The Strategy for Finding Laylatul-Qadr

Mahmood Jawaid
April 21, 2021

Abstract:
The Quran states that the night the Quran was revealed is a blessed (Laylatul-Mubarikah) and power
packed night (Laylatul-Qadr). The commentators have understood this to mean that the good acts
performed in this night are worth a lifetime effort.

The reports regarding the dates for the Laylatul-Qadr present three possibilities: (a) the last ten days of
the month of Ramadhan, (b) the odd nights of the last ten days of the month of Ramadhan, and (c) the
27th of Ramadhan. The author is of the view that these dates are not definite dates, but only probabilistic
in nature.

In order to clarify the concept, the author has given a hypothetical example showing that, with the
assumptions made, in a one hundred year time span, for two years each, Laylatul-Qadr would have fallen
on 22nd, 24th, 26th, 28th, and 30th of Ramadhan, for seven years each it would have fallen on 21st, 23rd, 25th,
and 29th of Ramadhan, and for sixty two years it would have fallen on the 27th of Ramadhan (this is just an
example, not an actual prediction). Since it is all a matter of probability, we cannot expect for it to fall on
the 27th each year.

The author proposes two strategies: Simplistic and Rigorous. The rest of the strategies will fall in between.
The simplistic strategy is to pick the 27th of Ramadhan and stick with it for the lifetime. Since it has the
highest probability, you can hit it most of the year, but not every year. The Rigorous strategy is to
designate a portion of every night in the last ten days of Ramadhan. This will ensure you hitting the
Laylatul-Qadr every year. The best way to do this may be to offer Salat-ut-Tahajjud every night.

Copyright 2021 by Mahmood N. A. Jawaid 1

 The Strategy for Finding Laylatul-Qadr

Introduction
The Quran states that it was revealed in the month of Ramadhan.a It also states that it was revealed in the
‘Night of Power (Laylatul-Qadr)’.b In another place the night is also called the ‘Blessed Night (Laylatul-
Mubarakah).c Combining the three verses suggests that it was revealed in the month of Ramadhan in the
night packed with power and blessing. This is the night in which angels under the leadership of Jibraeel AS
descend on the earth with decree and stay till the dawn (al-Fajr). This is the night of peace (salam) and
blessings.
This night is so powerful that the Quran equates it with one thousand months which is equivalent to about
eighty three years. The global life expectancy, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2016
was 72.0 years (74.2 years for females and 69.8 years for males). It was the lowest (61.2 years) in the WHO
African Region and the highest (77.5 years) in the WHO European Region. It even exceeds 80 years in
many of the industrialized nations. Hong Kong and Japan has the highest life expectancy of about 85 year. 1
We can therefore state that the Night of Power is worth more than a lifetime. The commentators have
understood this to mean that the good acts performed in this night are superior in value compared to any
other night. The ProphetSAW has told many virtues of this night. d,2
Mufti Shafi reports3 that there is a consensus among scholars that Laylatul-Qadr falls in the last ten nights
of the month of Ramadhan. Most of theme are also of the opinion that there is no fixed date and it changes
every year. Among the last ten nights there is a higher probability that it will fall on the odd nights.
Maududi reports4 that a great majority of scholars hold that it is one of the odd nights of the last ten nights
of the month of Ramadhan. Most among them hold that it is the 27th night. On the authority of
companionsRA, a large number of the earliest scholars regard the 27th of Ramadhan as Laylatul-Qadr. Be
that as it may, there is no certainty when this night will fall. The reported ahadeeth,5 however, suggest
three possibilities:
• It could be one of the nights of the last ten days of Ramadhan.

a
002.185. Ramadhan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for
guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that
month should spend it in fasting, but if any one is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (Should be made up) by
days later. Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete
the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful.
b
097.001. We have indeed revealed this (Message) in the Night of Power (Laylatul-Qadr): 2. And what will explain
to thee what the night of power is? 3. The Night of Power is better than a thousand months. 4. Therein come down
the angels and the Spirit by Allah’s permission, on every errand: 5. Peace!...This until the rise of morn!
c
044.002. By the Book that makes things clear;- 3. We sent it down during a Blessed Night (Laylaull-Mubarakah): for
We (ever) wish to warn (against Evil). 4. In the (Night) is made distinct every affair of wisdom, 5. By command, from
Our Presence. For We (ever) send (revelations), 6. As Mercy from thy Lord: for He hears and knows (all things); 7.
The Lord of the heavens and the earth and all between them, if ye (but) have an assured faith.
d
“The one who remained standing in worship in the state of belief and for the sake of rewards from AllahST during
Laylatul-Qadr would have all his previous sins forgiven” (Bukhari and Muslim).
Laylatul-Qadr is among the last ten nights of Ramadhan. The one who stood up in worship in order to take advantage
of their rewards, AllahST will forgive all his former and later sins. (Musnad-e-Ahmad)
e
Abu Qulabah, Imam Malik, Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Sufyan Thauri, Ishaq bin Rahwihay, Abu Thaur, Mazni, Ibn-e-
Khazeemah, etc in Tafseer-e-Mazhari

