Laylatul Qadr, or the Night of Decree, is one of the most significant nights in the Islamic calendar, especially in the final ten days of Ramadan. The rewards of worship on this night are immense, as it is a night that holds value greater than a thousand months. It is a night to seek Allah’s mercy, forgiveness, and blessings. To make the most of these precious nights, here are five key acts of worship to focus on during Laylatul Qadr.
1. Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah)
Dhikr, the remembrance of Allah, is a simple but powerful act of worship that can be done at any time, but it holds special significance during the last ten nights of Ramadan. Whether it’s after your obligatory prayers, while carrying out your daily tasks, or throughout the night, engaging in dhikr brings immense rewards. As Allah says in the Quran:
“Verily in the remembrance of Allah, do hearts find rest.”
(Surah Ar-Ra’d, 28)
Ibn al-Qayyim beautifully explains that continuous remembrance (dhikr) is the key to earning Allah’s love. For those seeking closeness to Allah, dhikr should be a priority during this holy time.
2. Laylatul Qadr: The Night of Decree
Laylatul Qadr falls within the last ten nights of Ramadan, with odd-numbered nights being the most significant. This night is better than a thousand months, as Allah says in the Quran:
“The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.”
(Surah Al-Qadr, 3)
On this night, the Quran was revealed, and the angels, including Jibril (AS), descend to the Earth. It is a night when all of creation’s destiny is written for the coming year. Engaging in sincere worship and prayer on Laylatul Qadr is an opportunity to have past sins forgiven and seek Allah’s mercy.
3. Salah and Voluntary Prayers
Salah is the cornerstone of worship in Islam. During the last ten nights of Ramadan, particularly on Laylatul Qadr, offering extra prayers can lead to the forgiveness of past sins. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“Whoever stands in prayer during the Night of Decree out of sincere faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all of his previous sins will be forgiven.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)
Taking time to offer voluntary prayers (nafl) during these nights amplifies the blessings and rewards of Ramadan.
4. Tawbah (Repentance)
Repentance (Tawbah) is another crucial act of worship during the last ten nights of Ramadan, especially on Laylatul Qadr. Whether for major or minor sins, seeking forgiveness from Allah is highly recommended. The act of sincere repentance purifies the heart and soul. Allah is the Most Merciful and Forgiving, and the last ten nights of Ramadan provide an opportunity for complete purification.
5. Good Conduct and Character
Islam emphasizes the importance of upright conduct and character. During the last ten nights of Ramadan, it is essential to exhibit patience, kindness, and humility in your interactions with others. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “The best among you are those who have the best manners and character.” This is a time to reflect on our behavior and strive to improve our relationships with others while seeking the pleasure of Allah.
Laylatul Qadr is a night of immense blessings, and the final ten days of Ramadan are an opportunity to increase your worship and draw closer to Allah. By focusing on dhikr, performing extra prayers, seeking repentance, and maintaining good character, you can maximize the rewards of this sacred time. May Allah grant us the opportunity to witness Laylatul Qadr and accept all of our acts of worship.
