Night of Qadr

Laylat al-Qadr, according to Islam, is a unique time period during which the Qur’an al-Karim began to be revealed, regarded as more virtuous than a thousand months, and described as a time when “the gates of heaven are opened and prayers and repentances are accepted.” In dictionaries, the word “qadr” carries meanings such as decree, honor, power, nobility, and grandeur.

In religious literature, this night is referred to as “Laylat al-Qadr” and is considered the most sacred moment in Islamic history because it is the night when the first verses of the Qur’an were revealed by Allah to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The night derives its name from the immense value of the worship performed during it and the fact that divine decrees are communicated to the angels on this night.^【1】

Laylat al-Qadr is described in both Surah al-Qadr and Surah al-Dukhan as a “blessed night” and constitutes a turning point in human guidance.^【2】 The primary reason it is called “Qadr” is that the Qur’an al-Karim began to be revealed on this night, thereby honoring and elevating its status.

Moreover, this night is regarded as a “Night of Decree,” during which matters ordained by Allah are distinguished and determined.

In discussions regarding the nature of Laylat al-Qadr, some have suggested that this night may have been recognized as sacred even before the revelation of the Qur’an.

While some modern exegetes argue this view based on reports of the Prophet’s pre-revelation devotional practices (tahannuth) in Hira, referring to “numbered nights,” the majority of Islamic scholars hold that Laylat al-Qadr acquired its unique sanctity with the advent of Islam.^【3】

Laylat al-Qadr is the only night explicitly named in the Qur’an al-Karim. In Surah al-Qadr, the 97th chapter of the Qur’an, it is stated that the divine message was revealed on this night and that it is more virtuous than a thousand months.

^{Laylat al-Qadr} (Anadolu Ajansı)

The phrase “a thousand months” corresponds to approximately 83 years and four months, a period generally understood to equal a human lifetime.^【4】

In tafsir sources, it is noted that the number “a thousand months” may be symbolic, indicating abundance, or may refer to a thousand months excluding Laylat al-Qadr itself.

In Surah al-Dukhan, this night is referred to as a “blessed night,” and it is stated that every wise matter is decreed by Allah on this night through a command.^【5】 On this night, angels and the Spirit (Jibril) descend to earth, scattering light everywhere; until the break of dawn, it is a time of complete peace and safety.

In Islamic belief, Laylat al-Qadr is regarded as a great opportunity for the forgiveness of sins and spiritual gain. Some prominent aspects of its virtue include:

^{Laylat al-Qadr} (Anadolu Ajansı)

• More Virtuous Than a Thousand Months: Worship performed on this night is said to be more virtuous than worship performed over a period of eighty-three years and four months.^【6】
• Promise of Forgiveness: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) promised that those who spend this night in worship with sincere faith and seeking reward from Allah will have their past sins forgiven.^【7】
• Decree for the Coming Year: The provisions, lifespan, and all events destined to occur in the coming year are communicated by Allah’s decree to the angels on this night.
• Descent of the Angels: As stated in Surah al-Qadr, angels and Jibril descend to earth, scattering light everywhere; according to reports, the number of angels exceeds the number of pebbles on earth.^【8】

^{Laylat al-Qadr} (Anadolu Ajansı)

The Qur’an does not specify the exact night of Laylat al-Qadr, but confirms it occurs within the month of Ramadan. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) concealed its precise timing to prevent the community from becoming lax in worship and recommended seeking it during the odd-numbered nights of the last ten days of Ramadan (the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th nights).^【9】

The prevailing view and practice in the Islamic world is that the 27th night of Ramadan is Laylat al-Qadr. However, some scholars hold that this date may vary annually and could fall on any night of Ramadan.

There is no specific prescribed form of worship exclusively for Laylat al-Qadr, but it is recommended to spend the night in recitation of the Qur’an, prayer, supplication, and seeking forgiveness.^【10】

• Prayer: Muslims observe this night through performing missed prayers and voluntary prayers; reports indicate that performing the Isha and Fajr prayers in congregation suffices as having observed the entire night.
• Supplication and Seeking Forgiveness: One of the most important invocations for this night is the prayer taught by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to Aisha: “O Allah, indeed You are Oft-Forgiving, You love to forgive, so forgive me.”
• Recitation of the Qur’an: Since the Qur’an began to be revealed on this night, reciting it and reflecting upon its meaning are considered among the most virtuous acts.
• Itikaf: Secluding oneself in the mosque during the last ten days of Ramadan for worship is a sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) aimed at attaining Laylat al-Qadr.

Hadiths mention certain signs associated with Laylat al-Qadr. According to some reports, on the morning of this night, the sun rises white, without radiance, “like a dish.” It is also described as a night that is mild, calm, neither excessively hot nor cold, and entirely free from evil.^【11】 However, reports concerning weather conditions should not be assumed to apply universally to all Laylat al-Qadr nights.^【12】