Laylat-ul-Qadr (the Night of Decree)

Shaykh ‘Abdul-‘Aziz Ibn Baaz (‫)رحمه هللا تعاىل ورحمة واسعة‬

[Majmoo’al-Fataawa Ibn Baaz, Vol.: 15; pp. 423 -s 434]
Laylat-ul-Qadr (the Night of Decree) is the best night
Q: On this great occasion of Laylat-ul-Qadr, we hope from Your Eminence to speak to us concerning it.
A: Laylat-ul-Qadr is the best of all nights. Allah sent down the Qur’an in it and told that it is better than one
thousand months. It is blessed and in it every matter of ordainments is decreed. Allah said in the beginning of
Surah-Al-Dukhan, “Hâ.-Mîm. [These letters are one of the miracles of the Qur’ân and none but Allâh (Alone)
knows their meanings]. By the manifest Book (this Qur’ân) that makes things clear. We sent it (this Qur’ân)
down on a blessed night [(i.e. night of Al-Qadr, Sûrah No. 97) in the month of Ramadân - the 9th month of
the Islâmic calendar]. Verily, We are ever warning [mankind that Our Torment will reach those who
disbelieve in Our Oneness of Lordship and in Our Oneness of worship]. Therein (that night) is decreed every
matter of ordainments. As a Command (or this Qur’ân or the Decree of every matter) from Us. Verily, We
are ever sending (the Messengers), (As) a Mercy from your Lord. Verily, He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower.”
[Surah Al-Dukhan, 44: 1 - 6] And He (‫ )عز وجل‬said, “Verily, We have sent it (this Qur’ân) down in the night of
Al-Qadr (Decree). And what will make you know what the night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is? The night of Al-Qadr
(Decree) is better than a thousand months (i.e. worshipping Allâh in that night is better than worshipping
Him a thousand months, i.e. 83 years and 4 months). Therein descend the angels and the Rûh [Jibrîl (Gabrîl)]
by Allâh’s Permission with all Decrees, (All that night), there is Peace (and Goodness from Allâh to His
believing slaves) until the appearance of dawn.” [Surah Al-Qadr, 97: 1 - 5] It is authentically reported that the
Prophet (‫)صىل هللا عليه وسلم‬said: “Whoever observes night prayer during Laylat-ul-Qadr (the Night of Decree) out
of Iman (faith) and hoping for Allah's Reward, their previous sins will be forgiven.”(Agreed upon by Imams
Al-Bukhari and Muslim) During it, one can offer prayers, say Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah) and supplications,
recite the Qur'an and do other aspects of goodness.
The noble Surah Al-Qadr refers that good deeds done in it are better than the good deeds of thousand months
other than it. This is a great bounty and mercy from to His Slaves. Therefore, Muslims should glorify it and
present different acts of worship during it. The Prophet (‫ )صىل هللا عليه وسلم‬told that it occurs in the last ten nights
of Ramadan, especially in the odd ones. He (‫ )صىل هللا عليه وسلم‬said, ”Look for it in the last ten (nights) of the
month of Ramadan in the odd (nights).” Moreover, the authentic Hadiths of the Prophet showed that this night
can be any of the ten nights and is not restricted to certain night; it may be the night of twenty first or any of the
odd nights. It may be the night of twenty seventh, which is the most night likely to be the Night of Al-Qadr.
However, it may come in the even nights. Therefore, it is better to observe prayer, Dhikr and supplication during
the whole ten days out of faith and hoping for Allah's Reward in order to secure catching up with this night and
requiring what Allah promised those who do so in this night. The Prophet (‫ )صىل هللا عليه وسلم‬used to show more
diligence in these days than in the first twenty nights. ‘Aishah (‫رض هللا عنھا‬‫ ) ی‬said, “The Prophet (‫)صىل هللا عليه وسلم‬
used to exert himself in devotion during the last ten nights of Ramadan more than any other time. She said:
Upon the advent of the (last) ten (nights of Ramadan), Allah's Messenger (‫ )صىل هللا عليه وسلم‬used to keep awake
at night (for prayer and devotion), awake his family and prepare himself to observe prayer (with more vigour).
He (‫ )صىل هللا عليه وسلم‬used to practice I’tikaf (seclusion for worship in a mosque) mostly during them.” Allah
(‫ )سبحانه وتعاىل‬said, “Indeed in the Messenger of Allâh (Muhammad(‫ ))صىل هللا عليه وسلم‬you have a good example to
follow” [Surah AlAhzab, 33: 21]
‫ ) ی‬asked the Prophet (‫ )صىل هللا عليه وسلم‬saying, “O Messenger of Allah, what should I say
Also, ‘Aishah (‫رض هللا عنھا‬
in the Night of Al-Qadr? The Messenger said, "Say, Allahumma Innaka ‘Fuwwun Tuhibbul-’Afwa Fa’fu ‘Anny'
(O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness; so forgive me.)” The companions of Allah's
Messenger and the Salaf (the righteous successors) glorified these ten days and observe during them different
kinds of goodness.
