This Page is Reviewed by Rizwana Latif, Islamic Scholar at Al Mustafa Welfare Trust.
Last Updated: March 2026
Laylatul Qadr, also known as the Night of Power, Shab e Qadr or Night of Decree, is the most blessed night in the Islamic calendar. It falls within the last ten nights of Ramadanand marks the night when the first verses of the Holy Qur’an were revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through Angel Jibreel. Allah (SWT) describes this powerful night as “better than a thousand months” meaning that worship, prayer, and good deeds performed on this one night carry greater reward than those done over an entire lifetime of more than 83 years.
This Ramadan 2026, make the most of Laylatul Qadr (Shab e Qadr) by seeking forgiveness, making sincere dua, and sharing your blessings with those in need. With Al Mustafa Welfare Trust, your donation on this blessed night can bring food, clean water, healthcare, and education to families across the world who need it most.
What Is Laylatul Qadr?
Laylatul Qadr literally means the “Night of Power” or “Night of Decree” in Arabic. The word “Laylatul” means “the night of” and “Qadr” can mean power, destiny, or decree. This is the night when Allah (SWT) sent down the Holy Qur’an from the Preserved Tablet (Lawh al-Mahfuz) to the lowest heaven, and from there Angel Jibreel (Gabriel) began revealing it to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) over the next 23 years.
This blessed night took place for the very first time in the year 610 CE, when the beloved Prophet (PBUH) was meditating in the Cave of Hira near Makkah. Angel Jibreel appeared and commanded him to “Read!” and so began the revelation of the Qur’an that would change the course of human history forever.
Laylatul Qadr is also called by several other names in the Islamic tradition, including Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Destiny, Shab e Qadr, and the Night of Decree. No matter what you call it, this is the single most important night of the entire year for Muslims around the world.
Why is Laylatul Qadr so Important?
Allah (SWT) dedicated an entire surah of the Qur’an – Surah Al-Qadr (Chapter 97) to describe the greatness of this night. The surah says:
Indeed, We sent it [the Qur’an] 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 [Jibreel] descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter. Peace it is until the emergence of dawn.
This means that a single night of sincere worship on Laylatul Qadr is better than a thousand months of worship, that is more than 83 years. Imagine giving just £10 in charity on this night. The reward could be as if you donated £10 every single day for over 83 years. That is the incredible mercy of Allah (SWT).
In another place in the Qur’an, Allah (SWT) also says:
“Ha, Meem. By the clear Book, Indeed, We sent it down during a blessed night. Indeed, We were to warn mankind. On that night every precise matter is made distinct.”
(Surah Ad-Dukhan, 44:1-4)
This tells us that on this blessed night, Allah (SWT) decrees everything that will happen in the coming year, matters of life, death, provision, and destiny. That is why it is called the Night of Decree.
When is Laylatul Qadr 2026?
The exact date of Laylatul Qadr is one of the hidden treasures of Ramadan. Allah (SWT) has kept it a secret so that Muslims would strive in worship throughout the last ten nights of Ramadan, rather than focusing on just one night. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“Search for Laylatul Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)
This means the Night of Power most likely falls on one of the odd-numbered nights during the last ten days of Ramadan – the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th night.
For Ramadan 2026 (1447 AH), which began around 17th February 2026, the last ten nights are expected to fall between 8th March and 18th March 2026. Here are the key odd nights to look out for:
Ramadan Night
Expected Date
Day
21st Night
Evening of 9th March 2026
Monday
23rd Night
Evening of 11th March 2026
Wednesday
25th Night
Evening of 13th March 2026
Friday
27th Night
Evening of 15th March 2026
Sunday
29th Night
Evening of 17th March 2026
Tuesday
Note: All dates are approximate and depend on the official sighting of the moon in your region. The 27th night (highlighted) is the most widely observed, but scholars encourage seeking Laylatul Qadr on all odd nights.
Is Laylatul Qadr Always on the 27th Night?
Many Muslims believe that Laylatul Qadr (Shab e Qadr) always falls on the 27th night of Ramadan. While there are strong narrations that point to the 27th night, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) never confirmed a single fixed date. He specifically told his followers to seek it across all the odd nights of the last ten days.
The wisdom behind this is beautiful, Allah (SWT) wants us to put in effort throughout these blessed nights, not just on one evening. If you worship sincerely on all the odd nights, you will not miss Laylatul Qadr, and you will earn tremendous reward on every single one of those nights as well.
Signs of Laylatul Qadr
Since the exact date of the Night of Power is hidden, many people wonder if there are any signs to identify it. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) did mention some authentic signs in the hadith, though he encouraged worshipping on all the last ten nights regardless.
