May 26 marks the 20th day of Ramadan and the start of the last ten days of the Holy Month. Although Muslims worldwide continue to fast, pray taraweeh (additional night time prayers), recite the Qur’an, and give to charity, all in an effort to deepen their faith and gain a closer connection to Allah, it is within the last ten days that holds a particular significance. It is during this time that Laylat al-Qadr occurs (normally on an odd night, like on the 19th, 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th day of Ramadan) [1]. The Qur’an does not specify a particular day for Laylat al-Qadr, though Muslims believe it falls on one of the last ten days of Ramadan.
Regardless of the actual date, Laylat al-Qadr has many English translations including: The Night of Destiny, The Night of Power, The Night of Decree, among others. It is on this night when the first verses of the Qur’an were revealed to the Prophet Muhammed. Additionally, this night is more important than a thousand months [2] because it is believed that during this time that God’s mercy and compassion are overflowing and thus the most optimal time to ask God for forgiveness and blessings. An even greater significance of Laylat-al Qadr rests with the notion that on this night it is believed that through worship, one’s fate for the upcoming year is revealed. This night, the holiest of nights, is observed with continual, uninterrupted prayer.
Stay tuned next week for the final installment of the 4-part series on Ramadan.
[1] Sunni Muslims traditionally credit the 27th day of Ramadan as Laylat al-Qadr, while Shia Muslims believe it falls on the 23rd day. However, the Qur’an itself does not identify the actual day.
[2] A translated verse of the Qur’an, in which this night of prayers equals the prayers recited for a 1000 months (an equivalent of a lifetime).