Laylat al-Qadr is one of the special opportunities to attain divine mercy and grace. Allah the Almighty says in the Qur’an: «لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ خَيْرٌ مِنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍ» Translation: “The Night of Qadr is better than a thousand months.” (Qur’an 97:3)
This means that whoever performs a few rak’ahs of prayer on this night is as if they have earned the reward of over 83 years of worship. Reciting one juz’ of the Qur’an carries the reward of reciting it for a thousand months. Similarly, the reward for other righteous deeds—such as charity, kindness, remembrance (Zikr), supplication (Dua), and seeking forgiveness—is multiplied by a thousand months during this night.
Sufyan al-Sawri reported that Mujahid said: “The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.” He explained: “The fasting and night prayers performed on it are better than those of a thousand months.”
Among the blessings of this night is that the glorious Qur’an was revealed during it. Allah (SWT) says: «إِنَّا أَنْزَلْنَاهُ فِي لَيْلَةٍ مُبَارَكَةٍ إِنَّا كُنَّا مُنْذِرِينَ» Translation: “Indeed, We sent it down during a blessed night. Indeed, We were to warn [mankind].” (Qur’an 44:3)
Etymology of the Word “Qadr”
The term “Qadr” in “Laylat al-Qadr” derives from the Arabic root (ق-د-ر), which carries multiple meanings relevant to this night:
1. Decree and Measurement:
“Qadr” signifies divine ordainment. On this night, Allah determines the year’s destiny for all creation, as stated in the Qur’an: «فِيهَا يُفْرَقُ كُلُّ أَمْرٍ حَكِيمٍ» Translation: “On that night is made distinct every precise matter.” (Qur’an 44:4)
2. Honor and Status: “Qadr” also denotes exalted rank. The night is named so due to its immense value—surpassing a thousand months—as emphasized in Surah al-Qadr.
3. Constriction and Grandeur: Another meaning is “constriction,” reflecting how the earth becomes crowded with angels and divine mercy. Allah says: «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)
How to Honor and Benefit from Laylat al-Qadr
Allah Almighty has ordained Laylat al-Qadr as a precious and special gift for His servants, so that they may earn a great reward in a short time and draw closer to their Lord.
But how can one benefit from this valuable opportunity? The best deeds on this night are performing prayers (Salat), standing in devotion before the Lord of the Worlds, reciting the Quran, making supplications (Dua), giving charity (Sadaqah), observing Itikaf (seclusion in the mosque), engaging in remembrance (Dhikr), glorifying Allah (Tasbih), seeking forgiveness (Istighfar), and showing pardon and forgiveness to others.
By performing these acts of worship, one can benefit from the blessings of Laylat al-Qadr and be among those who are encompassed by Allah’s mercy and forgiveness.
It is authentically reported from the Prophet (PBUH) that he said: “Whoever prays on Laylat al-Qadr with faith and hoping for reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven.”
And standing in prayer on this night refers to Tahajjud (night prayers). The Prophet (PBUH) instructed Aisha (MABH) to make supplication on this night. Sufyan (MABH) said: “Supplication on this night is more beloved to me than prayer.” If a person recites the Quran and makes supplication and asks Allah, it is possible that his supplication will be answered.
The Prophet (PBUH) used to perform Tahajjud during the nights of Ramadan and recite the Quran with measured recitation (Tartil). Whenever he came to a verse of mercy, he would ask Allah for it, and whenever he came to a verse of punishment, he would seek refuge with Allah from it. He would combine prayer, recitation, supplication, and contemplation, and this is the most complete and superior of deeds during the nights of the last ten days (including Laylat al-Qadr) and at other times as well.
Sha’bi (MABH) said regarding Laylat al-Qadr: “Its night is as bright as its day.” Shafi’i (MABH) said: “I like that a person’s striving during its day is like his striving during its night.”
On Laylat al-Qadr, more attention should be given to the Dua: «اللهم انک عفو تحب العفو فاعف عنی» because it is a comprehensive and inclusive supplication. Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) asked: “O Messenger of Allah, if I know which night is Laylat al-Qadr, what should I say in it?” He said: “Say: «اللهم انک عفو تحب العفو فاعف عنی» meaning: “O Allah, you are Forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me.”
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