Lailatul Qadr: The night of power and endless blessings

Mvita MP Mohamed Soud Machele (third right) and other Muslims break the fast at Tudor, Mombasa County, on March 17, 2025. [Kelvin Karani, Standard]

Allah says in the Quran, “The night of decree is better than a thousand months.”

Lailatul Qadr,  therefore, holds significant importance in the Islamic faith, and it appears only during the holy month of Ramadan. It is believed to be the night when the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad by Angel Jibril. This event marks a pivotal moment in Islamic history, making Lailatul Qadr one of the most sacred nights for Muslims around the world.

With the Quran declaring that worship during that special month is equivalent to constant worship for nearly 84 years, it elevates the night significance, emphasising its spiritual and moral value, where acts of worship and good deeds are multiplied  in reward.

The exact date of Lailatul Qadr is not definite, but it is believed to fall within the last 10 nights of Ramadan, with many scholars suggesting it occurs on an odd-numbered night, particularly the 27th night.

On this night, Muslims are encouraged to increase their prayer, supplication, and reading of the Quran, seeking forgiveness and mercy from Allah.

It is a time for reflection, spiritual growth, and the purification of the heart.

Many strive to spend the night in prayer in itikaf, which is seclusion in the mosque especially during the last 10 nights of Ramadhan focusing on prayer and Quran recitation to ensure they do not miss out on God’s blessings during this special night.

The significance of Lailatul Qadr extends beyond individual worship as it fosters a sense of community as Muslims gather for prayers in mosques and share their experiences.

The night also heightens a sense of urgency and devotion, as believers strive to make the most of this blessed opportunity for this exclusive reward.