Laylat ul Qadr 2023 - 27th Ramadan 1444

WHEN IS LAYLAT AL QADR 2023?

As we all know Laylat al Qadr is one of the odd nights of the last 10 days of Ramadan. This year, Laylat al Qadr 2023 is expected to be observed on the night of Tuesday, 18th April, 2023. However, exact date is subject to the sighting of the moon of Ramadan, 1444.

Laylat al Qadr (لیلة القدر) is an Arabic world which means Night of Power / Night of Decree in English. It is also known as Laylat al Qadr, Laylatul Qadr, Lailatul Qadr / Lailatul Qadar and (شب قدر) in different parts of world.

Ramadan is the holiest month for all Muslims around the world and Laylat Al Qadr is the holiest night of Ramadan which signifies the importance of this night. As mentioned in the beginning, this night is better than a thousand months and worshiping on this night is better than eighty-three years of worship. This reason alone should encourage a true Muslim to spend this night in prayer, Dua & Dhikr, seeking forgiveness and asking Allah for all the blessings of this world and hereafter.

This night is so valuable that the Quran dedicates a special Surah to it i-e Surah Al-Qadr (97).

WHEN LAYLATUL QADR IS OBSERVED?

Although the exact night on which Laylatul Qadr occurs has not been mentioned anywhere, Prophet Mohammad (S.A.W.) has directed us to seek Laylat Al Qadr during the odd nights of last 10 days of Ramadan. The same is also evident from the following Hadith:

Narrated by Aishah (R.A.) that Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) said: 

“Search for the Night of Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan.”

(Sahih Bukhari: 2017)

So Laylat Al Qadr falls on either 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or 29th night of Ramadan. However, it has been emphasized that it is most likely to be the 27th night of Ramadan.

SIGNIFICANCE OF LAILATUL QADAR

There are many Quranic Ayahs and Hadiths about the importance and significance of this blessed night.

Quran was Descended on this night

The Holy Quran was first sent down from heaven on this night. The same is also evident from the following Ayahs of Quran: 

“Verily, We have sent it (this Qur’an) down in the night of Al-Qadr (Decree).”

(Surah Al-Qadr 97:1)

“Indeed, We sent it down during a blessed night.”

(Surah Dukhan 44:3)

"Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Quran, as a guide to mankind, also clear (signs) for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong)."

(Surah Baqarah 2:185)

The Revelation of the Holy Quran; a sign of Mercy, a guide and a blessing of Allah to mankind. Anyone who is interested in finding the best guide, he/she should look into the teachings of Quran Kareem. 

This Night is better than Thousand Months

Allah says in Quran:

“The night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is better than a thousand months.”

(Surah Al-Qadr 97:3)

This means worshipping Allah in Laylatul Qadr is better, in reward, than worshipping Him a thousand months, which is equal to 83 years and 4 months. 

All your past sins will be forgiven

“Whoever established prayers on 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: 1901) 

How Prophet (S.A.W.) observed this night

Praying on this night is also a Sunnah of our beloved Prophet (S.A.W.). Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) would engage himself in devotion during the last ten nights of Ramadan more than he did in any other time of the year. The same is also evident from the following Hadith:

It is narrated by Aishah (R.A.):

“When the last ten nights began (of Ramadan), Allah's Messenger (S.A.W.) kept awake at night (for prayer and devotion), wakened his family, and prepared himself to observe prayer (with more vigour).”

(Sahih Muslim: 1174) 

Purpose of Itikaaf

As narrated by Aishah (R.A.), who said:

‘Allah's Messenger (S.A.W.) 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)

Prophet (S.A.W.) used to pray so much during Itakaaf that his forehead that his forehead would darken due to continuous prostration before Allah.

As reported Abu Sa'id al-Khudri (R.A.):

“Prophet (S.A.W.) adhered to his place of Itikaf and his forehead was besmeared with mud and water."

[Sahih Muslim: 1167 (b)] 

Angels come down to Earth with Goodness

Allah Says in Quran:

“The angels and the spirit descend therein by the command of their Lord with His decrees for every affair.”

(Surah Al-Qadr 97:4)

According to Ibn Kathir, the angels descend in abundance, under the leadership of Hazrat Jibrail (A.S.), during the Night of Al-Qadr. The angels descend with the descension of blessings and mercy of Allah, just as they descend when the Quran is recited. The angles then surround the circles of Dhikr (remembrance of Allah) and they lower their wings with true respect for the student of knowledge. The angels continue giving the greetings of peace during the whole Night of Al-Qadr to the people who are busy in Supplications, Prayers, Quran Recitation, Dhikr of Allah or any remembrance of Allah until the time of Fajr (dawn) comes. 

DUA FOR LAYLATUL QADR

It was narrated from Aishah (R.A.) that she said:

"O Messenger of Allah, what do you think I should say in my supplication, if I come upon Laylatul Qadr?" He said: "Say: