Genuine Hadiths on The Night of Decree

Laylatul Qadr stands as the most significant night in Ramadan. Allah سبحانه وتعالى dedicated an entire surah in the Qur'an to this night-Surah Al-Qadr. Worship performed on this night surpasses the reward of a thousand months. Many authentic hadiths detail the virtues, timing, signs, and acts of worship for this night. Here are some key ones with references. 1. The Excellence of Laylatul Qadr Abu Huraira (RA) narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said: > "Whoever stands in prayer on Laylatul Qadr with faith and seeking reward, all his past sins are forgiven." Reference: Sahih Bukhari – 1901 Sahih Muslim – 759 This hadith teaches that the greatest blessing of worship this night is the forgiveness of sins. 2. Searching for Laylatul Qadr in Ramadan's Final Ten Nights Aisha (RA) reported: > "When the last ten days of Ramadan started, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ would intensify his efforts in worship, stay awake at night, and awaken his family." Reference: Sahih Bukhari – 2024 Sahih Muslim – 1174 This shows the Prophet's ﷺ special focus on worship during these nights. 3. Seeking It on the Odd Nights of the Last Ten Aisha (RA) conveyed that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: > "Seek Laylatul Qadr in the odd-numbered nights of Ramadan's last ten nights." Reference: Sahih Bukhari – 2017 Sahih Muslim – 1169 Scholars therefore emphasize the nights of the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, and 29th. 4. The Significance of the Final Seven Nights Ibn Umar (RA) narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said: > "Whoever wishes to seek Laylatul Qadr should do so in the last seven nights of Ramadan." Reference: Sahih Bukhari – 2015 Sahih Muslim – 1165 This indicates that among the last ten, the final seven hold even greater importance. 5. The Specific Date Was Kept Hidden Ubadah ibn Samit (RA) recounted: > The Messenger of Allah ﷺ came to inform us about Laylatul Qadr, but two Muslims were arguing. He then said: "I came to tell you about it, but because of their dispute, that knowledge was withdrawn. Perhaps this is better for you. So seek it on the 25th, 27th, and 29th nights." Reference: Sahih Bukhari – 2023 6. The Special Dua for Laylatul Qadr Aisha (RA) asked the Prophet ﷺ: O Messenger of Allah! If I know which night is Laylatul Qadr, what should I say? He replied: اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي Pronunciation: Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibbul ‘afwa fa‘fu ‘anni. Meaning: O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, You love to forgive, so forgive me. Reference: Jami‘ At-Tirmidhi – 3513 Sunan Ibn Majah – 3850 (This hadith is authentic) 7. A Sign of Laylatul Qadr Ubayy ibn Ka‘b (RA) reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: > "The sun rises on the morning after Laylatul Qadr without intense rays." Reference: Sahih Muslim – 762 8. A Calm and Mild Night Ibn Abbas (RA) narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said: > "Laylatul Qadr is calm and moderate, not too hot or cold. The sun rises the next morning with a gentle reddish glow." Reference: Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah – 2190 Musnad At-Tayalisi – 349 9. The Descent of Angels on This Night Allah سبحانه وتعالى states in the Qur'an: > "The angels and the Spirit (Jibreel) descend by their Lord's permission with every command." Reference: Surah Al-Qadr – Verse 4 Scholars mention that numerous angels descend to earth this night, praying for those engaged in worship. 10. The Prophet's ﷺ I‘tikaf Practice Aisha (RA) said: > "The Messenger of Allah ﷺ would observe i‘tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan until Allah took his soul." Reference: Sahih Bukhari – 2026 Sahih Muslim – 1172 This illustrates his dedication to seclusion in the mosque during these nights, hoping to attain Laylatul Qadr. Key takeaways from authentic hadiths: Laylatul Qadr falls in Ramadan's last ten nights. It's best sought on the odd nights. Worship this night leads to forgiveness of prior sins. The Prophet ﷺ increased his worship and practiced i‘tikaf. Many scholars, especially from the Salafi tradition, advise not limiting worship to just the 27th night but engaging on all odd nights of the last ten days-21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, and 29th.