Can you imagine receiving the reward for a lifetime of worship in only a few hours worth of time? As if the month of Ramadan isn’t full with blessings, Allah (S) nestled in it the Night of Power.

Known as the holiest night of the year, Laylatul Qadr is said to be the night in which Angel Gibrael appeared and revealed the first verses of Holy Quran to Prophet Muhammad (saw). While we don’t know exactly which night Laylatul Qadr is, The Prophet Muhammad tells us to seek it in the last ten nights of Ramadan.

It is narrated by Aishah (ra) that the Messenger of Allah (saw) said: “Search for the Night of Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan.”(Sahih Bukhari, 2017)

Muslims all over the world attempt staying wakeful all (or for large parts of the) night, seeking connection with Allah (S) and trying to understand all the mystery behind this night, like how the Quran was revealed and which night is actually Laylatul Qadr.They gather together in homes, masajid, community centers and (especially in COVID times) online to pray and recite verses from the Quran.

Undoubtedly, this has always been one of the most intriguing things in Islam for me. With each passing year I find myself spending more time contemplating its meaning. Growing up in Islam, I can remember the emphasis put on the last 10 days of Ramadan. It was almost like we would spend the first 20 gearing up for this magical finale. The month of Ramadan consists of 29 or 30 days depending on the sighting of the moon and is often broken into thirds, with each 10 days serving a different purpose. (This is based on a hadith that can be considered weak, but it is a common way Ramadan is organized.)

The first third is for seeking mercy, the second is to seek forgiveness, and the final is to ask for safety from the hellfire. Moreover, it is said that this night should be sought in the last odd nights of the month. Why the odd nights? In addition to the hadith above, this understanding comes from the following hadith.

Narrated on the authority of Ibn Umar: “Some men amongst the companions of the Prophet were shown in their dreams that the night of Qadr was in the last seven nights of Ramadan. Allah's Apostle said, ‘It seems that all your dreams agree that (the Night of Qadr) is in the last seven nights, and whoever wants to search for it (i.e. the Night of Qadr) should search in the last seven (nights of Ramadan).’" (Sahih Bukhari)

Each year I reach Ramadan, I try to take advantage of it by strengthening my understanding of Allah (S) in a new way. The reality is, many do not get the opportunity to do so. I’d just hate to be given such a blessing and take it for granted. Above all, I can truly feel the impact it makes in my relationship with Allah (S), and I always feel like a new person once the month ends.

I liken it to a fitness bootcamp, just for the soul. You get 30 days with a huge push in the last 10 to change your life, and you don’t want to miss one moment.

Additionally, the transcendence and mystery of Laylatul Qadr is what holds my attention captive.

Allah says in Holy Quran:

“Ah! What will convey unto thee what the Night of Power is! The Night of Power is better than a thousand months.” (97:2-3)

Indeed Muslims come from different backgrounds, races, and cultures, but there is a common belief that unites them on this night: That it being the most important in history! Although the pursuit of Laylatul Qadr is probably observed with the same intensity and yearning, the experience is different for each individual.

I spoke with some Muslims – scholars and those new to the faith – to find out what this night means to them.

Ustadha Maryam Amir, a hafidha (someone who has memorized the entire Quran), educator, and lecturer at the Hikmah institute says: “It is like this amazing interaction with du’a where the angels descend. It’s the same timing of the Quran having first been revealed. The power and healing that the night brings; it just feels different.”

Unquestionably and wholeheartedly, I relate to “it just feels different.” In my personal observation of the Night of Power, as soon as the sun sets on those odd nights, there is a peace and tranquility that settles with them. It is mystifying.

Rakayat Yakub, a researcher, trainer and author of the award-winning activity book Ahmadu Bamba, told me, “It is special to me because Allah Subhanu Wa Ta’Ala gives us the opportunity to be rewarded for at least a thousand nights of worship. So when you pray that night, if you’re able to catch it, you get about 80-plus years as the minimum amount. If you think about all of the mistakes we make all the time, how generous Allah is. It’s almost like getting your slate wiped clean and getting a chance to do the right thing all over again.”

With this kind of merit on the table, would you not anxiously seek the innumerable rewards indicated?

Jonquil, a new Muslim and educator told me, “This night is special to me because the blessings that come with it.” And it’s really that simple.

Allah’s (S) mercy is infinite, and this is one of the many ways in which He displays it. Ultimately, I see the Night of Power as a gift from Allah whose benefit cannot be measured. May you benefit from worship on these last nights in Ramadan and feel the power, mystery, beauty and blessings of Laylatul Qadr.