Monday, Ramadan 24, 1446 AH (24/03/2025)
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all creation. May Allah extol the Messenger in the highest company of Angels and grant him peace; and likewise, his family, his Companions and all those who truly and sincerely follow him until the Day of Resurrection.
Dear brothers and sisters! By the Will of Allah Almighty, we are rewarded with the noble month of Ramadan; a month that is filled with immeasurable blessings, a month of purification of the heart, mind and soul. A month when spirituality thrives and flourishes. One of the blessings that are given by Allah Almighty as a gift to His servants is the blessed night of Lailatul-Qadr, often translated as the Night of Decree or the Night of Power. The night is so special and significant that Allah the Most High dedicated an entire chapter of the Qur’an to it.
Allah Almighty says in Surah Al-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.” [Qur’an, 97:1-5]
Beloved brothers and sisters! What makes Lailatul-Qadr exceptional and special? As we entered the last 10 nights in Ramadan, let us uncover the meaning of this night and its significance.
1. The actual date is not known
The precise night on which Lailatul-Qadr occurs has always been unknown but what we know is that it falls within the final ten nights of Ramadan, believed by many on the odd nights. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said:
“Search for Lailatul-Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten nights of Ramadan.” [Bukhari]
Certainly, there is great wisdom on why Allah Almighty purposely made the exact date unknown to us. Part of it is so that we may strive in seeking it, engage in extra worship and remain consistent in doing them, even towards the very end of Ramadan.
2. The revelation of the Qur’an
The biggest virtue associated with Lailatul-Qadr is that on this night, Allah Almighty bestowed the Qur’an upon humankind as a gift and as a source of guidance. Besides mentioning in the first verse of Surah Al-Qadr, Allah the Most High says in Surah Ad-Dukhan:
“Indeed, We sent it (the Qur’an) down during a blessed night.” [Qur’an, 44:3]
The revelation of the Qur’an came in two stages; it was primarily revealed in its entirety by Jibril (AS) from Lauh Mahfuz (The Preserved Tablet) to Baitul Izzah (The Lowest Heaven) in the sky of the earth and was then gradually revealed in stages to Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) throughout 23 years of Prophethood.
Against this background, we should exhibit and manifest our gratitude towards Allah’s greatest blessing by appreciating its revelation, internalising its message and meaning and connecting with Him.
3. The reward of the night is better than a thousand months
It is mentioned that one of the incomprehensible rewards of Lailatul-Qadr is that the night is better than a thousand months. If we realise the value of it, every act of righteous deeds and worship completed on this single night is rewarded with a minimum of at least 83 years of worship, which is equivalent to an entire lifetime.
Such is the unique opportunity for us when approached with sincerity, to gain grand forgiveness and mercy from Allah Almighty. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said:
“Whoever spends the night of Lailatul-Qadr in prayer out of faith and in hopes for the reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.” [Bukhari and Muslim]
4. The acceptance of supplications
One of the many nuances of the word “Qadr” is congestion and restriction. Accordingly, the earth on that night will be flooded and occupied with so many angels that it becomes congested and pressured. And because it is filled with celestial beings of light and blessings, the earth is voided of every evil and calamity and becomes exposed to a spiritual pressure. Sins are forgiven and supplications are accepted.
One of the supplications that can be made on this night is an all-encompassing forgiveness prayer that is taught by the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) to his beloved wife Aisha (RA]. It was narrated that Aisha (RA) asked the Prophet (Peace be upon him):
“O Messenger of Allah! If I know which night Lailatul-Qadr is, what should I say in it?” And he replied:
“Allahummah Innaka Afuwwun Karimun Tuhibbul Afwa Fa’fu Anni.”
“Oh Allah, You are indeed Forgiving, Generous and love to forgive, so forgive me.” [At-Tirmizi]
With the significance of Lailatul-Qadr explained, let us enliven and maximise the last ten nights by reciting the Qur’an and engaging in continuous prayers and invocations. If a believing person is keen to nurture and strengthen his spiritual self and increase the good deeds in his record, he/she should strive to spend these nights in obedience and worship. If this is facilitated for him, his soul will taste sweetness unlike any other.
Ultimately, we have to comprehend and understand that it is not about seeking the night but the Master of the night, which is Allah Almighty. He will bless and reward us as He wants and pleases. We pray to Allah Almighty to enable us to make the best of these nights and catch the blessed Lailatul-Qadr, ameen.
Respected brothers and sisters! Lailatul-Qadr is the most revered night in the Islamic calendar. This extraordinary night marks the beginning of the revelation of the Qur’an to the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) through the Angel Jibril. It is a night overflowing with mercy and blessings, extending until the break of dawn.
The term Qadr holds profound meanings, including “honour” and “decree.” Lailatul-Qadr is the Night of Honour because it is a night of immense reverence when divine decrees for the upcoming year are ordained. It is also called the Night of Decree, as highlighted in the Qur’an.
Many Muslims consider the 27th night of Ramadan as a strong possibility for Lailatul-Qadr. The 27th night is expected to coincide with 26 March 2025, subject to moonsighting.
On this sacred night, believers are encouraged to engage in acts of worship such as prayers, Qur’an recitation, and supplications.
Other virtuous acts include giving charity, performing good deeds, and reflecting on the blessings of Allah Almighty.
Lailatul-Qadr is described as a night of peace and tranquillity. One of its signs is that the sun rises the next morning without visible rays, symbolising the serenity of the night.
The rewards for charity on this night are immense, as highlighted in the Quran.
The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) was exceptionally generous during Ramadan, and believers are encouraged to follow his example by giving Sadaqah, particularly on the nights of Lailatul-Qadr.
Dear brothers and sisters! This Ramadan, maximise your rewards by supporting us. Your donations will help provide food to those in need, including orphans, widows, and vulnerable communities affected by war and disaster. Give generously on Lailatul-Qadr and make a lasting impact.
Respected brothers and sisters! Imagine standing before Allah on the greatest night of the year — a night better than 1,000 months — knowing that your support helped defend Islam, protect the Ummah, and change lives.
This is your moment. This is your chance for an unending reward.
Join thousands Guardians who will defend the Ummah, safeguard minds, strengthen faith, and uphold the truth through our transformative Da’awah.
Ya Allah, on this day, wash away our sins, purify us from all flaws, examine our heart with (for) the piety of the hearts, O One who overlooks the shortcomings of the sinners.
Ya Allah, on this day, we ask You for what pleases You, and we seek refuge in You from what displeases You, we ask You to grant us the opportunity to obey You and not disobey You, O One who is generous with those who ask.
All perfect praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds. May the peace, blessings and salutations of Allah be upon our noble Messenger, Muhammad (Peace be upon him), and upon his family, his Companions and his true followers.
Murtadha Muhammad Gusau is the Chief Imam of: Nagazi-Uvete Jumu’ah Mosque; and Late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Okene Mosque, Okene, Kogi State, Nigeria. He can be reached via: [email protected]; or +2348038289761.
