10 Amazing Things to do in Laylat Al-Qadr

The biggest and the most spectacular spiritually uplifting nights of the year fall in the Holy month of Ramadan and they are known as the nights of Qadr. Although we may not be sure exactly which night is Laylatul Qadr, in which the entire Qur’an was revealed to the Holy Prophet Muhammad, sallallahu alayhi wa alihi wa sallam.

It is considered the premier event of the year and we must prepare and utilize this golden opportunity given to us by the Almighty Subhanahu wa Ta’ala. How well we do and what we achieve is largely dependent on our approach, understanding and preparation for these nights. Here are important ten tips for us to think about.

Number 1. If we were told a major fashion retailer or store is closing down and all its merchandise is not only free for several hours, but whatever you grab, you will be multiplied by the owners too. We would make sure that we are there, ready in good time. For the nights of Qadr, we need physical preparation too. Having plenty of rest the days before, limiting what we eat at Iftar and Sehri on these nights, putting on perfume and wearing comfortable clothing as well as performing Ibadah, worship, in a suitable area with limited distraction are all advised.

Number 2. A key component in Islamic teachings is purity. Hence, according to a narration from Imam As Sadiq, alayhi as-salaam, it is recommended to perform ghusl – ritual washing of the body twice on the nights of Qadr, one at the beginning of the night and another towards the end before Fajr. This is not only to have a pure body, but also to enhance purity of the soul as well, and symbolically establish a new beginning once the night is over.

Number 3. The Qur’an in chapter 44 verse number 3, tells us that Laylat ul-Qadr is a night full of barakah, abundant blessings from the Almighty Subhanahu wa Ta’ala. Why? It’s the night of the brilliant words of Allah Tabaraka wa Ta’ala. When we recite du’as and pray, we are speaking to Him; but when we are reciting the Qur’an, He is speaking to us. It’s key that the Qur’an takes centre stage in these nights.

Remember the three R’s- Recite, Reflect and Review your plan to develop a better relationship this coming year with God’s book. Beg Allah not to make us of those who abandon the Qur’an. Write down ideas and thoughts and believe you can do it.

Number 4. There is often a tendency for people to treat ‘amaal’ or deeds of these nights as a tick-list exercise, feeling the pressure to finish this du’a and recite the other du’a and so on. Whilst the recommended deeds for the night of Qadr are indeed valuable and important, let’s try to understand the ethos of why we do them in the first place. You see, it’s not about finishing all the du’as and the amaal, but the words of these du’as should penetrate and impact our hearts.

Our aim during the nights of Qadr is to rebuild the relationship with Allah Tabaraka wa Ta’ala. Choose a du’a, or part of a du’a that you will really connect with emotionally. It could be any du’a, as long as you understand it and it brings you closer to the Almighty Subhana wa Ta’ala. Perhaps you can shed a tear when reciting this supplication. Use this du’a to focus on your relationship with Allah and know that when you ask Him with sincerity, He will respond to you. Perhaps also try and spread the amaal, the deeds, over the nights, so that you don’t lose focus.

Number 5. One of the recommended deeds on these great nights is to recite a 2 units; 2 rakah salaah, whereby Surah Fatiha is recited, followed by 7 times Surah Ikhlaas in each rakah. After completion, we are told to recite “Astaghfir Allah wa awtubu ilayhi” 70 times. Maybe this Istighfar, perhaps should be done in sajdah, prostration. Also, think about this, when we are uttering the Istighfar, what is it that’s going through our minds? Is it that have I reached 70 yet? Or is it my recalling of sins that I feel ashamed and embarrassed about and determined not to repeat.

The nights of Qadr have a tremendous potential for transformation and self change; that can only happen when we shed the load of our sins and repent sincerely. Throughout the night let us not forget the power of what I call, positive Istighfar; this means genuine hope in the abundant mercy of the Almighty Subhana wa Ta’ala and that we will be forgiven. If you have forgotten God over the years, not prayed, committed haraam, etc, the Shaytan will tell you during these nights, “don’t bother, God won’t forgive you. Don’t let this happen,” this hopelessness is wrong. Allah’s doors of mercy and forgiveness are wide open. He is waiting for us to take that first step.Let’s devise a plan on how not to repeat these sins again.

Number 6. One of the best deeds in Laylat ul-Qadr is seeking Ilm – knowledge. Now, you might be surprised by this, but it’s actually indeed emphasized in Islamic teachings. But which kind of knowledge should I seek? You may be asking. One of the scholars beautifully said, any Ilm that doesn’t make you cry is useless. This means the knowledge I gain should give me that desirable state of God-consciousness and love of the Absolute, only Beloved.

Number 7. The nights of Qadr are also very much about establishing Wilayah and connection with the Holy Prophet and his pure progeny, peace and blessings be upon them all. When the du’a of placing the Qur’an on the head is recited, using the tawassul of the 14 leaders of mankind, as well as the recitation of the Ziyarah of Imam Husayn, peace and blessings be upon him, we affirm our love and loyalty.

But also importantly, pledge that we will take the teachings and apply them into our lives, no matter what. Similarly, there will be a man who will be presented with our deeds on these nights, the awaited savior, Imam Al-Mahdi, ajja Allahu ta’ala faraja. Fill your heart and your lips with his love and the yearning to meet and serve him. Pray for his reappearance and the opportunity to establish justice with him. Perhaps perform a 2 rakah salaah and gift it to him in these nights.

Number 8. To be strong individually Islam advocates supporting others in society and making positive contributions. Hence sadaqa and charity are recommended on nights of Qadr, as well as a commitment for the coming year to give back to the community and be involved in all kinds of acts of kindness and support to each other.

Number 9. The night of Qadr is not a night of business transactions. Is not only about getting our wishes fulfilled, it’s about love. It’s the opportunity to strengthen our relationship with Allah Subhana wa Ta’ala. This is a night that Allah loves to hear you supplicate. So speak to Him from the heart in your own language. Don’t be afraid to shed a tear and express your endless gratitude for all the blessings that He has bestowed upon us. But here’s the question we all need to ask ourselves when we speak to Him, what’s in our heart? Are we full of ourselves? Do we think we have achieved a lot in our lives? The night of Qadr is about humility, annihilation of the self and begging. Yes, we want to start a clean, fresh page and definitely we can.

Number 10. It’s known as the night of destiny and measure. On the night of Qadr, we can change our future. The potential is enormous. Hence, it’s recommended we start a good project or a particular initiative that’s righteous, actually on the night itself, and pray that it grows to become successful, In Shaa Allah.