Therefore, Muslims should follow the example of the Prophet (‫)صىل هللا عليه وسلم‬, his honourable Companions (( ‫رض‬ ‫ی‬
‫ )هللا عنھم‬and the Salaf of this nation. They should offer prayer, recite the Qur'an and Dhikr, and observe different
kinds of worship out of faith and hoping for Allah's Reward so that they require the forgiveness of Allah, the
removal of sins, and salvation from Hell as a bounty and generosity from him. The Book of Allah and the Sunnah
of the Prophet indicate that this great promise is attainable as well through avoiding major sins. Allah (‫)عز وجل‬
said, “If you avoid the great sins which you are forbidden to do, We shall expiate from you your (small) sins,
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and admit you to a Noble Entrance (i.e. Paradise).” [Surah Al-Nisa', 4: 31] Allah's Messenger (‫)صىل هللا عليه وسلم‬
said, “The Five (Obligatory Daily) Prayers, and from (one) Friday Prayer to (the next) Friday Prayer, and from
Ramadan to Ramadan, are expiations for whatever (sins committed) between them, provided that major sins
are avoided.” (Related by Imam Muslim in his Sahih)
It is worthy of mentioning here that some Muslims may do their best in Ramadan and repent to Allah from the
preceding sins and after the end of Ramadan return to the misdeeds which they used to have and this is a great
danger.
The true Muslim should keep away from that and have a truthful intention to keep on the obedience of Allah
and avoiding the sins. Allah (‫ )سبحانه‬said to His Prophet (‫)صىل هللا عليه وسلم‬, “And worship your Lord until there
comes unto you the certainty (i.e. death).” [Surah Al-Hijr, 15: 99] And He (‫ )عز وجل‬said, “O you who believe!
Fear Allâh (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should
be feared. [Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always], and die not except in a state of Islâm
[as Muslims (with complete submission to Allâh)].” [Surah Aali-’Imran, 3: 102]
Allah (‫ )سبحانه‬also says: “Verily, those who say: "Our Lord is Allâh (Alone), and then they stand firm, on them
the angels will descend (at the time of their death) (saying): Fear not, nor grieve! But receive the glad tidings
of Paradise which you have been promised! We have been your friends in the life of this world and are (so) in
the Hereafter. Therein you shall have (all) that your inner-selves desire, and therein you shall have (all) for
which you ask. An entertainment from (Allâh), the Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” [Surah Fussilat, 41: 30 - 32]
This Ayah (Qur'anic Verse) refers to that those who admitted that their Lord is Allah, believed in Him, devoted
their worship to Him and keep on that, Angels will say to them upon death that shall be no fear on them nor
shall they grieve and that their destiny is Paradise. This is the outcome of having faith in Him, keeping on
obedience of Allah, avoiding sins and devoting worship to Him. There are many Ayahs that assure this meaning
and emphasize the necessity of adherence to justice, keeping on it and abstaining from sins. For example, Allah
(‫ )سبحانه وتعاىل‬said: “And march forth in the way (which leads to) forgiveness from your Lord, and for Paradise
as wide as the heavens and the earth, prepared for Al-Muttaqûn (the pious - See V.2:2). Those who spend (in
Allâh’s Cause) in prosperity and in adversity, who repress anger, and who pardon men; verily, Allâh loves Al-
Muhsinûn (the good-doers). And those who, when they have committed Fâhishah (illegal sexual intercourse)
or wronged themselves with evil, remember Allâh and ask forgiveness for their sins; - and none can forgive
sins but Allâh - and do not persist in what (wrong) they have done, while they know. For such, the reward is
Forgiveness from their Lord, and Gardens with rivers flowing underneath (Paradise), wherein they shall abide
forever. How excellent is this reward for the doers (who do righteous deeds according to Allâh’s Orders).”
[Surah Aali-’Imran, 3: 133 - 136]
May Allah guide us and all Muslims in these nights and other nights to do what pleases him and is loved to Him!
We ask Him to protect all of us from the evils with ourselves and our misdeeds. He is the Most Generous, Most
Benevolent.
Laylat-ul-Qadr is in the last ten nights of Ramadan
Q: Allah (‫ )سبحانه وتعاىل‬has given superiority to the blessed month of Ramadan over all other months, and to its
last ten nights over the nights of the year, and to Laylat-ul-Qadr (the Night of Decree) which is better than one
thousand months. Is the date of Laylat-ul-Qadr fixed? Or does it occur in the last ten nights of Ramadan?
