To avoid wasting time, scholars advise focusing entirely on worship, avoiding unnecessary socialising or arguing, as the night begins at Maghrib (sunset).
No silent prayers or inner cries have echoed more fervently through mosques and homes than during the last 10 nights of Ramadan, as believers hope their prayers reach Allah on Laylat al-Qadr.
“I am living the answer to a prayer I once made,” says Amna, a 40-year-old teacher from Doha, welcoming the first odd night of the last 10 days. Her paper, too small to contain all the duas she’s prepared, holds her hopes—health, peace, love, and guidance.
Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Decree, is unparalleled in significance. The Quran’s 97th chapter is dedicated to it:
‘Indeed, We revealed [the Qur’an] during the Night of Decree. And what can make you know what is the Night of Decree? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months… Peace it is until the emergence of dawn.’
Worth more than 83 years, this night is more precious than a lifetime.
In a lecture at Katara Cultural Village, Shaykh Ismail Menk emphasised the power of Laylat al-Qadr.
“It is Allah’s gift to humanity, His words revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as guidance for all,” he said.
Though the exact date remains unknown, it’s believed to fall on one of the odd nights in the last 10 days of Ramadan. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Search for Laylat al-Qadr in the odd nights of the last 10 nights of Ramadan.”
While many scholars consider the 27th night the most likely, Mufti Menk explains that Allah hid its exact timing to encourage worship every night.
Signs of Laylat al-Qadr include a tranquil, peaceful atmosphere, mild weather, and a sun that rises gently the following morning.
On this night, the Angel Jibril descends to Earth with God’s decree. This makes it the perfect time to pray for protection, forgiveness, and the fulfillment of one’s hopes. Scholars agree, this is both the Night of Power and the Night of Decree.
A’isha (RA) once asked the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) what to say if she knew it was Laylat al-Qadr. He replied, “O Allah, You are the Most Forgiving, and You love to forgive. So forgive me.”
To avoid wasting time, scholars advise focusing entirely on worship, avoiding unnecessary socialising or arguing, as the night begins at Maghrib (sunset).
For those seeking immersion, I’tikaf is one of the most powerful practices. It involves isolating oneself in a mosque or at home for prayer, Quran recitation, and supplication, as Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) did in the last ten days.
Zain, a journalist living in Doha, reflects on the essence of I’tikaf: “It’s just you and your Creator.”
What begins as painful loneliness eventually brings mental detox and a deeper connection to Allah, he explained.
“From God-fearing to God-loving—that’s how my connection has improved.”
As Eid approaches, a quiet sadness often overtakes those in I’tikaf, marking the end of Ramadan. But we are reminded that the same God who gave us limited years grants us nights that carry the weight of a lifetime of worship. And just as the angel Jibril honored Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) on Laylat al-Qadr, he returns every year to honour all of us.
