The Dos and Don't of Laylatul Qadr

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The last ten days of Ramadan are blessed with unique virtues. 

Among such virtues is Laylatul Qadr (the Night of Decree). Allah 

sent down the Qur’an on this Night.

Let’s shed a little light on the significance of Laylatul Qadr.

Significance of Laylatul Qadr

Abdullah Ibn Abbas said, “Allah sent down the Qur’an at one time 

from Al-Lawh Al-Mahfooth (the Preserved Tablet in the Seventh 

Heaven) to Bayt Al-‘Izzah (House of Pride) in the first Heaven, then 

it was revealed to the Messenger of Allah (SAW) in stages according 

to events over 23 years.”

About this Night, Allah, The Most Exalted, says in Suratul Dukhan 

(44:1-6)

“Ha, Meem.

By the clear Book,

Indeed, We sent it down during a blessed night. Indeed, We were 

to warn mankind.

On that night is made distinct every precise matter -

Every matter proceeding from Us. Indeed, We were to send [a 

messenger]

As mercy from your Lord. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the 

Knowing”.

The statement, “On that night is made distinct every precise 

matter” has been interpreted to mean that on this night, the destiny 

of all creatures for the coming year is decreed. On this night, it is 

written who will live, who will die, who will be destined for 

Paradise, who will be destined for Hell, who will be honoured, who 

will be humiliated, where and when disasters will occur, and 

everything else that Allah wills in that year.

To further show its significance, Allah (SWT) Himself described 

Laylatul Qadr in clear terms in Suratul Qadr.

“Indeed, We sent the Qur'an down during the Night of Decree.

And what can make you know what is the Night of Decree?

The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.

The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their 

Lord for every matter.

Peace it is until the emergence of dawn”.  

Suratul Qadr (97:1-5)

This night is described as peace, i.e., it is safe, for the devils cannot 

do any evil or cause any harm on this night.

Dos for Laylatul Qadr

Muslims are urged to increase worship in last ten days of Ramadhan.

Aisha reported: “With the start of the last ten days of Ramadan, the Prophet used to tighten his waist belt (i.e. work harder) and used to pray the whole night, and used to keep his family awake for the prayers.” [Bukhari]

Observing Nawafil

The most traditional practice in the last ten days of Ramadhan is the 

observance of the night prayers (tahajjud or qiyammul layl) and 

rightly so.

Abu Hurayrah relates that the Prophet (SAW) said, “Whoever stands 

(in the voluntary night prayer of) Ramadan out of faith and in the 

hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven. And whoever 

spends the night of Lailat Al-Qadr in prayer out of faith and in the 

hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.”

Recitation of Qur’an

We are urged to do whatever we can to earn as much reward as 

possible. Among the most rewarding acts is the recitation of the 

Qur’an.

The Prophet (SAW) said: “Verily the one who recites the Quran 

beautifully, smoothly, and precisely, he will be in the company of the 

noble and obedient angels. And as for the one who recites with 

difficulty, stammering or stumbling through its verses, then he will 

have twice that reward.”

Making Dhikr

This is a nice time for us to dust our books of supplication, a good 

one is Hisnul Muslim (Fortress of a believer).

The Prophet (SAW) recommended a du’a for Laylatul Qadr.

Aishah narrated that she asked the Prophet (SAW), “O Messenger of 

Allah, what do you think I should say in my supplication, if I come 

upon Laylatul-Qadr?” He said: “Say: ‘Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun 

tuhibbul-‘afwa, fa’fu ‘anni (O Allah, You are Forgiving and love 

forgiveness, so forgive me).’

 

Don’t for Laylatul Qadr

Some Muslims tend to get overzealous in this period. This pushes 

them to do a number of irrational things in their bid to please Allah.

Reciting Over the Loud speakers

A community will likely be made up of Muslims and non-Muslims. 

Even in a community with a 100% Muslim population, people will 

choose different times to observe tahajjud (night prayer). It is wrong 

to recite over the loud speakers in the middle of the night. Not 

everyone will be willing to observe tahajjud at the exact same time 

as you and your congregation; be considerate.

Making it compulsory to complete recite the whole of the 

Qur’an in Tahajjud

There is no evidence to show that Muslims in the time of 

Muhammad (SAW) compelled themselves to recite the whole of the 

Qur’an either in tarawih or tahajjud. We should not torture ourselves 

and others for reasons that have no basis. 

Insisting on reciting the whole of the Qur’an in tarawih or tahajjud 

has led to the bastardization of Qur’an recitation.

In order to meet the target, imams recite the Qur’an with so much 

pace that make the recitation more or less useless because no one is 

able to make any sense of what is being recited.

However, for those who are more comfortable with Salah for 

Tahajjud, we could increase the number of raka'at and reduce the 

number of ayat recited in each raka'a.

Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah said: "The people disputed as to 

whether it is better to stand for a long time or to do a lot of bowing 

and prostrating, or are they both equal? There are three views, the 

soundest of which is that they are both equal."

May Allah make us among those who obtain maximum benefits from

this Glorious month.