Copyright © 2021 Mahmood N. A. Jawaid 2

 The Strategy for Finding Laylatul-Qadr

• It could be one of the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadhan.
• It could be the 27th night of Ramadhan.
The objective of this paper is to propose a strategy to enhance our chance for success in finding Laylatul-
Qadr.

Discussion
Since the date for Laylatul-Qadr keeps on changing every year, we can reconcile the three possibilities
presented above as follows:
• The probability of finding it on the 27th is the highest.
• The probability of finding it in the odd nights is higher than finding it in the even nights of the last
ten days of Ramadhan.
The date probably changes according to a calendar devised specifically for Laylatul-Qadr by AllahST, just
like there is a solar based calendar and many lunar based calendars.
For a hypothetical example shown in Appendix, with the assumptions made in the Appendix, it is
calculated that in a one hundred year time span, for two years each, Laylatul-Qadr would have fallen on
22nd, 24th, 26th, 28th, and 30th of Ramadhan, for seven years each it would have fallen on 21st, 23rd, 25th,
and 29th of Ramadhan, and for sixty two years it would have fallen on the 27th of Ramadhan (this is just an
example, not an actual prediction). Since it is all a matter of probability, we cannot expect for it to fall on
the 27th each year. The author proposes two strategies for its search: Simplistic and Rigorous. The rest of
the strategies will fall in between.

Simplistic:

Pick a date, probably the 27th, but stick with it for the lifetime. Since it has the highest probability, you can
hit it most of the year, but not every year.

Rigorous:

If you want to ensure that you hit it every year, you need to dedicate a portion of every night of the last
ten days of Ramadhan for its search. The best way may be to engage in Salat-e-Tahajjud in every one of
these nights. Refer to the paper by the author on this topic.6

Conclusion
The reports regarding the dates for the Laylatul-Qadr present three possibilities: (a) the last ten days of
the month of Ramadhan, (b) the odd nights of the last ten days of the month of Ramadhan, and (c) the
27th of Ramadhan. The author is of the view that these dates are not definite dates, but only probabilistic
in nature.

In order to clarify the concept, the author has given a hypothetical example showing that, with the
assumptions made, in a one hundred year time span, for two years each, Laylatul-Qadr would have fallen
on 22nd, 24th, 26th, 28th, and 30th of Ramadhan, for seven years each it would have fallen on 21st, 23rd, 25th,
and 29th of Ramadhan, and for sixty two years it would have fallen on the 27th of Ramadhan (this is just an

Copyright © 2021 Mahmood N. A. Jawaid 3

 The Strategy for Finding Laylatul-Qadr

example, not an actual prediction). Since it is all a matter of probability, we cannot expect for it to fall on
the 27th each year.

The author proposes two strategies: Simplistic and Rigorous. The rest of the strategies will fall in between.
The simplistic strategy is to pick the 27th of Ramadhan and stick with it for the lifetime. Since it has the
highest probability, you can hit it most of the year, but not every year. The Rigorous strategy is to
designate a portion of every night in the last ten days of Ramadhan. This will ensure you hitting the
Laylatul-Qadr every year. The best way to do this may be to offer Salat-ut-Tahajjud every night.

About the Author:

The author is a chemical engineer by profession and a writer and a poet by avocation.
He is the published author of:

1. “Secrets of Angels, Demons, Satan, and Jinns – Decoding their Nature through Quran and Science,”
2. “Atom to Adam – How, When and Where in the Light of Quran, Bible and Science (A Study of
Human Origin),”
3. “Hunting to Cloning – Unearthing Civilizations through Quran,”
4. “Lessons from the Qur’an,”
5. “Lessons from the Qur’an Volume II,”
6. “Quranic Knowledge - Basic Information about the Holy Quran with Questions and Answers,”
7. ”A Scientific Approach to the Quran,”
8. “The Qur’an – What’s in it for me? An Action Driven Commentary,” and
9. “Divided We Prosper – A Humorous Reflection on Muslim Cultural Practices.”

