❀ The Practices of the Prophet ﷺ on Laylat al-Qadr and Our Responsibility ❀
Written by: Qari Usama bin Abd al-Salam (Hafizahullah)
✿ The Actions of the Prophet ﷺ on Laylat al-Qadr
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ was well aware of the immense virtue of Laylat al-Qadr, and thus, he made special arrangements to attain this blessed night. Authentic narrations indicate that he would dedicate himself extensively to worship during the last ten nights of Ramadan, observe i‘tikaf, and remain engaged throughout the nights in worship, supplication, recitation of the Qur'an, and remembrance of Allah.
➊ Spending the Entire Night in Worship
Sayyidah A’ishah (RA) reports:
"كَانَ النَّبِيُّ ﷺ إِذَا دَخَلَ الْعَشْرُ شَدَّ مِئْزَرَهُ، وَأَحْيَا لَيْلَهُ، وَأَيْقَظَ أَهْلَهُ"
(Sahih al-Bukhari: 2024, Sahih Muslim: 1174)
Translation: "When the last ten nights of Ramadan would arrive, the Prophet ﷺ would tighten his waist belt, spend the night in worship, and awaken his family members."
➋ Observing I‘tikaf
In pursuit of Laylat al-Qadr, the Prophet ﷺ would observe i‘tikaf in the mosque during the last ten days of Ramadan:
"كَانَ يَعْتَكِفُ فِي الْعَشْرِ الْأَوَاخِرِ مِنْ رَمَضَانَ حَتَّى تَوَفَّاهُ اللَّهُ"
(Sahih al-Bukhari: 2026, Sahih Muslim: 1171)
Translation: "The Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to observe i‘tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan until Allah took his soul."
➌ Offering a Special Supplication
Sayyidah A’ishah (RA) once asked what she should supplicate if she were to witness Laylat al-Qadr. The Prophet ﷺ taught her the following supplication:
"اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي"
(Sunan al-Tirmidhi: 3513, Ibn Majah: 3850, Sahih)
Translation: "O Allah, indeed You are the Pardoner, You love to pardon, so pardon me."
➍ Recitation of the Qur'an and Remembrance of Allah
On Laylat al-Qadr, it was the practice of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ to:
◈ Recite the Noble Qur'an
◈ Engage in the remembrance of Allah
◈ Be devoted to repentance and seeking forgiveness
This night was spent in worship, humility, submission, and striving for closeness to Allah.
➎ Summary
On Laylat al-Qadr, the Prophet ﷺ:
◈ Spent the entire night in worship
◈ Observed i‘tikaf in the mosque
◈ Offered specific and heartfelt supplications
◈ Remained engaged in recitation of the Qur'an, remembrance of Allah, and repentance
◈ Encouraged and awakened his family for worship
➏ Our Responsibility
We must also strive to follow the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ by dedicating Laylat al-Qadr to worship, supplication, recitation of the Qur'an, and repentance. In doing so, we can become recipients of the divine light and blessings of this magnificent night.
