Laylat al-Qadr: What is it, what are its virtues, and how to prepare for it?

Laylat al-Qadr What is it, what are its virtues, and how to prepare for it

Amid the final ten nights of Ramadan lies a night unlike any other—a night bathed in divine light, overflowing with mercy, and elevated by the descent of angels.

It is Laylat al-Qadr, the crown jewel of Ramadan, the soul of its nights, and a gateway to immense reward.

 

Allah Almighty says in the Qur’an:

“Indeed, We sent it [the Qur’an] down during the Night of Decree.”
“The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.”
(Surah Al-Qadr)

The fact that this single night equals more than 83 years of worship is a powerful reminder: this is no ordinary moment.

Laylat al-Qadr is a rare divine opportunity—one that renews hearts, washes away spiritual burdens, and opens the gates of forgiveness and acceptance.

 

What Is Laylat al-Qadr?

Laylat al-Qadr is one of the last ten nights of Ramadan, most likely to fall on one of the odd-numbered nights (21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th). Its exact date remains unknown—hidden by divine wisdom so believers may seek it with sincerity and devotion.

It was on this night that the Qur’an was first revealed, marking the beginning of divine guidance and light for humanity.

 

Laylat al-Qadr What is it, what are its virtues, and how to prepare for it
Laylat al-Qadr What is it, what are its virtues, and how to prepare for it

 

What Happens on Laylat al-Qadr?

Allah says:

“The angels and the Spirit [Jibreel] descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter.”
(Surah Al-Qadr: 4)

On this night, angels fill the earth in great numbers, led by the Archangel Jibreel (Gabriel), as decrees for the coming year are written. It is a night of divine orchestration, where destinies are set and prayers are raised.

The chapter concludes:

“Peace it is until the emergence of dawn.”

A night of pure peace, spiritual serenity, and divine tranquility, stretching until the early light of morning.

 

Its Virtue in the Sunnah

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“Whoever spends Laylat al-Qadr in prayer out of faith and seeking reward, his past sins will be forgiven.”
(Reported in Bukhari and Muslim)

This highlights that praying, reciting Qur’an, making du‘a, and remembering Allah—with sincerity and the hope of reward—is enough to attain complete forgiveness.

When Lady Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) asked the Prophet ﷺ:

“O Messenger of Allah, if I know which night is Laylat al-Qadr, what should I say in it?”
He replied:
“Say: O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness, so forgive me.”

 

How to Prepare for Laylat al-Qadr

Sincere intention: Let your heart seek only Allah’s pleasure.

Night prayers (Qiyam): Stand in prayer, recite, and reflect.

Remembrance and du‘a: Especially the du‘a: “Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibbul ‘afwa fa‘fu ‘anni”.

Recite the Qur’an: The night of its revelation is the best time to reconnect with it.

Charity: Give quietly, for His sake alone.

Purify your heart: Forgive others, and approach the night with a heart full of light.

 

Laylat al-Qadr Is Not Just a Night of Virtue — It’s a Night to Transform Your Destiny

Laylat al-Qadr is not only for those seeking reward—it’s for anyone longing for a new beginning.

For the one burdened by sin, for the confused heart, for the lost soul—this night is for you.

It is a night of divine acceptance, mercy, forgiveness, and renewal—offered to all who sincerely turn to their Creator.

Don’t let it pass like any other night. Make it your night.

 

Also Read: Tahajjud Prayer: The Joy of Intimate Worship and the Path to Elevation