When is the Laylat al-Qadr?
Laylat Al Qadr, also known as 'Shab-e-Qadr', the 'Night of Destiny' or the 'Night of Power' is observed on the 27th Day of Ramadan, the ninth month in the Islamic calendar.
It is considered to be the holiest night of the year for Muslims and marks the night that the first verses of the Qur'an were revealed to the Prophet Mohammed.
The day or the day after is a public holiday in several countries.
Traditions of the Night of Destiny
The Qur'an does not specify which day of Ramadan, the Night of Destiny took place on, but most Muslims consider it to have happened on an odd-numbered night in the last ten days of Ramadan (21st, 23rd, 25th or 27th). Many Sunni Muslims believe it to be the 27th night, while most Shiite Muslims consider it to have happened on the 23rd.
As a result of this uncertainty, many Muslims will treat each odd-numbered day in the last ten days of Ramadan with increased reverence.
There are also some varying opinions on how much of the Qu'ran was revealed on the Night of Destiny. Some Muslims believe that only a few verses of the Qur'an were first revealed on the night, with the remaining verses revealed over the next 23 years, while some Muslims believe that the whole text was revealed to the angel Gabriel during the night, who then revealed them incrementally to the Prophet Mohammed.
An entire chapter is devoted to the Night of Destiny in the Qur'an, with the night described as being "better than a thousand months" where the angels and the holy spirit Gabriel engulf the Earth, by the permission of Almighty Allah with all decrees.
The Night of Destiny is a highlight of Ramadan. Muslims believe that on this night the blessings and mercy of Allah are abundant and sins are forgiven.
Muslim devotees will pass the night offering special prayers, reciting the Holy Quran, holding zikr and other religious rituals, seeking blessings of Almighty Allah for long life, peace and progress for themselves, their families, relatives, friends as well as the nation and the Muslim Ummah.
Devotees, on the night, usually visit graveyards to seek eternal blessings for the departed souls of their near and dear ones.
