What can make you know what the Night of Alqadr is (Quran 97:2)
We don’t know which night Laylatul Qadr is. Some people are looking for it all the time. Maybe it was this night, maybe it was that night.
I admit I’ve done this thing in the past as well. But I’ve changed my mind on this recently. And the reason why is I believed we should be looking for Laylatul Qadr in all these final 10 nights. Like we’re told to do.
Allah is Al-Hakeem (the Most Wise). There is wisdom in Allah’s keeping to himself exactly which night Laylatul Qadr is. Why? Because as human beings we are too lazy.
If you know that you can go to a certain shop, a certain market and you are going to be able to buy exactly what you want from that market. Are you going to go to other markets, to look around and make the effort? Or are you just going to go to the market where you want that particular thing?
I know your answer. You’re gonna just go to the market where you want that particular thing because you can’t be bothered to go around lots of different places. Because it’s a pain. Allah has made it ambiguous, unclear which night Laylatul Qadr is so that me and you will keep making that effort on every single one of those last 10 nights.
What exactly are we supposed to be doing about Laylat Al-Qadr? The Qur’an describes Laylat Al-Qadr, aka the Night of Power as:
“…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.”
(Al-Qadr 97:3-5)
Any acts of worship – prayer, charity, reading the Qur’an, etc. – we do on this special night are better than if we had done them every night for a thousand months.
The thing to really aim for is to have all your sins removed:
Whoever stands (in prayer) in Laylat Al-Qadr while nourishing his faith with self-evaluation, expecting reward from Allah, will have all of his previous sins forgiven.” -the Messenger as narrated by Abu Huraira (Bukhari and Muslim).
Laylat Al-Qadr is a great night of opportunity for every Muslim. Here’s how to reap some of the barakah (blessings) of the night.
Plan to make your supplications and other chosen acts of worship especially on those nights.
Young Muslim woman praying in mosque with Quran.2- Getting the Most Effect
If you can take time away from your regular schedule and dedicate yourself to these ten nights – do it!
I`tikaf – the practice of retreating to the mosque for focused worship – can be practiced for as little as one hour and ideally up to all ten days at the end of Ramadan.
Spend as many nights as you can in i`tikaf, and for as many hours as you can.
3 – How to PracticeI`tikaf
1-Be disciplined. Don’t dawdle; focus your energy and time on completing as many acts of worship as possible from Taraweeh until you have your pre-dawn meal.
2- After Taraweeh, recite the Quran, connecting to and pondering over its meaning, make your personal supplications as well as the du‘aa’ of Laylat Al-Qadr, and have a sincere dialogue with Allah. Open yourself to Him honestly and fully.
3– Take short breaks to hydrate yourself.
4– Pray the nafl salah – optional or extra prayers.
5– Be sure to pray tahajjud before it is time for you to eat.
6– Give charity. You can use an app or one of the many crowdfunding sources that are seeking charity during this blessed time.
7– Be kind and on your best behavior all around.
*There is a special dua to be said during the final ten days of Ramadan, with the hopes it will be said and answered on Laylat Al-Qadr.
Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, said:
“I asked the Messenger of Allah: ‘O Messenger of Allah, if I know what night is the night of Qadr, what should I say during it?’ He said: ‘Say: O Allah, You are pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon me.'”(Ahmad, Ibn Majah, & Tirmidhi).
If you are feeling overwhelmed about how to prepare for the Night of Power, at the very least:
4 – Make Your Ultimate Du‘aa’ List
What are the things you most want in life? Short-term and long-term Reach big and far, why not? That’s what prayers are about.
During the last ten nights of Ramadan, especially the odd-dated days, pray sincerely for everything on your list, then do your part and take any steps you can to reach your goals.
5 -Let’s do it again!
Insha’Allah, you will feel some of the elation of participating in the final ten days, hopefully on Laylat Al-Qadr too.
Give your future self a gift and be even better prepared to reap the benefits of the final ten days of next Ramadan. Plan big and follow through on your end of the prayers you have made this Ramadan.
We usually work on getting ready for big events that have significant impact on our lives.
A major event is about to take place in the last 10 nights of the blessed month of Ramadan: the arrival of Laylatul Qadr (the Night of Power, Destiny or Decree).
It is called this because of the power of this night and the fact that our destiny is decreed in this night.
Allah Almighty informed us about this night in Chapter 97 of the Quran,Surat Al Qadr(Chapter of Decree).