Here are the signs of Laylatul Qadr based on authentic hadith:
1. A Calm and Peaceful Night: The night feels unusually calm and serene. It is neither too hot nor too cold. The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Laylatul Qadr is a calm, pleasant night. It is neither hot nor cold.” (Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah)
2. The Sun Rises Without Rays the Next Morning: This is the most well-known sign. The morning after Laylatul Qadr, the sun rises weak and pale, without its usual bright rays. Ubayy ibn Ka’b (RA) reported that the Prophet (PBUH) said: “On the morning following Laylatul Qadr, the sun rises without any rays, as if it were a brass dish.” (Sahih Muslim)
3. The Moon Appears Like Half a Plate: The Prophet (PBUH) described the moon on this night looking like half a plate or dish. (Sahih Muslim)
4. Rain May Fall: Some narrations indicate that rain fell on the night or morning of Laylatul Qadr during the Prophet’s time. (Sahih al-Bukhari)
However, please remember that these signs are observed after the night has passed. The best approach is to worship sincerely on every odd night of the last ten days and leave the rest to Allah (SWT).
Best Dua for Laylatul Qadr (Shab e Qadr)
The most important dua for the Night of Power was taught by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) himself. When his wife Aisha (RA) asked him, “O Messenger of Allah, if I know which night is Laylatul Qadr, what should I say?” He replied:
“O Allah, You are the Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness, so forgive me.”
(Sunan at-Tirmidhi)
This short yet powerful dua captures the very essence of what Laylatul Qadr is about, seeking forgiveness from the Most Merciful. Repeat this dua as many times as you can throughout the night. It is especially powerful during sujood (prostration) and in the last third of the night. This is the time when Allah (SWT) descends to the lowest heaven and asks: "Who is calling upon Me, so that I may answer them?" (Sahih al-Bukhari)
Other Recommended Duas for the Night of Power
Pour your heart out with every dua you have been saving. Seek forgiveness for your past sins and mistakes. Raise your hands for your parents, family, and loved ones. Remember the suffering Ummah, in Gaza, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. Beg Allah for guidance, protection, and mercy. Finally, ask Him to shield you from the Hellfire and to accept all your fasting, prayers, and good deeds this Ramadan.
What to Do on Laylatul Qadr
The Night of Power is not a night for celebration with fireworks or parties. It is a night of deep worship, sincere prayer, and seeking closeness to Allah (SWT). Here is what you should do to make the most of this powerful night:
1. Pray Voluntary Prayers (Nafl/Tahajjud)
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Whoever stands in prayer during Laylatul Qadr with sincere faith and hoping for its reward will have all his previous sins forgiven.” (Sahih al-Bukhari) Spend as much of the night as you can in prayer, including Tarawih, Tahajjud (night prayer), and additional voluntary prayers. Even two extra rakats with a sincere heart can carry the reward of a lifetime of worship.
2. Recite and Reflect on the Holy Qur’an
Since this is the night the Qur’an was revealed, it is fitting to spend time reciting it. But do not just read the words, try to understand the meanings. Even reading just a few verses with full understanding and reflection is better than rushing through pages without knowing what you are reading.
3. Make Sincere Dua
This is your chance to pour your heart out to Allah (SWT). He is listening. He is close. Ask for everything you need, forgiveness, guidance, good health, success, and blessings for your family and the entire Ummah. The Prophet (PBUH) said that Allah descends to the lowest heaven in the last third of every night and says: “Is there anyone asking, so I may give? Is there anyone seeking forgiveness, so I may forgive?” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
4. Engage in Dhikr and Istighfar
Keep your tongue busy with the remembrance of Allah. Say SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar, and Astaghfirullah. Seeking forgiveness (istighfar) is one of the most beloved acts of worship to Allah (SWT), and Shab e Qadr is the best time to do it.
5. Give Charity and Sadaqah
Any good deed you do on this blessed night is multiplied beyond imagination. If you give even a small amount in charity on Laylatul Qadr, the reward is as if you have been giving charity every single day for more than 83 years. This makes the Night of Power the best time to give your Zakat, Sadaqah, or Sadaqah Jariyah.
6. Observe I’tikaf (Spiritual Retreat)
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would spend the last ten days of Ramadan in i’tikaf – a spiritual retreat in the mosque devoted entirely to worship. If you can, dedicate even a few days of the last ten nights to i’tikaf. If that is not possible, try to spend the nights in the mosque or in a quiet space at home where you can focus fully on your worship.
Rewards and Virtues of Worship on Laylatul Qadr
The blessings of this single night are beyond human comprehension. Here is a summary of the incredible rewards that await those who worship sincerely:
Forgiveness of all past sins:
The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Whoever stands in prayer during the Night of Qadr with sincere faith, seeking reward from Allah, will have all his previous sins forgiven.”
Better than 1,000 months:
Every act of worship, every rakat, every dua, every pound given in charity is multiplied as if you had done it continuously for over 83 years.
Angels descend to the earth:
The angels and the Spirit (Jibreel) descend by Allah’s permission, bringing peace, mercy, and blessings until dawn.
Peace until dawn:
The entire night is filled with peace and tranquillity from Maghrib until Fajr.
