Lailatul Qadr: One night that is worth more than 1000 months
The night most likely occurs in the last ten days of Ramadan.
One night is worth more than a thousand months, in Islam. It is called Lailatul Qadr, meaning The Night of Power or The Night of Decree.
It is witnessed in Ramadan, the Islamic holy month in which Muslims all over the world re-affirm their faith through increased acts of worship, including fasting and special overnight prayers and supplications, as well as reciting the Quran.
According to Islamic teachings, Lailatul Qadr occurs during the last ten nights of Ramadan.
Although the exact date is not certain, scholars explain that the chances of witnessing the night are higher during the odd-numbered days – that’s the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, and 29th of Ramadan.
“This is the most important night for Muslims,” Imam Shariff Hassan, an Islamic scholar, said in his Ramadan sermon in Mombasa, Kenya.
Angels descend on earth
Some Muslims stay throughout the 10 days in a mosque in spiritual retreat — called Itikaf, committed to absolute worship.
Scholars also explain that the night is usually calmer and more peaceful, with the sky appearing clearer than usual, and a gentle breeze may blow.
Other signs include some people might see visions or dreams with spiritual significance, and the sun might rise the next morning with a pale, clear light, without intense rays.
It was on this night that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) received revelation of the first verses of the Quran through the Angel Jibreel or Gabriel.
In fact, there is an entire chapter of the Quran dedicated to the night, known as Surah Al-Qadr — which says, “The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.”
All sins to be forgiven
“The rewards for worship in this night alone are better than a lifetime worth of worship,” Imam Shariff said.
Islamic scholars explain that on this night, thousands of Angels descend on earth and offer prayers for those who are supplicating and observing night prayers. But not everyone is lucky to witness the night and see the signs.
According to Islamic teachings, if you witness it while worshipping and seeking repentance with absolute sincerity, all your sins will be forgiven by Allah. It is the night people's destinies are determined for the year, according to the Quran.
For around two billion Muslims worldwide, this is the most spiritually powerful night of the year.
“For our brothers and sisters, we remind them that this night offers a rare spiritual opportunity. A chance to reset, seek forgiveness and renew faith,” Imam Shariff reiterated.