Laylat al-Qadr

Lailatul Qadr History

Lailatul Qadr, or the Night of Power, honors the night when the Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad by Angel Gabriel, making it one of the most sacred observances in Islam. Not only does the event serve as a moment of commemoration, but it is also a time for intense reflection, prayer, faith and devotion. Believers are encouraged to exert themselves in ritual worship, seeking forgiveness for past sins and praying for guidance and blessing in the future.

Historically, Lailatul Qadr dates back to the early 7th Century, during the time of Prophet Muhammad. Its relevance for American Muslims today is multifaceted. It provides an opportunity to connect with their faith, gain spiritual elevation and come together as a community. It serves as a significant reminder that Islam's core values of peace, compassion, and mercy extend to providing community service and charity - concepts that overwhelmingly resonate with people, be they Muslim or otherwise, in America.

In America, the observance of Lailatul Qadr typically involves an increase in community and congregational activities. Mosques and Islamic centers throughout the country host night-long prayer vigils, Quran recitation sessions, and community Iftars. The date of Lailatul Qadr isn't fixed as it falls within the last ten odd nights of Ramadan, making it a significant time for Muslims across America. The observation of Lailatul Qadr in America underscores the universality of the Islamic faith and its adaptability to various cultural contexts.

Top 8 Facts for Laylat al-Qadr in 2026

• Engaging in worship on this single night is considered more spiritually valuable than eighty-three years of devotion, a concept derived from the scriptural comparison that it is better than a thousand months.
• This observance commemorates the historical moment when the first verses of the Holy Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad in the Cave of Hira.
• It is traditionally referred to as the Night of Decree because it is believed to be the time when the divine fate, sustenance, and lifespan of every living being are finalized for the upcoming year.
• One of the most discussed physical signs of the night is a unique sunrise the following morning where the sun appears as a white disc with no visible radiant rays, resembling a brass plate.
• The Quran describes a massive descent of angels and the Spirit, often identified as the Archangel Gabriel, who fill the earth with a profound sense of peace and security that lasts until the break of dawn.
• Seekers of the night’s blessings frequently recite a specific dua taught by the Prophet that focuses exclusively on asking for the love and gift of divine forgiveness.
• The exact timing of the event is intentionally concealed from humanity to encourage a period of intense spiritual alertness and consistent striving during the final third of the month.
• According to various narrations in Sahih Al-Bukhari, the night is characterized by a remarkably calm and temperate atmosphere that is neither uncomfortably hot nor cold.

In the News and Trending in the US for Laylat al-Qadr

Top things to do in the US for Lailatul Qadr

• For Lailatul Qadr, Muslims typically congregate in mosques to pray and worship all night together. Imams often give sermons that teach listeners about the best prayers they can make that night.
• On this night, many Muslims give money away in charity, after more than 20 days of fasting. The rewards of charity are multiplied on Lailatul Qadr. This can be evidenced by the Prophet Muhammad's teachings: Whoever draws near to Allah during it (Ramadan) with a single characteristic from the characteristics of (voluntary) goodness, he is like whoever performs an obligatory act in other times. And whoever performs an obligatory act during it, he is like whoever performed seventy obligatory acts in other times - Ibn Khuzaymah, Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah, 1887
• There are several Islamic recommended acts for Muslims to do on this night: Study the Quran, give charity, strive for forgiveness, pray, make duma (a more personal prayer during which Muslims ask God for things that they need), and remember the power of God.