During Ramadan, the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, and also the month of fasting or sawm, there will be a special night, the Laylat al-Qadr, which is the holiest night of the year. Laylat al-Qadr is sometimes called Night of Decree, Night of Power, Night of Value, Night of Destiny, or Night of Measures. It is believed that Laylat al-Qadr occurs on an odd-numbered night during the last ten days of Ramadan, i.e., the night of the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or 29th.

Laylat al-Qadr is the night in which Muslims believe the first revelation of the Quran was sent down to the Prophet Muhammad. Some scholars believe that the Quran was revealed to Muhammad twice; the ‘immediate revelation’ happening on the Laylat al-Qadr and ‘gradual revelation’ across 23 years. While the others believe that the revelation of Quran occurred in two phases, with the first phase being the revelation in its entirety on Laylat al-Qadr to the angel Gabriel (Jibril in Arabic) in the lowest heaven, and then the subsequent verse-by-verse revelation to Muhammad by Gabriel.

In Quran, it stated that Laylat al-Qadr was “better than one thousand months [of proper worship]”. On Laylat al-Qadr, it is believed that the blessings and mercy of God are abundant, sins are forgiven, and supplications are accepted. The specific date of Laylat al-Qadr is not mentioned in the Quran. Some traditions believe that Laylat al-Qadr falls on the 27th night of Ramadan, while other traditions believe that it falls on the 23rd night of Ramadan. Since the exact date is not known, Muslims are encouraged to actively seek God’s forgiveness and engage in various acts of worship on the last ten days of Ramadan.

Laylat al-Qadr is observed by studying Islam, reading Quran, or praying. Some Muslims participate in a spiritual retreat called itikaf, where they spend the last ten days of Ramadan in the mosques, reading Quran and praying. Muslims also increase their acts of good will and charity.

So, Muslims all around the world, are you ready to welcome Laylat al-Qadr?