What is Layatul Qadr?

In the Islamic calendar, few nights hold as much significance as Laylatul Qadr, or the Night of Power. This sacred night is one of spiritual devotion, mercy, and the establishment of divine decrees. Its holiness is described in the Qur'an: "We have indeed revealed this in the 'Night of Power.' And what will explain to you what the night of power is? The Night of Power is better than a thousand months,” thereby making clear the immense spiritual value of Laylatul Qadr.

Muslims worldwide observe this night with great zeal, in order to obtain from its many benefits, as the rewards for worshiping on Laylatul Qadr are unparalleled. However, despite the anticipation of this night, one of the many mysteries surrounding Laylatul Qadr has been the uncertainty of its exact date in Islam. The Quran and hadiths do not specify the precise night when Laylatul Qadr occurs. Muslims are advised to seek this night in the odd-numbered nights of the last ten nights of Ramadan, following the Prophet's guidance:

“Seek Laylat al-Qadr in the last ten days of Ramadan.”

It is only with the advent of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light that we have come to know the true date of Laylatul Qadr.

The sacredness of Laylatul Qadr has been confirmed in the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light as a night that is a unique opportunity of spiritual elevation and connection with the Divine, one where decrees are decided. There is also an important connection of this night with divinely appointed leaders. 

Here we explore some of the most meaningful narrations about Laylatul Qadr, and the unique insights the narrations offer into this most blessed of nights.

1. Taking Full Advantage-A Heart of Light and Revelation

Laylatul Qadr is often described as a time of serenity, peace and calm, one that enables spiritual presence and brings about transformation. Imam Abu Abdullah elaborated on the spiritual change that occurs on Laylatul Qadr:

“The heart that witnesses what descends on the Night of Power is of immense significance. It is written upon the heart of that person with the ink of light, which encompasses all knowledge. The heart then becomes a scripture for the vision, and the tongue acts as a translator for the ears.” Bihar al-Anwar, Volume 94, Page 21

This night serves as a turning point for individuals, inspiring spiritual renewal and repentance, and encouraging individuals to establish a connection with God through heartfelt supplication and worship. It offers a unique opportunity for spiritual transformation.

2. Decrees Written on the Night of Power

"Qadr" in the context of Laylatul Qadr is linked to the concept of destiny or decree. Not only is this night marked by its spiritual significance, decisions are made on this night. The Qur'an and hadiths emphasize that during Laylatul Qadr, matters such as sustenance, lifespan, health, and other aspects of life are decreed for the coming year.

Imam al-Ridha was asked about the verse: “Indeed, We sent it down on the Night of Power” (Qur’an 97:1). He explained: “On the Night of Power, Allah Almighty decrees what will happen from one year to the next, whether it pertains to life or death, good or evil, or sustenance. Whatever He decrees on that night is definitive (mahtoom).” Bihar al-Anwar, Volume 94, Page 14

The decrees written on Laylatul Qadr are considered decisive. At the same time, Laylatul Qadr offers the opportunity to influence these decrees through sincere supplication on this night. Prophet Muhammad highlighted that supplication on this night has the greatest power to change one's decree. This is why believers are encouraged to pray intensely during this night, seeking divine mercy in the matters written or decreed on Laylatul Qadr. 

3. The Descent of Angels and the Spirit

Laylatul Qadr is characterized by the descent of angels and the Spirit to the earth. This descent is seen as a symbol of divine blessings and guidance. A link between this event and the successors of Prophet Muhammad has been mentioned. Imam Ali recounted an incident when the Prophet was reciting the chapter on Laylatul Qadr:

“The angels and the Spirit descend therein by the permission of their Lord for every matter. Peace it is until the emergence of dawn” (Qur’an 97:4-5).

The Prophet asked his companions: ‘Do you know to whom these matters are sent down?’ They replied: ‘We do not know.’ The Prophet placed his hand on my head and said: ‘If you do not know, then it is to this one after me.’” Bihar al-Anwar, Volume 94, Page 21

On Laylatul Qadr, the ordained decisions and matters of that year were presented to the Prophet Muhammad, during his time. After the Prophet passed away, these decrees and decisions were presented to Imam Ali on the night of Qadr, a clear indication of his divine successorship and its significance in Laylatul Qadr.

4. The Role of the Successors

According to Islamic narrations, as with Imam Ali, this night involves a crucial role for the successors of Prophet Muhammad. Imam Ali explained to Ibn Abbas about the occurrence of Laylatul Qadr each year:

“The Night of Power occurs every year, and during that night, the affairs of the entire year are decreed. After the Messenger of Allah this decree is entrusted to the successors (awsiya).” When asked who these successors were, he replied: “It is I and eleven others from my lineage—Imams who are divinely inspired (muhaddathoon).” Bihar al-Anwar, Volume 94, Page 14

The central importance of the successors in Laylatul Qadr gives an indication of how critical the divinely appointed successors are in the implementation of Allah's decrees. From this, it is clear that they are of the central aspects in the importance of Laylatul Qadr. This understanding adds another layer of significance to Laylatul Qadr. 

True Date of Laylatul Qadr

Further to this, the exact night of Laylat Al Qadr was never hidden from the successors of Allah. 

Abu Ja’far said: ‘O Abu Hazeel! To us Laylatul Qadr is not hidden (from us) for the angels circle around us during it.’ Tafseer Noor Al Thaqalayn  Chp 97 Hadith 105

Only the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light has definitively clarified the date of this holy night. Aba Al Sadiq, the named successor in the will of Prophet Muhammad, has revealed this sacred mystery. We for the first time, now know the exact date of the night of Laylatul Qadr. Every year, Laylatul Qadr falls on December 23rd, a night filled with divine blessings and opportunity. 

We know that Laylatul Qadr is a night that offers a unique chance for spiritual elevation and to benefit from God’s divine mercy. And the narrations not only mention the immense significance of this sacred night, they remind us of the critical role of His chosen successors in every important matter and decree sent down on this night. The aspects of the night of Qadr in relation to the Imam of our time is something to reflect and focus on, in this greatest of nights.