When is Laylatul Qadr? The Night of Power

Planning for the Night of Power

Ramadan has flown by and we’re nearing the last 10 nights! Planning for the Night of Power should be a priority. Aisha (ra) conveys practices of the last 10 nights of Ramadan in the following hadith:

With the start of the last ten days of Ramadan, the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to tighten his waist belt (i.e., work hard) and used to pray all the night, and used to keep his family awake for the prayers. (Sahih al-Bukhari 2024)

Narrated Aisha (ra): Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessing be upon him) used to practice I`tikaf in the last ten nights of Ramadan and used to say, “Look for the Night of Qadr in the last ten nights of the month of Ramadan.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 2020)

So, what is the Night of Qadr?

 “The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months” (Quran – 97:3)

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever prays on Laylatul Qadr out of faith and sincerity, shall have all their past sins forgiven.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

This is a golden opportunity that arrives only once a year! It should be the aim of all of us to be in the state of worship during this blessed night – May Allah make it so! (Ameen).

Staying up the entire night can be difficult for 10 nights, especially with a working schedule and young children at home. Of course, no matter what, catching this night will require us to sacrifice some comforts and push ourselves in the hopes of achieving the reward of forgiveness gifted to us through this sacred night.

To increase our chances of success, every goal needs a game plan! Here are a few methods you can use to keep yourself awake, alert and motivated.

1- Schedule in Sleep

If you’re trying to stay awake to catch this blessed night you must plan by starting with the most difficult aspect, sleep!

Many of us are already running low in terms of sleep because of tarawih and waking up for suhoor, but with Layatul Qadr you’ll need to make sure you actually schedule in some sleep. There’s only so much our body can handle, so you have to make sure you get sleep during the day.

Take a nap after dhur salat, if you’re at work, try to rest during lunch break. For those that can’t, they usually catch some sleep right after work. For others, it works best to sleep right after maghrib until Isha. If you’re working, you might have to do a few sleep sessions to make this possible.

2- Clear Your Schedule

Ideally you want to take care of all your errands before the last 10 nights, this includes grocery shopping, Eid gifts, chores, appointments. The more you can get done before the last 10 nights, the greater the chance of actually sticking to a sleep schedule.

Some things just can’t wait, so try to clear your schedule in the first part of the last 10 days.

Another time saver is to meal plan. Order food, or choose quick, easy meals prepare.

Keep everything on your “to-do list” as simple as possible, so you can focus on catching this awesome night, InshaAllah.

3- Put Away Distractions (aka phones!)

Let’s not waste time scrolling on our phones – “let me just check this” turns into hours of distractions and wasted time. During the day you might be tempted to “unwind” with your phone or get stuck on it – if this happens, you’ll lose out on valuable sleep time. And without sleep, staying awake in worship is very difficult.

Prepare yourself to be disciplined! Put your phone on silent and keep it away from you. Don’t worry, your determination will pay off.

4- Limit or Say, “No, Thank You” to Iftar Parties

The essence of Ramadan is felt in the company of our community as we all break our fasts together in worship and in supplication. However, iftar parties during the last 10 nights can be a means of taking up a lot of time. The social aspect of iftar parties is strong, and keeps us lingering until late. This will throw make it very hard stay to stay up late in prayer and supplication.

Catching the Night of Power means we have to ensure whatever we do is going to help us towards that goal. How can we expect such a magnificent reward without putting in the dedication and determination required?

5- Plan for Your Nights of Worship

Planning for the Night of Power

Staying up during the last nights to worship Allah also needs some sort of thought process. Here are different types of worship that you can fill your time with during these blessed nights:

Aisha reported: I said, “O Messenger of Allah, if I know which night is the Night of Decree, what should I say during it?” The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Say: O Allah, You are pardoning. You love to forgive, so forgive me.” (al-Tirmidhi 3513)

اَللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفْوٌ تٌحِبٌّ العَفْوَ فَأَعْفَوْ عَنِّي

Allahumma Innaka Aafuwon Tuhibu AlAaffwa Faafu Aanni

 Oh Allah! You are most forgiving, you love to forgive, so forgive me.

May Allah give us the strength to seek the blessed Night of Laylatul Qadr.  May He grant us the opportunity of being awake in the state of sincere worship during this time and may He accept our efforts – Ameen