Laylat al-Qadr 2027: the Night of Power

What is Laylat al-Qadr?

Laylat al-Qadr means the Night of Power or the Night of Decree. It is the night when the Qur’an began to be revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It is the most blessed night of the year.

Chapter 97 of the Qur’an, Surah al-Qadr, is about this night. It says the night is better than a thousand months. This means that worship on this one night is worth more than worship over about 83 years.

When is Laylat al-Qadr in 2027?

The exact night is not known. Muslims look for it in the last ten days of Ramadan, mostly on the odd nights. If Ramadan starts on Monday 8 February 2027, the odd nights are expected as follows.

Each night begins at sunset, so the 27th night begins on the evening before the 27th day. If Ramadan starts a day later, move every date one day later. See When is Ramadan 2027 in Kenya? for the full dates.

Why is the exact night hidden?

Muslims are not told the exact night. Many scholars say the reason is to encourage worship on many nights instead of only one. A person who searches in the last ten nights gains a great reward on every one of them.

Many Muslims give special attention to the 27th night. Others seek it on all ten nights. Scholars have different views about which night is most likely, so the safest way is to seek it on every one of the last ten nights.

How can I spend Laylat al-Qadr?

There is no fixed set of acts. Any good deed done with sincerity counts. These are common and well-loved ways to spend the night:

• Pray at night. Pray the Isha and Fajr prayers in congregation and add extra prayer (Qiyam, night prayer) if you can.
• Read and reflect on the Qur’an. Read a little, even in your own language, and think about its meaning.
• Make dua (personal prayer). Ask for forgiveness, guidance and good for your family and community.
• Remember Allah. Say phrases of remembrance (dhikr) such as “SubhanAllah”, “Alhamdulillah” and “Allahu Akbar”.
• Give Sadaqah. Even a small gift is good. Read Sadaqah in Islam.

Is there a dua for Laylat al-Qadr?

Yes. The Prophet (peace be upon him) taught his wife Aisha a short dua for this night. It is “Allahumma innaka afuwwun tuhibbul afwa fa’fu anni”. It means: “O Allah, You are the Pardoner and You love to pardon, so pardon me.”

You may also make dua in your own words and your own language. Allah understands every language.

What is Itikaf?

Itikaf is staying in the mosque for worship, usually in the last ten days of Ramadan. The Prophet (peace be upon him) did this every year. Many Muslims in Kenya, including in Nairobi, Mombasa and Garissa, spend these days in their local mosque.

If you cannot do Itikaf, you can still pray at night at home or in the mosque. Ask your local imam about the rules of Itikaf. Scholars differ on some details.

How can I give on Laylat al-Qadr?

Many Muslims give more in the last ten nights, hoping their reward is multiplied. Your gift can reach a family in Kenya through Islamic Relief Kenya. Give on our donation page by card or M-Pesa, or use Lipa na M-Pesa PayBill 949210 with the fund name as the account, for example IFTAR.

Islamic Relief Kenya is registered with the Kenya NGO Board (Reg. No. 218/051/204/0374/3386).