Is it possible to determine the date of Layla tul Qadar?

In the book of Allah (SWT), the “Night of Decree”, or better known as “Layla tul Qadar”, is described as being “better than a thousand months” (Al Qadr: 3). The majestic nature of this night is contained in these very words- worshipping Allah (SWT), remembering Him or carrying out any good acts on this night is better than the worship of Allah over one thousand months, which essentially boil down to eighty-three years and four months. Knowing these facts, will you not make the best of this opportunity to gain Allah’s (SWT) favor?

Layla tul Qadar is believed to fall somewhere in the last ten days of the precious month of Ramadan, hence the Prophet (PBUH) made full spiritual use of these days. Towards the end of Ramadan, specifically on the last ten days, our Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is known to have dedicated all his time to worship, prayers and making Dua, more than he did at any other day or time. He would stay up all night and encourage his family to stay awake and engage in worship with him during these last few days. He also practiced ‘Itikaf’ (in the mosque) during this period, enjoining others to follow suit.

Narrated by Aisha (RA): The Messenger of Allah (SWT) used to practice Itikaf in the last ten nights of Ramadan and used to say, “Look for the Night of Qadr in the last ten nights of the month of Ramadan” ( Sahih Bukhari: 2020)

The Holy Prophet further specified that the majestic night of Decree will most likely fall on the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan. As narrated by Aisha (RA), the Holy Prophet (PBUH) said:

"Search for the Night of Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan" ( Sahih Bukhari: 2017).

He even went into greater detail as to when we should seek it:

As narrated by Ibn Abbas, The Prophet (PBUH) as saying, "Seek laitat al-Qadr in the last ten night of Ramadan. When nine (nights) remain (i.e. on the twenty first) , when seven (night) remain (i.e. on the twenty third), and when five (nights) remain (i.e. on the twenty fifth)" ( Abu Dawud: 1381).

Layla tul Qadar is a blessed gift for every believer because those who spend this night in worship, prayer, and repentance, all their sins are wiped out and they gain endless rewards from the Almighty. The rewards of worship and prayers are multiplied several times over on this blessed night, as it is deemed to be better than a thousand months of worship. According to our beloved Prophet (PBUH):

"Whoever fasted the month of Ramadan out of sincere Faith (i.e. belief) and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his past sins will be forgiven, and whoever stood for the prayers in the Night of Qadr out of sincere Faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven" ( Sahih Bukhari; 2014).

The night varies every single year according to Allah’s (SWT) Will. There is no set date for it. So can we ever know for sure which night Allah (SWT) chooses to be Layla tul Qadar? Are there any signs? It seems there are. The companions of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) used to recognize certain signs indicating the Night of Decree. Some scholars believe that one of the signs of Layla tul Qadar is the rising of the sun the next day without any visible rays. Others believe that the following morning of Layla tul Qadar has a special sense of deep peace and quiet which is uncommon on other days. However, the general and more accurate consensus remains that it falls somewhere in the last ten odd nights of Ramadan.

The important point to be made here is to not get lost in just identifying the signs of Layla tul Qadar, instead, it is to dedicate ourselves to Allah (SWT) in Ramadan and continue our worship and prayers throughout the month. The believers of faith who take advantage of these days, and dedicate their time in the remembrance and worship of Allah (SWT), who recite the book of Allah (SWT) and those who carry out good deeds will not miss the opportunity to gain the promised rewards by Allah (SWT) and enjoy the benefits of Layla tul Qadar, Insha Allah.

Also See:

Duas to recite during Ramadan