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. [Qur’an: 97:3-5]
The fact that Allah dedicates an entire Surah of the Qur’an to the Night of Decree or the Laylatul Qadr is sufficient to prove its importance. It lies in the last 10 nights of Ramadan.
Hadith:
The Mother of believers Aisha (may Allāh be pleased with her) says:
“With the start of the last ten days of Ramadan, the Prophet ṣallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) used to tighten his waist belt (i.e. work harder) and used to pray the whole night, and used to keep his family awake for the prayers. [Bukhari]
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) says : “Whoever stands (in the voluntary night prayer of) Ramadan out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven. And whoever spends the night of decree in prayer out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.” [Sunan an-Nasa’i]
Significance
Both Qur’an and hadith testify to the fact that The Night of Decree is important.
- It fetches you the rewards of 1000 nights of worship.
- The night of decree wipes out your previous sins.
- It is a golden time for Dua.
- It earns you the pleasure of Allah.
Special Deeds to Do
- Worship All 10 Nights
Although certain reports have it that The Night of Decree will be in the odd nights, it is better to worship all 10 nights. The night of decree is worth 83 years of abundant worship. That is longer than an average human lifespan Why would we even want to take the risk of losing it? - Remain in I’tikaf
The best worship for the night of decree is to remain in I’tikaf Both men and women can do this. In I’tikaf, you seclude yourself from your daily routines and devote your time entirely for worship. If it’s not possible for you to remain in I’tikaf for all 10 nights and days, try to extend it as much as you can. - Make abundant Dua
Allah honors a sincere dua. When you make this sincere Dua during the night of decree, it is a guarantee that it will come true so perfect your Dua and pour out whatever is in your heart before Allah. - Give Charity
Make donations, give of your favorite stuff to the poor, sponsor an orphan’s education, feed starving and destitute people, donate Quran copies. Give as much as you can. - Read The Qur’an
The Quran was sent down on the night of decree. So it makes perfect sense to read much of it as possible during the all the nights which could be the night of decree. - Make Voluntary prayers
Pray Tahajjud and other voluntary prayers. Make long and meaningful prostrations. Read as many Surahs as you can. To develop Khushu, try to understand these Surahs before you read them.