi’ noted.
Beyond the immense rewards of worship, he also emphasised that “on this night, the angels descend, including Jubril, seeking mercy for the believers. They intercede for those who engage in prayer and supplication with sincerity.”
However, despite its importance, LaylatulQadr is often misunderstood. One of the common misconceptions, according to Imam Abdul Wāsi’, is the assumption that it always falls on a specific date. “Some people insist that LaylatulQadr is on the 27th of Ramadan, but the Prophet (SAW) never gave an exact date. He advised us to seek it in the last ten nights, particularly on the odd-numbered nights, meaning it could fall on the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th night.”
Another misconception he pointed out is the idea that LaylatulQadr can be observed during the day. “Some people organise gatherings in the afternoon, calling it their own LaylatulQadr. How can a night turn into a day?” he questioned, stressing that the observance of LaylatulQadr should take place at night through worship and devotion.
Furthermore, he criticised the practice of turning LaylatulQadrinto a social or entertainment event. “You see people singing, drumming, and dancing, claiming to be searching for LaylatulQadr. This is not the way the Prophet (SAW) taught us to seek the Night of Majesty.”
NASFAT President, Alhaji Ayodeji AbdulwahidAbdulrauf, also shared his thoughts on how Muslims should approach the last ten days of Ramadan. “The first ten days are for seeking mercy, the second ten for seeking forgiveness, and the last ten for seeking protection from Hellfire. But during these last ten days, many people start getting weak. This is the time we should put in more effort because the rewards are multiplied.”
He also highlighted the practice of giving charity during this period, sharing a personal experience: “I once approached a donor for a contribution towards our mosque project, and he told me to wait until Ramadan. Now, I know he is deliberately waiting for the last ten days because of the greater rewards attached to charity during this period.”
Asiwaju Musulumi of Iwo land who is also a veteran journalist,Alhaji LiadTellaemphasised thatLaylatulQadris a night of deep reflection, not a time for frivolity. “Muslims should not joke with this night. All prayers are answered during LaylatulQadr, and it is a night of total submission to Allah.
He also urged Muslims to continue in the spirit of Ramadan even after the holy month ends. “Ramadan is a period of spiritual renewal. If you fast for 30 days and change your ways, do not go back to old habits after Ramadan. Allah has wiped away our sins, and we should not return to them.”
As search is on forLaylatulQadrwithin the last ten days of Ramadan, the message to Muslims is clear: it is a night that should be taken seriously. Imam Abdul Wāsi’ urged believers to “strive in worship, supplication, and seeking forgiveness, as no one is guaranteed another Ramadan.” He also encouraged engaging in I’tikaaf, the practice of staying in the mosque for dedicated worship, as was the tradition of the Prophet (SAW).
For those in search of divine blessings, Alhaji LiadTella advised: “The best thing a Muslim can do on this night is Tahajjud (night prayer) and Dhikr (remembrance of Allah). Everyone, even those who are sick, should try to take advantage of LaylatulQadr.”
LaylatulQadris not just a night of prayer, it is a night of transformation. As Muslims around the world seek the mercy and blessings of Allah, the call is to remain steadfast, sincere, and committed to faith, not just for one night, but beyond Ramadan and always.
