Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Power or Night of Decree, is the night in Ramadan on which the Quran was first revealed, and Allah describes it as better than a thousand months. Its exact date is not fixed. The Prophet (peace be upon him) told Muslims to look for it in the odd nights of the last ten nights of Ramadan, with the 27th night the most commonly held view.
In Ramadan 2027, which is expected to begin on 8 February, the odd nights begin at sunset on 27 February, 1 March, 3 March, 5 March and 7 March. The dates may shift by one day depending on your country's start of Ramadan. See when Ramadan 2027 begins.
What does Laylat al-Qadr mean?
Qadr (القدر) has three related meanings: honour and status, power, and decree. The night is honoured above all other nights. It is a night of power, because the angels descend with Allah's permission. And it is a night of decree, when matters of the coming year are made known to the angels.
Allah says in Surah al-Qadr (97):
"Indeed, We sent the Quran down during the Night of Decree. And what can make you know what is the Night of Decree? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter. Peace it is until the emergence of dawn."
A thousand months is more than 83 years. Worship on this one night is better than worship over more than eighty years that do not contain it.
Why is it hidden?
The Prophet (peace be upon him) once came out to tell the companions the date of Laylat al-Qadr, but two men were quarrelling, and he said it was lifted from him. "Perhaps that is better for you. So seek it" among the last nights (Sahih al-Bukhari). Scholars say that its date is hidden so that believers strive on many nights, not only one.
When is Laylat al-Qadr?
It is in the last ten nights of Ramadan. The best known report says: "Seek Laylat al-Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten nights of Ramadan" (Sahih al-Bukhari). The odd nights are the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th and 29th.
- Many companions, among them Ubayy ibn Ka'b, said it is the 27th night. This is the most widely held view among Muslims.
- Some scholars say it moves from year to year across the odd nights, which explains the different reports.
- The Prophet (peace be upon him) strove hardest in worship in the last ten nights. Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) reported: "When the last ten nights began, he would tighten his waist-wrapper, stay awake at night, and wake his family" (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim).
Remember that the night comes before the day in Islam. The 27th night starts at sunset on the evening of the 26th day of Ramadan.
Laylat al-Qadr 2027: the odd nights
If Ramadan 2027 begins on Monday, 8 February:
- 21st night: sunset on Saturday, 27 February
- 23rd night: sunset on Monday, 1 March
- 25th night: sunset on Wednesday, 3 March
- 27th night: sunset on Friday, 5 March
- 29th night: sunset on Sunday, 7 March
If your country starts one day later, add one day. You can see the exact Maghrib and Fajr times for your city on our Ramadan timetable, so you know when each night begins and ends.
Signs of Laylat al-Qadr
The reports mention a few signs. They are not a way of knowing the night with certainty, and a person who does not notice anything can still receive its reward.
- On the morning after the night, the sun rises without strong rays, white and pale. This is reported by Ubayy ibn Ka'b (Sahih Muslim).
- The night is described as calm and mild, neither hot nor cold. This is reported in a hadith in the collection of Ibn Khuzaymah, and some scholars grade it as acceptable.
- A person may feel peace and ease in worship.
Do not wait for a sign. The command is to strive in every odd night of the last ten.
The best dua for Laylat al-Qadr
Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) asked the Prophet (peace be upon him): "If I know which night is Laylat al-Qadr, what should I say?" He said: "Say: Allahumma innaka afuwwun tuhibbul-afwa fa'fu anni." (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Sunan Ibn Majah).
اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي
"O Allah, You are the Pardoner, You love to pardon, so pardon me."
Repeat it often, along with other duas for yourself, your family and the Muslim community.
How to seek Laylat al-Qadr: a practical plan
- Pray Isha and Fajr in congregation. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said that whoever prays Isha in congregation has as if prayed half of the night, and whoever prays Fajr too, has as if prayed the whole night (Sahih Muslim).
- Stand in night prayer (Qiyam). The Prophet said: "Whoever stands in prayer on Laylat al-Qadr out of faith and seeking reward will have his past sins forgiven" (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim). Join Taraweeh or pray at home.
- Recite and reflect on the Quran. The night is the anniversary of its revelation, and Ramadan is its month.
- Make dua. Spend time in dua between Maghrib and Fajr, using the dua above and your own words.
- Give charity. A small sadaqah on each of the odd nights is easy to keep.
- Consider I'tikaf. The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to spend the last ten days in the mosque. Those who cannot do the full ten days may do part.
- Look after your health. A steady routine of rest during the day and worship at night is easier to sustain for ten nights than a single heroic night.
Frequently asked questions
What is Laylat al-Qadr?
The Night of Power or Decree, the night in Ramadan on which the Quran was first revealed and which is better than a thousand months of worship.
Which night is Laylat al-Qadr?
It is in the last ten nights of Ramadan, most likely an odd night. Many Muslims look to the 27th night first, but the date is not certain.
When is Laylat al-Qadr 2027?
If Ramadan begins on 8 February 2027, the 27th night begins at sunset on Friday, 5 March 2027, and the odd nights span 27 February to 7 March.
What do you say on Laylat al-Qadr?
The dua taught by the Prophet: "Allahumma innaka afuwwun tuhibbul-afwa fa'fu anni", meaning "O Allah, You are the Pardoner, You love to pardon, so pardon me."
Can women who cannot pray still seek the night?
Yes. They can make dua, remember Allah, recite or listen to the Quran where permitted, give charity and attend the lectures and gatherings. The reward of the night is open to all believers.
Is Laylat al-Qadr the same night for everyone?
The night follows the local Ramadan calendar. Since countries may start Ramadan on different days, the 27th night may fall on different dates. Seek it on all the odd nights to be safe.
This guide is educational and not a fatwa. Quotations of the hadith are from the collections named.