What is Laylatul Qadr? 

As the month of Ramadan comes to an end, Muslims all over the globe anticipate Laylatul Qadr, which translates to ‘the Night of Power’ and is considered to be the Islamic calendar’s holiest event. During this night, Angel Jibril revealed the Holy Qur’an to Prophet Muhammed (PBUH). Although the exact date is unspecified, the night falls within Ramadan’s final 10 days. It is commonly thought that the night falls on one of the odd days and most believe it is the 27th night. The Qur’an states that the night is worth more than that of 1,000 months. On this night Muslims believe Allah bestows blessings, answers prayers and issues forgiveness. 

 

How do Muslims mark Laylatul Qadr? 

Many Muslims stay up all night to pray. Prayer is the quintessential part of Laylatul Qadr. The Prophet Muhammed said ‘Whoever stays up and prays on Laylatul Qadr out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.’ Mosques are filled with hundreds and even thousands of Muslims, depending on the size of the Mosque, and pray together on this night. Additional significance is also placed on doing good deeds during these final ten nights of Ramadan. Muslims will dedicate additional time to giving charity, eating lightly and making Dua. Dua is supplication and the best to recite on this night is ‘O Allah, You are most forgiving, and You love forgiveness; so forgive me’. In addition to praying for themselves and loved ones, it is important to pray for those in less fortunate positions. 

 

What are the rewards of Laylatul Qadr? 

Any action of worship carried out on this night is better on this night than doing these same actions for a thousand months.

 

What are the signs of Laylatul Qadr? 

Whilst the exact date of the Night of Power is ambiguous, many Muslims scholars have said that since the angels descend on this night, a peculiar feeling of tranquillity and peace of mind may be experienced. As well as this, one may feel overwhelmed with a unique tenderness of heart. The night is neither very hot nor very cold, but a temperate one. The sun that rises the day after is also not overpowering. 

 

When is Eid Al Fitr?

Immediately after the month of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr, which is one of the two major festivals they celebrate throughout the year. The name translates to the ‘feast of breaking the fast’. Fasting is forbidden on the day of Eid. Celebrations will begin with dawn prayers, which usually take place at a mosque. The day is focused heavily on family friends, with many in all communities meeting up to share food and memories.