A: The Prophet (‫ )صىل هللا عليه وسلم‬explains that Laylat-ul-Qadr is in the last ten nights of Ramadan, especially on
one of the odd numbered nights. He pointed out that whoever performs Qiyam-ul-Layl (standing for optional
Prayer at night) during all these ten nights will gain its reward. He (‫ )صىل هللا عليه وسلم‬said: “Whoever performs
Qiyam-ul-Layl on Laylat Al-Qadr during Ramadan out of faith and seeking reward from Allah, his previous
sins will be forgiven.” It means that whoever offers many acts of worship like Salah (Prayer), recitation of the
Qur'an and Sadaqah (voluntary charity), and perform other good deeds during this night out of faith and seeking
the reward from Allah away from showing off or seeking worldly desires, Allah will forgive his previous sins.
According to the Jumhur (dominant majority of scholars), this will happen only when the major sins are shunned,
for the Prophet's (‫ )صىل هللا عليه وسلم‬saying: “The five (daily) prayers, and from one Friday prayer to the (next)
Friday prayer, and from Ramadan to Ramadan are expiations for the (sins) committed in between (their
intervals) provided that major sins are avoided.” (Related by Imam Muslim in his Sahih)May Allah grant all
Muslims everywhere success to perform Qiyam-ul-Layl during this night out of faith and seeking the reward from
Allah, for He is the Most Generous and Most Gracious.
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 Signs of Laylat-ul-Qadr
Q. What are the signs of Laylat-ul-Qadr (the Night of Decree), and what should the Muslim do during it?
A. It is recommended to offer Qiyam-ul-Layl (standing for optional Prayer at night) on Laylat-ul-Qadr knowing
that it is confined to the last ten days of Ramadan, more probably on the odd nights. It is most likely the ninety
sixth night. However, it is recommended that one be diligent in performing acts of worship during days and
nights of the last ten days of Ramadan. Actually, Qiyam-ul-Layl is not obligatory. Rather, it is only recommended
because the Prophet (‫ )صىل هللا عليه وسلم‬used to be more diligent in performing acts of worship in those last ten days
than in any other days. ‘Aishah (‫رض هللا عنھا‬‫ ) ی‬said: “With the start of the last ten days (of Ramadan), the Prophet
(‫ )صىل هللا عليه وسلم‬used to tighten his waist belt (to observe Prayer with more vigour), offer Prayer all the night
and keep his family awake for Prayer.” The Prophet (‫ )صىل هللا عليه وسلم‬also said: “Whoever performs Qiyam-ul-
Layl on Laylat-ul-Qadr out of sincere faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, all his previous sins will be
forgiven.” There are many other Hadiths to the same effect. May Allah grant us success!
Laylat-ul-Qadr can be seen with the naked eye
Can Laylat-ul-Qadr (the Night of Decree) be seen with the naked unaided human eye? Some people say that
if a person can see Laylat-ul-Qadr, he sees a light in the sky and so on.
How did the Messenger of Allah (‫ )صىل هللا عليه وسلم‬and the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them all)
see it? How can a person know that he has seen Laylat-ul-Qadr? Will a person still gain its reward even if he
could not see that light? Please explain providing evidence.
A: Laylat-ul-Qadr may be seen with the naked eye by one whom Allah helps to see it through seeing its signs. The
‫ ) ی‬used to recognize it by its signs. However, not seeing signs does not necessarily mean
Companions ((‫رض هللا عنھم‬
that one who spends that night performing Salah (prayer) out of faith and hoping reward will not gain its reward.
A Muslim should strive to seek it in the last ten nights of Ramadan as the Prophet (‫ )صىل هللا عليه وسلم‬ordered his
Companions to do so hoping reward. Thus, a person whose spending this night in Salah coincides with firm
faith and seeking reward will gain its reward, even if he does not recognize it. The Prophet (‫ )صىل هللا عليه وسلم‬said:
“Whoever offers Qiyam-ul-Layl (standing for optional Prayer at night on Laylat-ul-Qadr out of sincere faith
and hoping for a reward from Allah, all his previous sins will be forgiven.” (Related by Al-Bukhari and
Muslim.)According to another narration elsewhere: “Whoever observes optional night prayer wishing that
night is Laylat-ul-Qadr then it is, all his past and future sins will be forgiven.”
Actually, there is an authentically reported Hadith from the Prophet (‫ )صىل هللا عليه وسلم‬to the effect that the sign of
Laylat-ul-Qadr is that the sun rises on the following morning with no visible rays. Moreover, Ubay Ibn Ka’b used
to swear that it was the twenty-sixth night, citing this sign as evidence. However, the sound view is that it moves
through all the last ten nights, but it is more probable one of the odd nights and most likely the twenty-sixth
night. Thus, whoever is diligent in acts of worship, such as offering Salah, reciting the Qur’an, making Du’a
(supplication) and other kinds of good deeds will undoubtedly catch up with Laylat-ul-Qadr and attain what
Allah has promised those who do that out of faith and seeking reward. May Allah grant us success! May peace
and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and Companions!
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