Significance
Laylat al-Qadr is described in the Quran as better than a thousand months of worship. It falls during the last ten nights of Ramadan, with the 27th night being the most commonly observed, though its exact date is unknown — a deliberate mystery that encourages believers to intensify worship throughout the last ten nights. It was on this night that the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in the Cave of Hira. The angels and the Spirit descend in abundance. Prayers made on this night are said to be answered, sins are forgiven, and destinies are written for the coming year.
How It Is Observed
Muslims spend the last ten nights of Ramadan in heightened prayer and devotion, often staying up all night in the mosque (I'tikaf). The Tahajjud and Tarawih prayers are offered with special intensity. The Quran is recited extensively. Believers make sincere du'a (supplication) throughout the night. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught a specific prayer for Laylat al-Qadr: 'Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun, tuhibbul 'afwa, fa'fu 'anni' — 'O Allah, You are pardoning, You love pardon, so pardon me.'
From the Quran
“Indeed, We sent this Quran down on the Night of Power. And what can make you know what the Night of Power is? The Night of Power is better than a thousand months. The angels and the Spirit descend in it by permission of their Lord for every matter. It is peace until the emergence of dawn.”
— Al-Qadr 97:1-5