Laylat al-Qadr: the Night of Power
Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Power, is the night the Quran was first sent down, “better than a thousand months”. It falls in the last ten nights of Ramadan, most likely an odd night. Here is what the Quran and Sunnah say about it, the du‘a to make, and the expected odd nights in Ramadan 2027 in the UK.
Last updated: 4 October 2026
In the Quran
بِّسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ إِنَّآ أَنزَلْنَٰهُ فِى لَيْلَةِ ٱلْقَدْرِ ﴿١﴾
The surah continues: “And what will make you know what the Night of Decree is? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. The angels and the Spirit descend in it by the permission of their Lord with every matter. Peace it is, until the rise of dawn” (Al-Qadr 97:2–5). More on the night the revelation began: the first revelation of the Quran.
The reward
“Whoever stands in prayer on Laylat al-Qadr out of faith and seeking reward will have his previous sins forgiven” (Sahih al-Bukhari 1901). A thousand months is over 83 years of worship.
Expected odd nights in Ramadan 2027 (UK)
| Night | Evening of |
|---|---|
| 21th night | Saturday, 27 February 2027 |
| 23th night | Monday, 1 March 2027 |
| 25th night | Wednesday, 3 March 2027 |
| 27th night | Friday, 5 March 2027 |
| 29th night | Sunday, 7 March 2027 |
An Islamic night begins at sunset, so the 27th night is the evening before the 27th fast. Dates follow the Umm al-Qura calendar and may differ by a day with local moon sighting.
How to spend the last ten nights
- Pray at night: taraweeh, then tahajjud; see tahajjud prayer.
- Recite the Quran: the night of the Quran is the best night to read it; see the Ramadan Quran reading plan.
- Make the du‘a ‘A’ishah was taught (in the FAQ below), and du‘as for your family; see Rabbana duas.
- I‘tikaf: the Prophet ﷺ spent the last ten days in the mosque (Sahih al-Bukhari 2026). Many UK mosques host i‘tikaf.
- Give charity each night, so that some falls on Laylat al-Qadr.
For the month as a whole, see Ramadan 2027 UK and the rules of fasting.
Frequently asked questions
When is Laylat al-Qadr?
In the last ten nights of Ramadan, most likely on an odd night: “Seek it in the odd nights of the last ten” (Sahih al-Bukhari 2017). Many Muslims give special attention to the 27th night, but its exact date is not known for certain.
What is the dua for Laylat al-Qadr?
‘A’ishah asked what to say if she knew it was Laylat al-Qadr, and the Prophet ﷺ taught: “Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibbul-‘afwa fa‘fu ‘anni” (O Allah, You are Pardoning and love to pardon, so pardon me) (Jami‘ at-Tirmidhi 3513, graded sahih).
What are the signs of Laylat al-Qadr?
Reported signs include a calm, mild night and the sun rising the next morning without strong rays (Sahih Muslim 762). They are recognised mostly afterwards, so worship every night of the last ten.
Can women in menstruation benefit from Laylat al-Qadr?
Yes. They cannot pray, but they can make du‘a, dhikr, istighfar and, in many scholars’ view, recite from memory, and give charity.
Recite more in the last ten nights
Three free one-to-one Quran lessons in UK time, before or during Ramadan.