He has published quite a few papers on Islamic issues in Academia.edu, the Charleston Gazette,
Charleston, West Virginia, and Houston Chronicle, Houston, Texas. He possesses Master of Science
degrees in Chemical Engineering and has Professional Engineers license from the State of Texas. His web
address is MahmoodJawaid.com and e-mail address is mnajawaid@yahoo.com.

Copyright © 2021 Mahmood N. A. Jawaid 4

 The Strategy for Finding Laylatul-Qadr

Appendix
Hypothetical Probability of Laylatul-Qadr Falling
on the Last ten Days of Ramadhan

Assumption:
The Probability of Laylatul Qadr Falling on
the Even Nights (22, 24, 26, 28, and
30) 10%
the Odd Nights (21, 23, 25, 27, and
29) 90%

Of the Odd Nights, the Probability of Laylatul Qadr Falling on

the 27th 70%
the 21th, 23rd, 25th, and 29th 30%

Calculated Probability for Each Night:

The Probability of Laylatul Qadr Falling on
the 21st of Ramadhan 7%
nd
the 22 of Ramadhan 2%
the 23rd of Ramadhan 7%
the 24th of Ramadhan 2%
the 25th of Ramadhan 7%
the 26th of Ramadhan 2%
the 27th of Ramadhan 62%
the 28th of Ramadhan 2%
the 29th of Ramadhan 7%
the 30th of Ramadhan 2%
Total 100%

Copyright © 2021 Mahmood N. A. Jawaid 5

 The Strategy for Finding Laylatul-Qadr

References:
1
https://worldpopulationreview.com/countries/life-expectancy
2
Maududi, A.A., “The Meaning of the Quran,” Islamic Publications Ltd., Lahore, 1988, Explanatory Note No. 2 of
Surah Al-Qadr:
“The one who remained standing in worship in the state of belief and for the sake of rewards from Allah ST
during Layl-atul-Qadr would have all his previous sins forgiven” (Bukhari and Muslim).
Layl-atul-Qadr is among the last ten nights of Ramadhan. The one who stood up in worship in order to take
advantage of their rewards, AllahST will forgive all his former and later sins. (Musnad-e-Ahmad)
3
Shafi, M., “Ma’arif-ul-Quran,” Idarah Al-Ma’arif, Karachi, 1988, Reported from Tafseer-e-Mazhari under Ma’arif
and Masael (Urdu) of Surah Al-Qadr.
4
Maududi, A.A., “The Meaning of the Quran,” Islamic Publications Ltd., Lahore, 1988, Explanatory Note No. 1 of
Surah Al-Qadr
5
Maududi, A.A., “The Meaning of the Quran,” Islamic Publications Ltd., Lahore, 1988, Explanatory Note No. 1 of
Surah Al-Qadr: The ProphetSAW said:
• It is the 27th (Reported by Abu HurairahRA in Abu Daud Tayalisi)
• It is the last ten nights of Ramadhan (Reported by Abu HurairahRA in Musnad-e-Ahmad)
• It is the 27th (Ubayy bin Ka’abRA stated under oath; in Ibn Abi Shaibah)
• It is one of the odd nights of the ls ten days of Ramadhan (Reported by Ubadah bin as-Samit in Musnad-e-
Ahmad)
• “Search for it among the last ten nights of Ramadhan when there are still nine days in the month of
Ramdhan, or seven days, or five days.” (Reported by Abdullah ibn AbbasRA in Bukhari)
• “When nine days remain in the month, or seven days, or five days, or three days, or the last night” (Abu
BakrRA stated; in Tirmidhi and Nasai).
• “Search for Layl-atul-Qadr among the odd nights of the last ten nights of Ramadhan” (Reported by
AishaRA in Bukhari, Muslim, Ahmad, Tirmidhi)
• The ProphetSAW observed I’tikaf during the last ten nights of Ramadhan (Abdullah ibn Umar RA stated).
Shafi, M., “Ma’arif-ul-Quran,” Idarah Al-Ma’arif, Karachi, 1988, Reported from Tafseer-e-Mazhari under
Ma’arif and Masael (Urdu) of Surah Al-Qadr:
• Search for Layl-atul-Qadr in the last ten days of the month of Ramadhan (Reported by AishaRA in Bukhari)
• Search for Layl-atul-Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten days of the month of Ramadhan (Reported by
Abdullah ibn UmarRA in Muslim)
6
Jawaid, M., “Salat-ut-Tahajjud (The Islamic Midnight Prayer) An Expose“,
https://www.academia.edu/39181907/Salat_ut_Tahajjud_The_Islamic_Midnight_Prayer_An_Expose

Copyright © 2021 Mahmood N. A. Jawaid 6