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About Laylat al-Qadr

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About Laylat al-Qadr

Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Power or Night of Decree, is the night Muslims believe the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. The Quran says it is better than a thousand months, and that angels come down on it with peace until dawn.

Its exact date is not known. Muslims seek it in the odd nights of the last ten nights of Ramadan, and many hold special prayers on the 27th night, which begins at sunset on the 26th day of the fast.

Families stay awake in prayer at home and in mosques, read the Quran, make long duas and give charity. A dua the Prophet taught for this night is: O Allah, You are forgiving and love to forgive, so forgive me.

In Turkey it is Kadir Gecesi, in South Asia Shab-e-Qadr, and in Malaysia and Indonesia Lailatul Qadar. Mosques are full late into the night across the Muslim world.

  • One of the last ten nights of Ramadan
  • Often kept on the 27th night
  • Better than a thousand months

Where it began

Muslims believe the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet on this night. A short chapter of the Quran, Surat al-Qadr, says that the night is better than a thousand months.

The exact night is not known for certain. Tradition advises seeking it in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan, and many communities keep the 27th night.

An old painting of evening prayer on a rooftopCairo, Egypt

How it grew over time

  1. 7th century

    The Quran names the Night of Power, and the Prophet urges seeking it in the last ten nights.

  2. Early Islamic centuries

    Mosques fill for night prayer, and some people stay in the mosque for the last ten days in itikaf.

  3. Medieval period

    Great mosques are lit with lamps on the holy nights of Ramadan.

  4. Today

    Millions pray through the night in mosques and at home.

How it is celebrated in different places

  • Mecca and Medina

    Huge crowds gather in the two holy mosques for night prayers.

  • India and Pakistan

    Mosques hold special prayers on the 27th night, often called Shab-e-Qadr.

  • Turkey

    Known as Kadir Gecesi, it brings full mosques and readings of the Quran.

Laylat al-Qadr moments

A mosque at dusk as the night of prayer beginsBandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
A mosque glows through the night of prayerBandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
Mosques light up the night skyIstanbul, Turkey

Laylat al-Qadr today

People pray long into the night, read the Quran, make heartfelt prayers and give charity. Many finish reading the whole Quran by this time in Ramadan.

How people celebrate Laylat al-Qadr

  • Night prayers (qiyam and tahajjud)
  • Reading the whole Quran
  • Long personal duas
  • Giving charity
  • Itikaf, staying in the mosque
  • Praying for family and the dead

How to wish well

  • This is a night of worship, not a party. Keep wishes devotional: a prayer, a line of the Quran, or a request to be remembered in duas.
  • Remember me in your duas is the most common and the most loved message on this night.
  • Send wishes in the evening, before the night prayers, so they do not interrupt worship late at night.
  • Do not say Happy Laylat al-Qadr. A blessed Laylat al-Qadr or Shab-e-Qadr Mubarak is better.

Questions about Laylat al-Qadr

When is Laylat al-Qadr 2027?

In 2027 the 27th night of Ramadan is expected around the evening of 5 March 2027. It is sought in all the odd nights of the last ten, and dates follow the moon in each country.

What is Laylat al-Qadr?

It is the night the Quran was first revealed. Muslims believe worship on it is better than a thousand months of worship.

What dua is read on Laylat al-Qadr?

Allahumma innaka afuwwun tuhibbul afwa fafu anni: O Allah, You are forgiving and love to forgive, so forgive me.

Why is the 27th night special?

Many companions and scholars thought it most likely falls on the 27th night, so many Muslims pray most on that night while still seeking it on all the odd nights.

What do you say on Shab-e-Qadr?

People ask each other to remember them in their duas, or say Shab-e-Qadr Mubarak and a blessed Night of Power.

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