He Almighty says:
{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. The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter. Peace it is until the emergence of dawn.} (97:1-5)
Based on what we can learn from Surat Al-Qadr about this night and what we should do in it:
The Quran & The Reward
1- The Quran was descended in this night as Allah told us in the Sura (chapter).
So this night is about honoring and appreciating the revelation of the Noble Quran, This Blessed Book of Light & Guidance from The Merciful Creator.
2- The Quran is a major gift. So, read the Quran throughout this night with theintention of seeking wisdom, connecting with Allah, understanding of life and what’s beyond it.
Don’t just go through the pages of the Quran casually. Enjoy one page at a time or even one line at a time, reading tafseer (exegesis) like tafseer Ibn Katheer for example, along with it.
3- Remember that Allah the Exalted said that Laylatul Qadr is better than 1000 months.
This means that your worship, dua (supplication), Quran reading/memorizing and all the beautiful acts you’re going to do in this night would count for more/better than “83 years” of worship.
One night is worth more than an entire lifetime of worship. So, it’s a huge generosity from Allah, and we need to seize this opportunity.
Angels Fill the Earth
4- In Laylatul Qadr an incredible number ofangels descend upon the earth. They are magnificent creatures of Allah, they are the ones that help the believers by Allah’s permission.
They love those who are faithful and obedient to Him.
They realize the Might and Power of Allah and they salute the human beings who refrain from disobedience and instead choose to obey Allah and discipline themselves to worship and be humble servants of their Creator.
May Allah make us among them!
5- The angels take Allah’s permissions to come see His obedient servants on earth and say salutation of peace unto them until dawn, as the verse says “Peace it is until the emergence of dawn”.
They go to every single believer and say “salam” (peace).
6- Angel Jibreel(Gabriel), the mighty and noble angel of Allah who was ordered by the Allah to reveal the Quran to Prophet Muhammad comes down in Layaltul Qadr along with the angels to see us and see those who’ve been committed to the Quran.
Until this day, the same angel who revealed the Quran, by Allah’s will, to the Prophet descends again on earth in Laylatul Qadr when the Quran is being recited and honored by the believers.
A Very Special Night
7- Remember that Allah decrees our destiny for the rest of the year during this night.
So, your duaa (supplication) could have a huge impact on what will be decreed for you throughout this year. Don’t underestimate the power of duaa this night.
8- We should ask Allah this night to teach us the Quran and help us understand it and understand its beauty and wisdom.
9- Sit quietly in peace and make duaa, lots of duaa, and tell Allah everything you want.
Tell Him about every bad thing you did, tell Him you regret them, tell Him about every good thing you want to do in your life, tell Him that you have the intention of being better for yourself and your family and the ummah and humanity.
Tell Him to help you come closer to Him. Just speak to Him. And enjoy it.
10- Enjoy this night. Enjoy the peace when you’re alone with Allah Glorified be He.
Stay up throughout the last 10 nights of Ramadan.
Make time for Quran reading, make time for some tafseer, make time for some memorization, even the short suras (chapters), make time for having the angels of Allah see you in a condition of obedience, peace, beauty, and connection with Allah.
We have entered the precious last 10 nights of Ramadan. Ibn Qayyim said:
“The month of Ramadan is superior to all other months, and the last ten nights are superior to the other nights.”
This is the best time for us to reap massive amounts of rewards, which we all need.
The last ten nights are a great way to bond as a family and teach your children some valuable lessons in life.
Here is a checklist of everything you and your family need to prepare for those superior ten nights!
1. Set Your Intention
As with anything we do in Islam, it is an absolute must that we set our intention for those last ten nights. Make sure your heart is in the right place.
Ask Allah to let you and your family be successful during the coming nights. Encourage your children to do the same.
2. Night Prayers as Family Activity
Praying Taraweeh as well as tahajjud prayers brings huge rewards. Turn the night prayers into a family activity.
If your children are still young and ‘Isha time is quite late, like in Canada, this can be something to do on the weekends.
Take them to the mosque with you so they can pray beside you and feel the connection with Allah.
For daily prayers, make sure you pray together as a family so each member feels included and connected spiritually as well.
3. Read More Quran Together
InshAllah, you have been reading the Quran every day up until now. However, in the last ten nights, read more.
Have a family Quran circle: Allocate a set time each day when you all take turns reading some surahs.
If you want a bit of fun while reaping the maximum benefit, you can also have a family competition to see who can read the most: This will encourage your children to pick up the Quran more!