Your destiny is decreed:
Allah (SWT) determines the affairs of the coming year on this night. Through sincere dua, you can ask Allah to write the best outcome for you.
Giving Charity on Laylatul Qadr – Multiply Your Reward
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was the most generous of all people, and he was even more generous during Ramadan. Giving charity on Laylatul Qadr is one of the most powerful things you can do, because the reward is multiplied a thousand times over.
Think about it: if you donate just £50 on the Night of Power, the reward from Allah (SWT) is as if you donated £50 every single day for more than 83 years, that is over £1.5 million worth of charity reward. And that is just from one single act of giving on one blessed night.
Whether you choose to give Zakat, Sadaqah, or Sadaqah Jariyah (ongoing charity), giving on Laylatul Qadr ensures your reward continues to grow.
Where Does Your Donation Go?
We are committed to helping the most vulnerable people across the world. Your Laylatul Qadr donation can support:
Restore someone's sight through healthcare and cataract eye surgeries
Provide clean drinking water by funding wells for drought-affected communities
Feed families facing hunger with cooked meals and food aid packages
Give an orphan a future through sponsorship and education
Deliver emergency relief to families affected by conflict in Gaza, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen
Your single act of charity on the Night of Power can literally transform lives and earn you rewards that last for eternity.
Never Miss Laylatul Qadr (Shab e Qadr)
Since nobody knows the exact night, the best strategy is to give charity on every single one of the last ten nights of Ramadan. This way, you are guaranteed to have given on Laylatul Qadr, no matter which night it falls on.
Al Mustafa Welfare Trust’s My Ten Nights platform makes this easy. Simply choose your total donation amount, select how you want it split across the last ten nights, and we will automatically process your donations each night. You can focus entirely on your worship, prayers, and Qur’an recitation while knowing your charity is taken care of.
Laylatul Qadr in Hadith! Words of the Beloved Prophet (PBUH)
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) spoke about the Night of Power on many occasions. Here are some of the most important hadith about Laylatul Qadr:
On seeking it:
“Search for the Night of Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 2017)
On its reward:
“Whoever stands in prayer during the Night of Qadr with sincere faith and hoping for its reward will have all his previous sins forgiven.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 2014)
On the Prophet’s devotion:
“The Prophet (PBUH) would exert himself in worship during the last ten nights of Ramadan more than at any other time.” (Sahih Muslim)
On why it was given to this Ummah:
It is narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was shown the lifespans of previous nations and felt concerned that his Ummah’s shorter lives would not allow them to match the good deeds of earlier people. So Allah (SWT) gave this Ummah Laylatul Qadr, a single night worth more than a thousand months, so that even with shorter lives, we can achieve far more. (Muwatta Malik)
Laylatul Qadr means “The Night of Power” or “The Night of Decree” in Arabic. It refers to the blessed night in Ramadan when the Holy Qur’an was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through Angel Jibreel. It is called the Night of Decree because Allah (SWT) determines the destiny of all creation for the coming year on this night.
Laylatul Qadr 2026 falls within the last ten nights of Ramadan 1447 AH. The exact date is unknown, but the Prophet (PBUH) advised seeking it on the odd nights – the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, and 29th of Ramadan. In 2026, these nights are expected between 9th and 17th March, depending on the moon sighting.
27th Ramadan 2026 is expected to fall on 16 March 2026 (Monday). The night of 27 Ramadan, which many Muslims observe as a possible Laylatul Qadr will begin on the evening of 15 March 2026.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) taught Aisha (RA) to say: “Allahumma innaka ‘Afuwwun tuhibbul-‘afwa fa’fu ‘anni”, meaning “O Allah, You are the Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness, so forgive me.” (Sunan at-Tirmidhi). This is the single most recommended dua for the Night of Power.
Not necessarily. While the 27th night is the most widely observed, the Prophet (PBUH) said to search for it across all the odd nights of the last ten days. Many scholars recommend worshipping equally on all these nights to be sure you do not miss it.
According to authentic hadith, the signs include a calm and peaceful night that is neither too hot nor too cold, and the sun rising the next morning without strong rays, looking like a brass dish (Sahih Muslim). Rain may also fall on or before the night.
Yes, absolutely. While women cannot pray salah during menses, they can still make dua, do dhikr, give charity, listen to the Qur’an, seek forgiveness (istighfar), and engage in all other acts of worship. Laylatul Qadr is not only about prayer, it is about connecting with Allah (SWT) in every way you can.
Any good deed on Laylatul Qadr is rewarded as if you had performed it every day for more than 1,000 months (over 83 years). This means a small donation of even £10 could carry the same reward as donating £10 every day for an entire lifetime.
The safest approach is to worship sincerely on all the odd nights of the last ten days. You can also automate your charity donations across all ten nights using tools like Al Mustafa’s My Ten Nights platform, so your giving is covered even if you cannot stay awake every night.
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