Laylat al-Qadr
The Night of Decree: what it is, when to seek it, the last ten nights, I‘tikaf and the worship recommended in the Sunnah.
More questions
Which night is Laylat al-Qadr in 2027?
It is not fixed in advance. The Prophet ﷺ said “Seek it in the odd nights of the last ten nights of Ramadan” (Sahih al-Bukhari 2017). Many scholars incline towards the 27th night, following Ubayy ibn Ka‘b (Sahih Muslim 762), but all ten are sought.
Why was the exact night not disclosed?
A narration records that the Prophet ﷺ came out to inform the companions, found two men disputing, and the precise knowledge was lifted — and he said it might be better for them (Sahih al-Bukhari 49). Scholars explain that the uncertainty is what drives effort across all ten nights.
When does the 27th night actually begin?
After Maghrib on the 26th day, because in the Islamic calendar the night precedes the daytime.
Are there signs by which the night can be identified?
Some descriptions are reported, such as a calm night and a sun that rises without strong rays. They are retrospective indications rather than a way to identify the night in advance, and no one should claim certainty about it.
Do I have to stay awake the whole night?
No. What is described is standing in prayer out of faith and seeking reward (Sahih al-Bukhari 1901). Praying part of the night, and giving what worship you can sustain, is the practical approach for most people.
Is i‘tikaf obligatory in the last ten nights?
No, it is a strongly recommended sunnah. The Prophet ﷺ observed it in the last ten nights (Sahih al-Bukhari 2026), but it is not an obligation, and shorter periods are valid according to the schools.
Can women observe i‘tikaf?
Yes. Aisha reported that the Prophet’s wives observed it after him (Sahih al-Bukhari 2026). The schools differ on the conditions and the place, so follow local scholarly guidance.
What does “better than a thousand months” mean?
A thousand months is roughly eighty-three years. The verse (Qur’an 97:3) describes the value of worship on that night, not a literal arithmetic exchange.