4. Make a Dua List and Increase Supplication
Ramadan is the month of blessings and mercy. It is the perfect chance to ask Allah for anything, especially forgiveness.
In the last ten days, sit with your children and draw up a dua list together.
Teach them how beneficial dua is and that Allah listens to all of our requests.
Also remember the most famous dua Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to say and teach it to your children:
“O Allah, You are pardoning. You love to forgive, so forgive me.”
Sunan At-Tirmidhi, 3513.
5. Give More Sadaqah
This doesn’t have to necessarily be financial. You can have a family cooking session together and invite extended family or friends for iftar.
You can ask your children to sort out some of their toys to give away to charity, as well as their clothes that no longer fit them.
You can go to the park or river and feed the birds together as a family activity.
You can take your children with you when you check on elderly neighbors and relatives to make sure that they are OK and your children can help carry out chores for them.
If you are financially able, set aside a certain amount to donate to charity each day.
You can encourage your children to donate some of their allowances to charity.
There are so many Islamic charities out there; let them choose the appeal they wish.
All of these activities will teach your children how to be kind and generous, and how we should take care of others in need.
Remember: leading by example instills important lifelong values.
6. Get Your Family Involved
Make this a family time. Make sure your children are aware of why these last ten nights are so precious and rewarding.
If you live near your parents, spend time praying and eating iftar together. Do good deeds as a family unit.
You will equip your children with lifelong lessons about kindness, helping others, and the beautiful gift that is family.
Ramadan goes by so fast. Don’t let those ten days of Ramadan go by without making as much effort as possible.
It is so important to get your family involved so that they can understand the significance of these nights and you can earn rewards together as a family. Allah says in the Quran:
Indeed, We sent the Qur’an 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.(Al-Qadr 97:1-3).
According to the majority of scholars, itikaf is a sunnah (a deed recommended by the Prophet) that can be performed any time throughout the year, yet it is more desirable during the last 10 days of Ramadan. However, if a Muslim vows to perform i`tikaf, he or she is obliged to fulfill that vow.
Some scholars hold the view that it is permissible to perform itikaf for a short period of time, even one or two hours, with the intention of getting closer to Almighty Allah.
The Malikis, Shafi`is, and Hanbalis are of the view that it is not permissible for a woman to perform i`tikaf in her own musalla (Prayer room) at home. They cite Allah’s saying, “And touch them not, but be at your devotions in the mosques [i.e. while being in the state of i`tikaf]. ” (Al-Baqarah 2:187).
They also refer to the incident where Abdullah Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them) was asked about a woman who vowed to perform itikaf in her own musalla at home. He then (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “This is a bid`ah [innovation in religion], and the most odious act in the sight of Allah is introducing innovations [to the religion]. Hence, there is no itikaf except in the mosque, where the (five) Prayers are performed.”
The musalla at home cannot be regarded as a mosque, whether in reality or when a Shar`i ruling is established. Moreover, if this act was permissible, the Mothers of the Believers (i.e., the Prophet’s wives) would have performed it even once.
On the other hand, the Hanafis hold the opinion that it is permissible for women to perform itikaf in their own musalla at home. They opine that the place of itikaf for women is that preferred by them when they perform their daily Prayers, because, unlike men’s Prayer, women’s Prayer at home is better than their Prayer in the mosque.
Accordingly, the place of itikaffor women should be their own musalla at home. Abu Hanifah and Ath-Thawri stated, “She [i.e., a woman] can perform itikafin her own musalla at home. It is better for her to do so, as her Prayer at home is better than [her Prayer] in the mosque.”
Also, it was narrated that Abu Hanifah said that it is not acceptable for a woman to perform i`tikaf in the mosque, where congregational Prayers are held, as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) abandoned the itikafin the mosque when he saw the tents of his wives pitched inside the mosque; he then said to them, “Is it righteousness that you intended by doing so?“
In addition, as a woman’s own musalla at home is the most preferred place for her to offer Prayers; hence, her place of itikaf [(which is the musalla]) is like the mosque for men where men are to perform itikaf.
Accordingly, we see that women can perform itikaf in the mosque, as the mosque is the best place for devotion to worship and remembrance of Allah — unlike the house, which does not have the spiritual atmosphere of the mosque. However, if a woman’s husband does not want her to perform itikaf in the mosque or she has young children to take care of, she is allowed to perform itikaf in her own musalla at home.
