The Night of Power, also known as Laylat al-Qadr, occurs during the last ten odd-numbered nights of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. This year’s date is April 17. Islam considers this to be the holiest night of the year. Muslims believe that on this night, the Archangel Jibril (Gabriel) conveyed the first verses of the Holy Qur’an to the Prophet Muhammad. It is believed to be a time when transgressions are forgiven, prayers are accepted, and God reveals the annual decree of the people to the angels.
The background of Laylat al-Qadr
Islam is an Abrahamic monotheistic faith, which Muslims believe was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad in the Arabian Peninsula approximately 1,400 years ago. Pre-Islamic Arabia was beset by numerous social ills. Gambling and corruption were pervasive, and the majority of newborn females were murdered. Frequently, women were mistreated and slaves were severely punished. Disputes between Arab communities were frequent. This period is frequently referred to by Islamic scholars as Al-Jahiliyya, which means “Age of Ignorance.”
Muhammad, who was born around 570 A.D., was a member of the influential Arab Quraysh tribe. The city of Mecca, where he was born, was a significant pilgrimage and commercial hub for Arabs at the time. He would frequently spend days and nights in solitary meditation in a cave named Hira. During the month of Ramadan, at age 40, he was said to have been visited by the angel Jibril while contemplating. Muslims believe that the verses of the Qur’an were revealed to Muhammad through Divine Inspiration, despite Muhammad’s lack of literacy.
All of this, according to Islamic beliefs, occurred during the Night of Power, also known as Laylat al-Qadr. Without a doubt, this is the most significant night in the history of Islam. Muhammad became the Prophet and Messenger of Allah during this night.
Muslims believe that Allah Almighty, the All-Powerful, and the Creator of All Creation sent His final message to humanity on that night, bringing guidance and mercy from above the seven realms in the form of the Noble Qur’an, the final holy book. This night was referred to as the Night of Al-Qadr, also known as the Night of Decree or Fate.
5 Interesting Facts Regarding LAYLAT AL-QADR
According to Islamic belief, worshipping during the night of Qadr is superior to doing so for a thousand months.
On Laylat al-Qadr, it is believed that countless angels will descend upon the earth.
Muslims believe that Allah’s Decree for the upcoming year is communicated to angels as they perform their duties.
Many believers assert that observing Laylat al-Qadr from dusk until dawn can impart a sense of tranquilly.
The first five verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad on Laylat al-Qadr.
LAYLAT AL-QADR DATES
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2022 | April 28 | Thursday |
2023 | April 17 | Monday |
2024 | April 5 | Friday |
2025 | April 26 | Saturday |
2026 | April 15 | Wednesday |