Holiest Night of The Year, How to Pray on Laylatul Qadr?

Ramadan is a month of worship, mercy, and forgiveness, and the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) encouraged us to make the most of this blessed month, especially the last ten days and nights, by increasing prayer and du‘a.

Among these nights is Laylatul Qadr, the holiest night in Islam, which the Prophet (PBUH) urged us to seek through worship. Many Muslims ask an important question: how to pray on Laylatul Qadr in the best and most authentic way, so in this guide, we will explain everything you need to know

What Is Laylatul Qadr and Why Is It So Important?

Laylatul Qadr is the holiest night in Islam; some even refer to it as the night of power or Night of Decree due to its greatness, as it is the night on which the Quran was first sent down from Al-Lawh Al-Mahfuz and then revealed gradually to the Prophet ﷺ. Allah describes it as better than a thousand months.

Allah says:

Indeed, We sent it down on a blessed night … On that night every matter of wisdom is ordained

(Surah Ad-Dukhan 44:3-4)

Importance of Laylatul Qadr

The importance of Laylatul Qadr lies in the immense mercy, forgiveness, and reward Allah grants on this night. Sincere worship performed during it can erase past sins and bring a believer closer to Allah more than any other night of the year.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

Whoever establishes prayers on the night of Qadr out of sincere faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven [Al-bukhari]

This is why scholars and educators at Mubarak Academy, emphasize that Laylatul Qadr is an opportunity no believer should ever neglect.

How to Pray on Laylatul Qadr?

Ibn al-Jawzi says:

“When horses approach the end of the track, they give their absolute best to win the race. Do not let the horse be wiser than you—for deeds are judged by how they end. If you didn’t start well, make sure you finish beautifully.”

While there is no reported evidence of a specific prayer for Laylatul Qadr, we have been encouraged to seize this treasure of Ibadah. So, preparation for this undisputed event is a must.

1. First, dedication is the key

When Imam Ibn Taymiyyah was asked how he did all his Ibadah, his answer was clear, and it was a whole lesson itself:

“That’s my meal; if I didn’t consume it, my strength fails me.”

So we should take care of our spiritual consumption. The whole year is a preparation for Ramadan, and Ramadan is preparation for the night of Decree.

2. Second, it all starts in the heart

The Prophet Muhamed(PBUH) taught us that action is done without the intention of it. And it’s the same here! You should always do it with complete devotion.

How Many Rakat Laylatul Qadr Prayer?

No set amount of rak’at is advised for Laylatul Qadr, but common practices include:

1. The prayer for 100 Rak’at:

Often performed as 50 sets of two rak‘ats, frequently with certain surahs (such as Al-Ikhlas) repeated after Al-Fatiha in each

2. As many as you can:

Many scholars advocate for unrestricted prayer, emphasizing sincerity and a relationship with Allah.

3. Prophetic example:

The Prophet ﷺ prayed approximately 8-11 rak‘ats for general night prayers (Tahajjud), which serves as a recommended guideline for individual worship.

The key is not the number of rak‘ats, but the devotion, intention, and sincerity behind each prayer.

What to pray on Laylatul Qadr?

After what we have shown, it’s now clear that the answer to the question asked before “how to pray on Lalatul Qadr?” is now clear, so you should use every second of this night in worship and devotion. Here is what to pray on Laylatul Qadr:

1. Salah (Obligatory Prayers):

Salah is the cornerstone of the Deen, and at any price, a Muslim should never skip or let any Salah, especially during this blessed night.

2. Sunnah (Voluntary Acts of Worship):

Performing I‘tikaf during the last ten nights of Ramadan is the Prophet ﷺ’s Sunnah. By isolating oneself in the mosque and focusing entirely on worship, one ensures not to miss Laylatul Qadr.

3. Nafl, Tarawih, and Tahajjud:

Voluntary prayers, recitation of the Qur’an, and night prayers are highly encouraged to maximize the blessings of the night.

Can Laylatul Qadr Be Prayed at Home?

Many people wonder if it is permissible to pray Laylatul Qadr at home.

To answer this question, we need to go back to the time of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, so we will find that the Sahabah often prayed this night individually in their homes. Later, during the time of Khalifa Omar ibn Al-khattab, Muslims were gathered in mosques for Tarawih and Tahajjud, and scholars agreed with this practice.

In short, you can pray Laylatul Qadr at home, but it is recommended to pray in the mosque with Jama’ah for a greater reward.

What to Read on Laylatul Qadr?

Muslims are encouraged to read the Quran and pray a lot during the last ten days of Ramadan, as it was narrated that ‘Aishah, may Allah (SWT) be pleased with her, said:

“I do not know that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) recited the whole Qur’an in one night, or spent a whole night in worship until dawn, or that he ever fasted an entire month apart from Ramadan.”

While there is no fixed portion of Qur’an required, believers are encouraged to:

1. Recite the Qur’an: Read as much as possible, even a few verses. Focus on understanding and reflecting on the meanings.
2. Engage in dhikr (remembrance of Allah): Recite phrases like SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar, and La ilaha illa Allah.
3. Send blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ: Recite Salat upon the Prophet to receive multiplied rewards.
4. Make du‘a (supplication): Ask Allah sincerely for forgiveness, guidance, and blessings.

Best Du‘as to Say on Laylatul Qadr

Laylatul Qadr is a gift that helps us purify ourselves and seek Allah’s pleasure. Some recommended du‘as include:

1. Prophetic Du‘a:

‘Aishah (RA) reported:

I asked: “O Messenger of Allah! If I realize Laylatul Qadr, what should I supplicate in it?”

He ﷺ replied:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي

O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness; so forgive me – [At-Tirmidhi]

2. Sending Blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ:

Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated:

Whoever sends Salat upon me, Allah sends Salat upon him ten times

3. Powerful Phrases & Dhikr:

• “La ilaha illa Anta, subhanaka inni kuntu min al-zalimin”
  (There is no God but Allah, Glory be to You; verily I was one of the wrongdoers.)
• “La ilaha illAllah wahdahu la sharika lahu, lahul mulku wa lahul hamdu wa Huwa ‘alaa kulli shai’in qadeer”
  (There is no god but Allah, alone, without partners; to Him belongs all sovereignty and praise, and He has power over everything.)

Read More About: Dua For Last 10 Days of Ramadan

Building a Strong Worship Routine Through Islamic Learning

At Mubarek Academy, we provide authentic Islamic education through a practical Islamic studies course that helps Muslims build a consistent and meaningful worship routine. To benefit fully from the most powerful night of the year, it is important to know how to pray on Laylatul Qadr correctly and sincerely.

Our guidance includes simple du‘as, Sunnah-based practices, and clear step-by-step instructions. Through our Islamic studies course, students gain confidence in their ‘ibadah, strengthen their connection with Allah, and learn how to pray on Laylatul Qadr with focus and devotion.

Learn from qualified scholars and understand how to pray on Laylatul Qadr correctly!

Conclusion

In order to complete the month of Ramadan with excellence, it is important to utilize the “home stretch” spirit that Ibn al-Jawzi articulated. This goes beyond merely knowing how to pray on Laylatul Qadr. The fundamental prerequisite is sincerity (Ikhlas), whether you perform the customary 100 rak‘ats, follow the Prophetic Sunnah of 8-11 rak‘ats, or dedicate yourself to deep, intimate Tahajjud.

This single night can become a lifetime of devotion when you combine your prayers with the potent du‘a taught by Aisha (RA) and the regular “spiritual meal” of Adhkar.

Frequently Asked Questions