The Power of the Odd Nights in Ramadhaan

The last ten nights of Ramadhaan are the most sacred nights of the year, holding immense blessings and opportunities for forgiveness. Among them, the odd nights (21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, and 29th) are especially significant because Laylatul Qadr (The Night of Decree) falls within these nights.

Allah (SWT) says in the Qur’an:

“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.” (Surah Al-Qadr 97:1-3)

This means that worship performed on Laylatul Qadr is equivalent to worshiping for more than 83 years! Since the exact date is unknown, we seek out this night in the last ten odd nights by increasing acts of Ibaadah.

How to Make the Most of Laylatul Qadr

Here are the best ways to maximise the odd nights of Ramadhaan and increase the likelihood of benefitting from Laylatul Qadr:

1. Increase in Salaah (Night Prayers – Qiyam & Tahajjud)

Praying extra voluntary prayers (Nafl Salaah), including Taraweeh and Tahajjud, is highly recommended. The Prophet (ﷺ) said:

“Whoever stands in prayer on Laylatul Qadr out of faith and seeking reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.” (Bukhari, 1901; Muslim, 760)

Praying Salaatul Tasbeeh is highly recommended during these Mubarak Nights as it holds tremendous reward, erases sins and helps one gain closeness to Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’aala.

2. Recite & Reflect on the Qur’aan

Since Laylatul Qadr is the night the Qur’aan was revealed, it is an ideal time to:

• Recite and reflect on Surah Al-Qadr and other passages of the Qur’aan
• Increase your Qur’aan reading and try to complete any unfinished recitation
• Make du’aa that Allah grants us understanding and closeness to the Qur’aan

3. Make Abundant Du’aa (Supplication)

One of the best du’aa to make on Laylatul Qadr is:

“Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibbul ‘afwa fa’fu ‘anni”

“O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness, so forgive me.” (Tirmidhi 3513)

Other important supplications include:

• Seeking forgiveness for past sins
• Praying for health, guidance, and barakah
• Making Du’aa for family, the Ummah, and those in need

4. Give Charity & Perform Good Deeds

The reward of giving charity on Laylatul Qadr is multiplied many times over. Even a small donation is as if you had been giving for 1,000 months! Consider:

• Donating to orphans, widows, and those in need
• Contributing to a masjid project or Qur’aan distribution
• Supporting ongoing charity (Sadaqah Jariyah), such as sponsoring Islamic education

5. Engage in Dhikr & Istighfar (Seeking Forgiveness)

Keep your tongue busy with remembrance of Allah (dhikr). Recommended phrases include:

• SubhanAllah wa bihamdihi, SubhanAllahil ‘Azeem (Glory be to Allah and all praise is due to Him)
• Astaghfirullah wa atubu ilayh (I seek forgiveness from Allah and repent to Him)
• La ilaha illa Allah, Muhammadur Rasulullah (There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His Messenger)

Signs of Laylatul Qadr

While the exact date is unknown, some signs reported in Hadith include:

• A calm, peaceful, luminous night with a serene atmosphere
• The moon appearing like half a plate
• A mild temperature (neither too hot nor too cold), rain may be a possibility
• No shooting stars visible
• The sun rising the next morning without sharp rays (Muslim, 762)

Here are some videos related to Laylatul Qadr, may they be educational and beneficial, insha Allah.

Final Thoughts

The odd nights of Ramadhaan are an incredible opportunity for every Muslim to increase in devotion, seek forgiveness, and earn countless rewards. Since we do not know which night is Laylatul Qadr, let’s make an effort to worship and pray consistently during all the odd nights.

May Allah (SWT) grant us the ability to witness Laylatul Qadr, accept our worship, and forgive our sins. Ameen!