According to some scholars, such a woman’s itikaf at home can be intermittent; that is, she can come out of her musalla and move in her house or go out if she needs to do so.
Finally, if a woman has a sincere desire to please Almighty Allah, she should know that the reward of fulfilling the rights and needs of her husband and children can be equal to, and even greater than, that of itikaf. That is the grace of Almighty Allah, which He bestows on whom He wills, and Allah is the Enricher and All Aware.
Tahajjud (the optional late-night prayers) is derived from the Arabic root “hajada” meaning: he was wakeful in the night.
In the silent, dark, and tranquil hours of the night; we seek liberation from the burdens of daily hectic life and focus solely on worship and praise of Allah. And we can offer our Tahajjud prayers with calm and serenity.
It is a time for pause and quiet reflection during some uniquely serene moments.
The timing of Tahajjud prayers offers an exceptionally spiritual atmosphere and purity of thought in preparation for the day to begin.
It also enhances the concentrating ability of the memory components of the brain and helps us to place the forthcoming duties of the day into their respective compartments by reversing pending improper intentions, if any.
Closer to Allah
We will need the intimacy, that closeness to Allah in order to express our innermost thoughts, feelings, desires, and fears … indeed our whole life history.
The rising by night for Tahajjud prayers is more affirmative and most suitable for understanding and strengthening one’s faith. It also helps framing and formulating the wordings of prayer and praise.
Tahajjud kindles the divine flame within us to receive true illumination in the darkness of the night.
It opens the window to the heart for light to enter its dark crevices where problems are waiting to be solved.
Just as a person is mirrored clearly in the calm and still waters of a lake, so the mind is reflected in the supplicating words of Tahajjud prayers.
Tahajjud prayers ignite the divine spark that lies dormant within us.
It makes us a shining example and a beacon to instill brightness in the lives of those persons we encounter who are still at the beginning of their journey to Allah.
We may not be aware of this particular influence of ours in the lives of others whom we meet, which has already been laid down in Allah’s plan and wisdom.
Prayers are performed in mosques, where the union and awareness of the unique bond of faith give us many lessons. This helps us seek tranquility together and draw lessons for social reconciliation.
We pray for forgiveness in the early hours before dawn.
We observe that angels and men of knowledge are linked together, according to what the Quran says.
The best time for Tahajjud is to delay it to the last third portion of the night, according to Sunnah.
A Scientific Perspective
Psychologists assume that the repair of the body takes place during stage 3 and 4 of deep sleep (dreamless sleep). During these stages, memory and learning molecules are also re-synthesized in the hippo-campus of the brain.
Hence, we can formulate our wordings of petition and others much better during this period.
Every night, when the last third of it remains, Allah, our Sustainer, the Blessed, the Superior, descends to the lowest heaven saying: ‘Is there anyone to ask Me so that I may grant him his request? Is there anyone to invoke Me so that I may respond to his invocation? Is there anyone seeking My forgiveness so that I may forgive him?’ (Narrated by Muslim.)
According to the Quran, Tahajjud prayers will raise us to a higher status of faith.
Those who wake up to pray and call on their Sustainer, in fear and hope, would be rewarded.
From stage 4 of deep sleep, we pass on to stage 5, known as Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep. This is when dreaming occurs. There are 4 or 5 such periods in every night of restful sleep.
The dreams of early morning, say before Tahajjud prayers, are remembered more vividly. They have more accurate details and actions of the main figures, than those dreams of earlier in the night.
This is because memory molecules are synthesized during stages of deep sleep, which precedes the REM sleep when dreaming occurs.
Moreover, the Morning Prayer around 5 A.M. would add a further quota of beneficial effects of this extra physical and spiritual exercise.
Benefits of Tahajjud
We look forward to each day with optimism and enthusiasm, and to prepare in advance in the morning the list of good deeds we are planning to do during the day.
During Tahajjud prayers, we can formulate our supplications. This assists in molding our personality and daily schedule, beginning in the early morning.
When we wake up, our first port of call should be the prayer, followed by priorities in our agenda.
Prayer contributes to our tranquility and peace of mind. However, even the largest ships meet with turbulent waters, and we, as human beings, are liable to come across trials and tribulations that we have been destined for.
Although Man has achieved phenomenal success in science and technology, he cannot solve problems of moral nature, violence, discrimination, and many other daily situations, locally and world-wide.
Why Make Duaa?
If Allah needs no praise because He is above all praise and if He needs no petition because He knows our needs better than we do ourselves, and if His bounties are open without asking, to the righteous and the sinner alike, then why should we pray at all and make duaa?
