Seeking Lailatul Qadr: A Precious Night in the Last Ten Nights of Ramadan

As the blessed month of Ramadan draws to a close, Muslims around the world eagerly anticipate the arrival of Lailatul Qadr, the Night of Decree, a night of immense spiritual significance and blessings. It is a night that holds within it the potential for forgiveness, mercy, and divine guidance. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of seeking Lailatul Qadr, particularly in the last ten nights of Ramadan, as it is during this period that the Night of Decree is most likely to occur.

One of the hadiths that guide us in our quest for Lailatul Qadr is narrated by Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudri, in which the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 

التَمِسُوها في العَشْرِ الأَواخِرِ من رَمَضانَ: والتَمِسُوها في التّاسِعَةِ، والسابعةِ، والخامِسَةِ

"Seek it in the last ten nights of Ramadan: in the ninth, seventh, and fifth nights." 

[Sahih al-Jami' 1245, Sahih Muslim 1167] 

This hadith underscores the importance of seeking Lailatul Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten nights of Ramadan.

However, another hadith, narrated by Abdullah bin Abbas, provides additional insight into the possibility of Lailatul Qadr falling on even nights, particularly in a month of Ramadan that spans thirty days. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 

التَمِسوها في العَشرِ الأواخِرِ، في تاسِعةٍ تَبقى، أو خامِسةٍ تَبقى، أو سابِعةٍ تَبقى

"Seek it in the last ten nights of Ramadan; in the remaining nine nights, in the seventh night, in the fifth night, and in the third night." [Sahih al-Bukhari 2021]

This second hadith opens up the possibility that Lailatul Qadr may also occur on even nights, especially when Ramadan consists of thirty days. Hence, it is imperative for Muslims to strive in worship and devotion during all the nights of the last ten days, both odd and even, in order to maximize their chances of attaining the blessings of Lailatul Qadr.

In light of these narrations, Muslims are encouraged to intensify their prayers, recitation of the Quran, remembrance of Allah (dhikr), and supplications during the last ten nights of Ramadan. Whether it is the ninth, seventh, fifth, or any other night, the potential rewards of worship during Lailatul Qadr are immeasurable.

The significance of Lailatul Qadr cannot be overstated, as it is a night when the destiny of individuals and communities is decreed by Allah. Therefore, let us seize this opportunity to seek closeness to our Creator, repent from our sins, and beseech Him for His mercy and guidance.

As the month of Ramadan approaches its conclusion, let us strive with renewed determination and devotion in our quest for Lailatul Qadr, knowing that the rewards of worship on this blessed night are beyond measure. May Allah bless us all and accept our prayers and deeds during this auspicious time. Ameen.