Night of Power facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Night of Destiny
Reading the Quran is a key observance of Laylat al-Qadr
Official name	ليلة القدر
Also called	Night of Destiny, Precious Night, Night Of Decree or Night of Determination
Observed by	Muslims
Type	Angels descend to the earth and the annual decree is revealed to them
Observances	Tahajjud night prayers, reading the Quran, making dua, doing dhikr, observing iʿtikāf, giving sadaqah
Date	Often observed as 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or 29th Ramadan and some add 19th to series. It is narrated as 23rd by Abdul Sahih. Many cultures observe it as 27th Ramadan but many scholars say it is fabricated.
Frequency	Annual

The Night of Power (Arabic: لیلة القدر, romanized: Laylat al-Qadr) is a very special night for Muslims. It is also called the Night of Destiny or Night of Decree. Muslims believe that during this night, the Quran (their holy book) was first sent down from Heaven. It was also the night when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Islamic prophet Muhammad.

This night is considered better than a thousand months of worship. Its exact date is not known for sure. However, it is believed to be one of the odd-numbered nights in the last ten days of Ramadan. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Since then, Muslims have seen these last ten nights of Ramadan as very blessed. Muslims believe that on Laylat al-Qadr, God gives many blessings and mercy. They believe that sins are forgiven and prayers are answered. They also believe that angels come down to Earth with God's plans for the year.

What Does the Name "Qadr" Mean?

The word "Qadr" (قدر) in Arabic means "measure," "limit," or "value." It can also mean "destiny." There are a few reasons why this night is called "al-Qadr":

• Some say it's because God decides each person's destiny for the year on this night.
• Others believe that if someone prays, reads the Quran, or asks for forgiveness on this night, they will reach a very high spiritual level.
• Another reason is that it is a night of great importance and high value.

How the Quran Was Revealed

Some Islamic scholars believe the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad in two ways.

• The first was an "immediate revelation" on Laylat al-Qadr. This means the whole Quran was sent down at once.
• The second was a "gradual revelation" over 23 years. This means parts of the Quran were revealed bit by bit.

The Quran uses the word anzal (انزل), which supports the idea of an immediate revelation. Some believe the entire Quran was first revealed to the angel Gabriel (also called Jibril) in the lowest heaven on Laylat al-Qadr. Then, Gabriel revealed it to Prophet Muhammad verse by verse over time. The revelations began in the year 610 CE. This happened in the Hira cave on Mount Jabal al-Nour in Mecca. The first chapter revealed was Sūrat al-ʿAlaq (العلق). The first five verses of this chapter were revealed during Muhammad's first experience.

When Is Laylat al-Qadr?

The exact date of Laylat al-Qadr is not clearly stated in the Quran. Prophet Muhammad once knew the date from a dream. However, he forgot it after seeing two people fighting. This is why the exact date is not known.

Sunni Muslim Beliefs

Sunni Muslims believe Laylat al-Qadr is one of the last five odd-numbered nights of Ramadan. These are the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th nights. Many cultures celebrate it on the 27th night. Some scholars say it is most likely to be the night when a Friday night matches an odd-numbered night.

Shia Muslim Beliefs

Iranians observing Qadr Night in Imam Reza shrine

Shia Muslims also believe Laylat al-Qadr is in the last ten odd-numbered nights of Ramadan. They focus mostly on the 19th, 21st, or 23rd of Ramadan. The 23rd is often seen as the most important night. The 19th night is important because it is when Ali was attacked while praying in the Great Mosque of Kufa. He later died on the 21st of Ramadan.

Shia Muslims believe that Ali, who was the first Shia Imam, had a special connection with Allah on this night. According to some sayings, destinies are written on the 19th of Ramadan, finalized on the 21st, and confirmed on the 23rd.

Why Is This Night Important?

Muslims believe this night is unlike any other. Acts of worship done on this single night are considered more valuable than worshipping for a thousand months. The Quran itself mentions Laylat al-Qadr:

1. We have indeed revealed this (Message) in the Night of Decree:
2. And what will explain to thee what the Night of Decree is?
3. The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.
4. Therein come down the angels and the Spirit by Allah's permission, on every errand:
5. Peace!... This until the rise of dawn!
   —Surah 97 (Al-Qadr), āyāt 1–5

Special Prayers and Practices

Shia Muslims perform special prayers and acts of worship (called Amaal) on Laylat al-Qadr. They do this every year in mosques, shrines, or their homes. They stay awake all night until dawn, praying to God.

Important practices include:

• Praying together in groups.
• Reciting special prayers like the Iftitah Supplication and al-Jawshan al-Kabir.
• Making collective prayers while holding the Quran on their heads.
• Giving food donations for the poor.
• Helping those in need or those who are in financial trouble.

Since the attack on Ali happened during these last ten days of Ramadan, Shia Muslims also mourn during these nights.

Images for kids

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  Iranians observing Qadr Night in Jamkaran Mosque

See Also

In Spanish: Noche del Destino para niños

• Predestination in Islam (Qadar)
• Ehya night
• Glossary of Islam
• Islamic calendar
• Islamic holidays