Striving hard in worship during the last ten days of Ramadan 

The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) exerted himself in worship during the last ten days of Ramadan more than at any other time. He dedicated himself to praying, reading the Quran, and making du’a (supplications).

Both Al-Bukhari and Muslim reported from ‘Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) that during these last ten nights, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) would stay up at night, wake his family to join him in worship, and refrain from marital relations. Ahmad and Muslim also narrated that he strived in worship during this time in a way he did not do at any other time of the year.

How to observe Laylat al-Qadr

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) encouraged believers to stay awake and pray on Laylat al-Qadr with sincerity and the hope of reward. Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Whoever stays up and prays on Laylat al-Qadr out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.” This hadith highlights that it is recommended to observe Laylat al-Qadr by spending the night in prayer.The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) encouraged believers to stay awake and pray on Laylat al-Qadr with sincerity and the hope of reward. Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Whoever stays up and prays on Laylat al-Qadr out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.” This hadith highlights that it is recommended to observe Laylat al-Qadr by spending the night in prayer.

Du’a for Laylat al-Qadr

One of the best supplications (du’as) to recite on Laylat al-Qadr is the one that the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) taught to ‘Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her). Al-Tirmidhi narrated this hadith and classified it as authentic (sahih). ‘Aishah said, “I asked, ‘O Messenger of Allah, if I know which night is Laylat al-Qadr, what should I say on that night?’ He replied, ‘Say: Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibb al-‘afwa fa’fu ‘anni (O Allah, You are forgiving, and You love forgiveness, so forgive me).’”

When is Laylat al-Qadr?

When it comes to determining which night of Ramadan is Laylat al-Qadr, specific evidence is required. However, the odd-numbered nights during the last ten nights of Ramadan are generally considered more likely candidates. Among these, the twenty-seventh night is often regarded as the most probable for Laylat al-Qadr, as mentioned in various Hadith.

Can Muslims celebrate Laylat al-Qadr?

Regarding innovations, they are not permissible during Ramadan or at any other time. It has been established that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever innovates anything in this matter of ours that is not part of it will have it rejected.” In another narration, he stated, “Whoever performs any action that is not part of this matter of ours will have it rejected.”

We are not aware of any basis for the celebrations that occur on certain nights of Ramadan. The best guidance is that of Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), and the worst matters are those that are innovated (bid’ah).

And Allah is the Source of strength. May Allah send blessings and peace upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his Companions.