The rewards of Laylatul Qadr: How to seek it

The Rewards of Laylatul Qadr: How to Seek It

Laylatul Qadr, also known as the Night of Decree, is one of the most blessed nights in the Islamic calendar. It is mentioned in the Quran as a night that holds immense spiritual significance. The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months, and every Muslim yearns for the opportunity to witness its rewards. This article delves deeply into the rewards of Laylatul Qadr, the significance of this blessed night, and how to seek it effectively through acts of worship.

Allah (SWT) has highlighted the importance of Laylatul Qadr in Surah Al-Qadr, making it clear that this night is one of the most important nights of the year for any believer. The Night of Decree is a time for Allah’s mercy to descend in abundance, bringing forgiveness and spiritual elevation to those who engage in worship. For Muslims, the last ten nights of Ramadan hold great significance, with Laylatul Qadr being hidden within them, often occurring on the odd nights.

In this post, we will explore the immense rewards of Laylatul Qadr, how to recognize and seek it, and the best acts of worship to perform during this auspicious night.

The Immense Rewards of Laylatul Qadr

The rewards of Laylatul Qadr are immeasurable and incomparable to any other night in the Islamic calendar. Several Hadiths of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and verses from the Quran explain the virtue and rewards that accompany Laylatul Qadr. Here, we will discuss some of the greatest rewards that come with this blessed night.

A Night Better Than a Thousand Months

The most well-known and profound reward of Laylatul Qadr is its virtue, which is explicitly mentioned in the Quran. Allah (SWT) states:

إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَاهُ فِي لَيْلَةِ الْقَدْرِ
“Indeed, We sent it [the Quran] down during the Night of Decree.” (Surah Al-Qadr 97:1)

Then, Allah (SWT) continues:

وَمَا أَدْرَاكَ مَا لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ
“And what can make you know what is the Night of Decree?” (Surah Al-Qadr 97:2)

The verse emphasizes that the Night of Decree is so powerful and significant that even the Prophet (SAW) asked, “What can make you know what the Night of Decree is?” This rhetorical question is meant to draw attention to its unparalleled significance.

And Allah (SWT) continues to say:

لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ خَيْرٌ مِّنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍ
“The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.” (Surah Al-Qadr 97:3)

This means that the reward of worship on Laylatul Qadr is greater than the reward of worshiping for a thousand months, or more than 83 years. This is an extraordinary opportunity for believers to earn rewards that far exceed any other night in the year. Worshipping on this night is like worshipping for an entire lifetime, a once-in-a-lifetime chance for spiritual elevation.

Forgiveness of Sins

One of the greatest rewards of Laylatul Qadr is the forgiveness of sins. In a Hadith from Sahih Bukhari, the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said:

مَن قَامَ لَيْلَةَ الْقَدْرِ إِيمَانًا وَاحْتِسَابًا غُفِرَ لَهُ مَا تَقَدَّمَ مِن ذَنْبِهِ
“Whoever stands in prayer on Laylatul Qadr with faith and seeking reward, all his past sins will be forgiven.” (Sahih Bukhari 1901, Sahih Muslim 760)

This Hadith makes it clear that standing in prayer and engaging in worship on Laylatul Qadr brings about complete forgiveness of past sins. What an incredible opportunity for a believer to cleanse themselves and start afresh with Allah’s mercy. This night is an opportunity for all Muslims to seek forgiveness and purification through their worship.

Peace and Tranquility

Another remarkable reward of Laylatul Qadr is the peace and tranquility that descends on this night. Allah (SWT) says in Surah Al-Qadr:

سَلاَمٌ هِيَ حَتَّى مَطْلَعِ الْفَجْرِ
“Peace it is until the emergence of dawn.” (Surah Al-Qadr 97:5)

Laylatul Qadr is a night of divine peace, where the atmosphere is filled with tranquility, mercy, and the blessings of Allah. It is a night when all believers are given the opportunity to connect with Allah (SWT) through sincere worship and devotion. During this night, angels descend, bringing peace and mercy, and their presence grants an even greater sense of serenity for the believer engaged in worship.

