2019 Day 26

Laylat’l-Qadr, known as the “Night of Power” or “Night of Destiny” occurs around the 27^th day of Ramadan. (By the lunar calendar, this begins at sunset on the 26^th day and may be celebrated at different times in different time zones).

This celebration recalls the night when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Mohammed. The exact night is a matter of much debate by Islamic scholars, as it is believed to occur on any of the odd-numbered days in the last ten days of Ramadan. Since the night is considered so special, and not to be missed, some Muslims will observe “i’tikaf”, where they remain in the mosque for the last ten days of Ramadan, praying and reciting the Quran and fulfilling other spiritual obligations such as charitable giving.

Why is this night so special? It is believed that acts of worship performed on this night are worth more than a thousand months of the same on other nights. Sins are more likely to be forgiven on this night and the rewards for charitable acts are expected to be significantly greater.

This night is also called the Night of Destiny because some Muslims also believe that God determines the fate of each believer on this night. Whatever will happen to you and your family in the coming year is decided on this night, so that is also a motivation to make extra effort in worship and supplication.