In the Quran, Allah advises us to make duaa and He promises to respond. This is for our own spiritual growth and fulfillment, consolation, success in this life and in the Hereafter. It is also for a perfected personality with strong will power – all of these through His grace and guidance.
Offering duaa is a constant reminder to us that we are not alone in this world but feel a divine presence.
When prayers are followed by meaningful action and service to mankind, we upgrade ourselves. We go from being better Muslims to a much higher status and we ascend faster through al-siraat-al-mustaqeem (the correct path of truth) towards Allah, our eventual goal!
First of all, let me start by saying you Are Not Weak — Not At All! You are fighting a battle, waging a war against what can be described as an existential threat, or, in another words, you are in a “psychological Jihad” which the holy Qur’an allude to:
“Indeed, successful is the one who purifies their soul” (Quran 91:9)
So, take a deep breath. The fact that you feel pain about what you are going through; the fact that you want to stop; the fact that you worry about Allah and the state of the Ummah… all this already shows something beautiful in your heart. A heart that still cares about pleasing its Creator is a heart that is alive.
Secondly, let me say this clearly: You are not alone in this struggle. Many young Muslims today are living in a time where temptations are everywhere—on screens, in conversations, in social media, and even in the thoughts that constantly bombard the mind. This generation faces a level of exposure that previous generations could hardly imagine. So if you feel overwhelmed, it does not mean you are weak. It means you are human.
Your struggle is not a sign of failure. It is a sign of faith. A person who has no faith does not cry over sin. A person whose heart is empty does not feel guilty. But when you feel the urge and still try to resist it, when you feel regret after falling, when you turn back to Allah again and again—this is the life of a believer who is fighting for their soul. And that is a true sign of “strength” as explained by the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, as he made us understand that the one who struggles against his own desires is truly strong; he says in the hadith:
“The strong person is not the one who overpowers others, but the one who controls himself when angry.”
Commenting on this hadith, the scholars explain that this strength includes controlling one’s desires and impulses.
And Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) also said:
“Paradise is surrounded by hardships, and Hellfire is surrounded by desires.” (Sahih Muslim)
Why does Islam warn us about masturbation?
This is because Islam protects the heart, the mind, and the future. Sexual desire is not evil—it is a powerful gift placed in us. But like fire, when it is placed in the right place, it warms a home, but when it is uncontrolled, it can burn the whole house. Islam channels this powerful desire into something honorable, that is: marriage, love, responsibility, and family. Outside of that, the same desire can slowly weaken discipline, increase addiction to fantasy, and make it harder to lower the gaze and control the self.
So the goal is not to shame you. The goal is to protect you. This generation is a test — but also an opportunity for immense reward. Think about it: resisting temptation when temptation is everywhere is incredibly valuable in the sight of Allah. The one who struggles in darkness but still tries to stay pure is extremely beloved. Every time you lower your gaze; every time you close something inappropriate; every time you fight your thoughts; every time you stand up again after falling. All those moments are not small in Allah’s scale of measurement; they are actually acts of Ibaadah. As Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) even advised young people who struggle with strong desires:
“O young men, whoever among you can marry, let him marry… and whoever cannot, then let him fast, for it will be a shield for him.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)
So do not let Shaytan turn your struggle into despair. One of the biggest tricks of Shaytan is not the sin itself. It is convincing you that you have become a hopeless person because of the sin. But Allah’s mercy is greater than your mistakes. The door back to Him has never closed for anyone who sincerely wants to return. The Prophet (peace be upon him) talked about this in an extremely beautiful way in one of his hadiths:
“All the children of Adam commit sins, and the best of those who sin are those who repent.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi)
What Then is the Remedy?
Change does not happen overnight. It happens through small victories. Start with simple steps:
•Protect what you watch and listen to.
• Stay busy with beneficial activities.
• Exercise and use your physical energy.
• Strengthen your connection with prayer.
• Surround yourself with good company.
• Reduce isolation and idle time.
Most importantly, keep talking to Allah. Even if you fall a hundred times, stand up a hundred and one times. Your tears are not wasted. The tears of someone who fears disappointing Allah are precious. They are signs of sincerity. One day, the same struggle that makes you cry today might be the reason Allah raises your rank tomorrow. And remember this: You are not defined by your urges. You are not defined by your mistakes. You are defined by your effort to return to Allah. - aboutislam.net
