As the crescent moons wax and wane, marking the passage of another Islamic month, the Muslims all over the world prepare for the holiest night in the Islamic calendar—Laylat al-Qadr, also known as the Night of Power. It is believed to fall within the last ten days of Ramadan, particularly on one of the odd-numbered nights: the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th. This sacred night commemorates the moment when the Holy Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), laying the foundation for a faith that today nourishes the souls of over a billion followers across the globe.
The exact date of Laylat-ul-Qadr is not definitively known, which underscores a profound teaching: the search for this night is as spiritually significant as the night itself. Muslims are encouraged to increase their worship, seek forgiveness, and reflect on the meaning of the Holy Quran during the last ten nights of Ramadan, with the hopes of aligning themselves with Laylat -ul-Qadr. This practice inculcates a habit of perseverance, hope, and humility—attributes that are central to the Islamic ethos.
The significance of Laylat-ul-Qadr cannot be overstated. It is described in the Holy Quran as “better than a thousand months” (97:3), indicating that the acts of worship and charity performed on this night are magnified in their reward. It’s a time when the gates of mercy and forgiveness are flung wide open, and the distance between the divine and the temporal seems to vanish, if only for a moment.
In contemplating Laylat-ul-Qadr, one cannot help but reflect on the state of our world today. Amidst the chaos and strife that have become all too common in our daily lives, this night offers a beacon of hope—a reminder that peace and spiritual fulfillment are attainable through faith, reflection, and community. It is a call to set aside our differences and to seek out what unites us, not only as Muslims but as a collective humanity.
The message of Laylat-ul-Qadr extends beyond the bounds of Islam. It speaks to the universal need for introspection and the transformative power of compassion and mercy. Non-Muslims too can appreciate the values embodied by this night, as they resonate with the core principles found across religious and philosophical traditions.
In a world where the immediacy of material concerns often blinds us to the spiritual dimension of our lives, Laylat-ull-Qadr offers a much-needed pause. It invites us to slow down, to examine our actions and intentions, and to consider the legacy we wish to leave behind. It is a night that asks us to be better—to ourselves, to our communities, and to the world at large.
As we approach this Night of Power, let us all—Muslims alongside friends of other faiths or no faith—embrace the spirit of Laylat-ull-Qadr. May we use this time to seek wisdom in stillness, strength in prayer, and joy in charity. May the lessons of this sacred night inspire us to carry its blessings forward, striving for a world that reflects the peace and unity we so dearly seek on this holiest of nights.
In the quietude of Laylat-ull-Qadr, there is a potent reminder that our greatest power often resides not in the clamor and clang of our daily battles, but in the silent, steadfast pursuit of a heart at peace. Let us hold onto this wisdom, and let it guide us through the year and beyond.
(Author is Asst Professor in Islamic Studies, HED and is a columnist)
