By Haroon Ishola Balogun
All praise is due to Allah who has allowed us to witness the blessed month of Ramadan, a month of mercy, forgiveness, and salvation from the Hellfire. Among the greatest gifts Allah has placed within this sacred month is Laylatul Qadr, the Night of Decree, a night whose virtues and rewards surpass human imagination. As Ramadan draws toward its final days, every sincere believer should intensify efforts in seeking Laylatul Qadr, hoping to attain Allah’s mercy and forgiveness.
Allah highlights the greatness of this night in the Qur’an:
“Indeed, We sent it down during the Night of Decree. And what will make you know what the Night of Decree is? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.”
(Qur’an 97:1–3)
This verse reveals the extraordinary value of Laylatul Qadr. Worship performed on this single night carries rewards greater than worship performed for more than a thousand months, which is over eighty-three years. This demonstrates Allah’s immense mercy toward His servants. Through one night of sincere devotion, a believer can earn the reward of a lifetime of worship.
Laylatul Qadr is also the night on which the Qur’an was first revealed, marking the beginning of divine guidance for humanity. Allah further describes the night as one in which angels descend with blessings and peace:
“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 97:4–5)
Because of its significance, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ encouraged the believers to actively search for this night during the last ten nights of Ramadan, especially the odd nights. He said:
“Seek Laylatul Qadr in the last ten nights of Ramadan.”
(Bukhari & Muslim)
The exact date of this blessed night has been intentionally hidden so that Muslims will strive in worship throughout the final nights rather than limiting their efforts to a single evening.
The Prophet (s.a.w) himself set the best example. Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) reported that when the last ten nights of Ramadan began, the Prophet would increase his worship, spend the night in prayer, and encourage his family to do the same. This teaches us that the final days of Ramadan are not a time for relaxation but a time for greater spiritual effort.
Dear brothers and sisters, seeking Laylatul Qadr requires sincerity, humility, and dedication. It involves engaging in night prayers, reciting the Qur’an, making sincere supplications, giving charity, and remembering Allah abundantly.
Let us strive to seek this night with hearts full of hope and devotion. Whoever is fortunate to witness Laylatul Qadr with faith and sincerity will gain immense rewards and forgiveness from Allah. May Allah grant us the blessing of witnessing Laylatul Qadr and accept our worship during this blessed month. Amin. Until tomorrow when we shall meet again, Allahuma baligna lailatul Qadr.
