Laylatul Qadr: the Night of Decree and how to seek it

Allah says: "The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months." (Qur'an 97:3) A lifetime of worship compressed into a single night.

What is Laylatul Qadr?

Laylatul Qadr, the Night of Decree, is the night in which the Qur'an began to be revealed. Surah al-Qadr describes the angels and the Spirit descending by their Lord's permission with every decree, and calls the night peace until the break of dawn.

When is Laylatul Qadr?

It is hidden in the last ten nights of Ramadan, and most strongly expected in the odd nights: the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th and 29th. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Seek it in the last ten nights of Ramadan," and: "Seek it in the odd nights of the last ten." (Sahih al-Bukhari 2017; Sahih Muslim 1169) Its exact date being concealed is a mercy — it pushes a believer to stand every one of those nights rather than one.

What is the dua for Laylatul Qadr?

Aisha asked the Prophet ﷺ what to say if she knew which night it was. He taught her:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي

*Allahumma innaka 'Afuwwun tuhibbul-'afwa fa'fu 'anni.*

"O Allah, You are Most Forgiving and You love forgiveness, so forgive me." (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 3513; Sunan Ibn Majah 3850 — graded authentic)

How should I spend the night?

Pray Qiyam al-Layl, whether that is two rak'ahs or twenty. Recite the Qur'an slowly and understand it. Make long dua for yourself, your parents and the ummah. Give charity, even a small amount. Pray Isha and Fajr in congregation, since whoever prays Isha and Fajr in congregation has a share of standing the night.

Does it come with signs?

Descriptions mention a still, temperate night and a sun that rises the next morning without piercing rays. These are signs recognised afterwards, not a way to pick the night in advance. Do not spend the last ten nights hunting for signs — spend them worshipping.

I have work and family — what is realistic?

Choose a plan you can repeat for ten nights instead of one heroic night that ends in exhaustion. Sleep early, wake in the last third, pray what you can, and ask for forgiveness. Consistency across the ten nights is what catches the night, whichever one it turns out to be.

I'tikaf in the last ten nights

The Prophet ﷺ would seclude himself in the mosque for the last ten nights. If a full i'tikaf is not possible, some scholars and communities encourage a shorter, permission-based stay in the mosque; even reserving a fixed portion of each night at home for prayer and Qur'an captures much of the spirit.