UK Prayer Times

Ramadan · Last Ten Nights

Laylatul Qadr — Night of Power

The holiest night of the Islamic year, better than a thousand months of worship.

إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَـٰهُ فِى لَيْلَةِ ٱلْقَدْرِ ۝ وَمَآ أَدْرَىٰكَ مَا لَيْلَةُ ٱلْقَدْرِ ۝ لَيْلَةُ ٱلْقَدْرِ خَيْرٌ مِّنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍ

"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."

Surah al-Qadr 97:1–3

What is Laylatul Qadr?

Laylatul Qadr — the Night of Power, the Night of Decree, or the Night of Destiny — is the most sacred night in the Islamic calendar. It falls within the last ten nights of Ramadan and marks the anniversary of the night on which the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in the cave of Hira.

The Quran describes it as "better than a thousand months" — meaning that worship performed on this single night outweighs over 83 years of worship. Allah's mercy, blessings and forgiveness descend abundantly, and the angels — led by Jibreel (AS) — descend to earth. The night is described as one of peace until the break of dawn.

When Is Laylatul Qadr?

The exact night of Laylatul Qadr is hidden as a mercy — so that Muslims strive throughout the last ten nights of Ramadan rather than worshipping only one night. The Prophet ﷺ said:

"Seek Laylatul Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan."
Sahih al-Bukhari 2017

The odd nights to look for are the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, and 29th nights of Ramadan. Many scholars — particularly in the Shafi'i and Hanbali madhabs — consider the 27th night most likely, based on narrations of Ubay ibn Ka'b (RA). However, the safest approach is to observe all ten nights.

21st

Night of Ramadan

23rd

Night of Ramadan

25th

Night of Ramadan

27th

Night of Ramadan

29th

Night of Ramadan

What to Do on Laylatul Qadr

Make dua

Spend the night in sincere supplication. The Prophet ﷺ taught a specific dua for this night (see below).

Recite Quran

Read or listen to as much Quran as you can. Even a few verses with reflection are deeply rewarding.

Pray Qiyam al-Layl

Offer extra voluntary prayers (Tahajjud) after Isha and before Fajr. Even two rak'ahs are valuable.

Make dhikr

Engage in continuous remembrance: SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar, Astaghfirullah, La ilaha illAllah.

Give charity

Charity given on Laylatul Qadr has the reward of 83+ years of charity. Even a small amount counts enormously.

I'tikaf

The Prophet ﷺ observed i'tikaf (spiritual retreat in the mosque) during the last ten nights. If possible, spend extra time in the mosque.

The Dua for Laylatul Qadr

A'ishah (RA) asked the Prophet ﷺ: "If I know which night is Laylatul Qadr, what should I say?" He replied:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي

Allahumma innaka afuwwun tuhibbul afwa fa'fu anni

"O Allah, You are Pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon me."

Tirmidhi 3513 · Ibn Majah 3850

Repeat this dua as often as possible throughout all ten nights, alongside your personal supplications.

Laylatul Qadr — FAQ

Is Laylatul Qadr always on the 27th of Ramadan?
No — the exact night is unknown and moves each year. Scholars widely believe it is most likely on the 27th night, based on narrations from companions like Ubay ibn Ka'b (RA). However, the Prophet ﷺ instructed believers to seek it across all five odd nights of the last ten days.
What happens if you miss Laylatul Qadr?
Missing Laylatul Qadr through sleep or neglect is a great loss, but Allah's mercy is infinite. You can still seek forgiveness and increase your worship throughout the last ten nights to maximise your chance of catching it.
Can you observe Laylatul Qadr at home?
Yes. While i'tikaf in a mosque is a Sunnah, worshipping at home through prayer, Quran, dua and dhikr is fully valid and highly rewarding. Try to create a quiet, focused environment.
Does Laylatul Qadr still occur after Ramadan ends?
Laylatul Qadr falls specifically within Ramadan — in the last ten nights. It does not occur outside of Ramadan.
Can women observe Laylatul Qadr during menstruation?
Yes. Women who are unable to pray during this time can still make dua, recite dhikr, give charity, listen to Quran, and engage in other acts of worship. The rewards of Laylatul Qadr are not limited to salah.
Ramadan Prayer Times → Duas & Supplications → How to Pray Salah →

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