The Descent of Angels and Jibreel (Gabriel)

On Laylatul Qadr, the angels descend upon the earth by Allah’s permission. Allah (SWT) tells us in the Quran:

تَنَزَّلُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ وَالرُّوحُ فِيهَا بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهِمْ مِنْ كُلِّ أَمْرٍ
“The angels and the Spirit [Jibreel] descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter.” (Surah Al-Qadr 97:4)

The angels bring blessings and mercy from Allah (SWT) and intercede for the believers engaged in acts of worship. The Spirit, which refers to Angel Jibreel (Gabriel), is sent down with a special mission on this night. This serves as a clear reminder that this night is an exceptional and auspicious occasion.

A Night of Decrees

Laylatul Qadr is the night when Allah (SWT) decrees matters for the coming year. Allah (SWT) says in Surah Ad-Dukhan:

إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَاهُ فِي لَيْلَةٍ مُّبَارَكَةٍ
“Indeed, We sent it [the Quran] down during a blessed night.” (Surah Ad-Dukhan 44:3)

This is the night when Allah’s decrees regarding the lives of all His creation are announced by the angels. Thus, it is a night of great blessings, where Allah’s mercy and the destiny of individuals are written for the coming year. It is a time to seek goodness, well-being, and blessings in your life through sincere supplication.

How to Seek Laylatul Qadr

The Night of Decree is hidden among the last ten nights of Ramadan, and the best way to seek it is by increasing your worship, devotions, and acts of goodness during these nights. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) guided his followers to seek Laylatul Qadr in the last ten nights of Ramadan, particularly on the odd-numbered nights. Here’s how you can maximize your chances of witnessing the blessings of Laylatul Qadr:

Increase Worship During the Last Ten Nights of Ramadan

The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) would increase his worship and devotion in the last ten nights of Ramadan, as stated in the Hadith:

كَانَ النَّبِيُّ ﷺ يَجْتَهِدُ فِي الْعَشْرِ الْأَوَاخِرِ مَا لَا يَجْتَهِدُ فِي غَيْرِهِ
“The Prophet (SAW) would strive harder in the last ten nights than he would in any other part of Ramadan.” (Sahih Muslim 1175)

This shows that the last ten nights, particularly the odd-numbered nights, are the most significant in Ramadan.

Perform Extra Prayers (Qiyam-ul-Layl)

One of the best ways to seek Laylatul Qadr is to engage in extra prayers during these nights. The Prophet (SAW) recommended standing in prayer with sincerity and devotion, especially on Laylatul Qadr.

Recite the Quran and Reflect

The Quran was revealed on Laylatul Qadr, so reciting the Quran during this night carries immense reward. Reflecting on its meanings and asking Allah (SWT) for guidance and mercy is also highly recommended.

Make Dua

On Laylatul Qadr, the Dua is accepted. As narrated in a Hadith, Aisha (RA) asked the Prophet (SAW):

يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ، أَرَأَيْتَ إِنْ عَلِمْتُ أَيَّ لَيْلَةٍ لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ، مَا أَقُولُ فِيهَا؟
“O Messenger of Allah, if I know which night is Laylatul Qadr, what should I say in it?”

He replied:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ العَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي
“O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness, so forgive me.” (Sunan Tirmidhi 3513)

This is a powerful supplication to make during Laylatul Qadr, seeking Allah’s forgiveness and mercy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Laylatul Qadr is an immensely significant and rewarding night for every Muslim. It is a night when the mercy of Allah (SWT) descends in abundance, offering forgiveness, peace, and the opportunity to seek Allah’s blessings. The rewards of this night are unparalleled, as it is better than a thousand months of worship. Allah (SWT) has made it a night of spiritual elevation, where the angels descend and decrees for the coming year are announced. For Muslims, seeking this night is a deeply cherished goal, and it is found within the last ten nights of Ramadan, especially on the odd-numbered nights.

To maximize the chances of witnessing the rewards of Laylatul Qadr, believers are encouraged to engage in acts of worship, increase their prayers, recite the Quran, make sincere Dua, and seek Allah’s forgiveness. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) taught that the sincere worship on this night can lead to complete forgiveness of past sins, making it a night of immense opportunity for spiritual renewal.

May Allah (SWT) grant us the ability to witness Laylatul Qadr, and may He accept our worship, forgive our sins, and bless us with His mercy. Ameen.