Laylat Al-Qadr
The Night of Power
A calm guide to the most blessed nights of the year. Learn what they are, when they occur, and how to observe them according to Shia scholars, backed by authentic sources.
Surah Al-Qadr (97)
The chapter revealed about this blessed night
إِنَّآ أَنزَلْنَـٰهُ فِى لَيْلَةِ ٱلْقَدْرِ
Indeed, We sent it down on the Night of Qadr.(97:1)
وَمَآ أَدْرَىٰكَ مَا لَيْلَةُ ٱلْقَدْرِ
And what will make you realise what the Night of Qadr is?(97:2)
لَيْلَةُ ٱلْقَدْرِ خَيْرٌ مِّنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍ
The Night of Qadr is better than a thousand months.(97:3)
تَنَزَّلُ ٱلْمَلَـٰٓئِكَةُ وَٱلرُّوحُ فِيهَا بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهِم مِّن كُلِّ أَمْرٍ
The angels and the Spirit descend therein, by the permission of their Lord, with every command.(97:4)
سَلَـٰمٌ هِىَ حَتَّىٰ مَطْلَعِ ٱلْفَجْرِ
It is peaceful until the rising of the dawn.(97:5)
Source: Quran.com — Surah Al-Qadr
What is Laylat Al-Qadr?
Laylat Al-Qadr (لَيْلَةُ ٱلْقَدْرِ), the Night of Power and Night of Decree, is the most sacred night in the Islamic calendar. It is the night in which the Holy Qur'an was sent down (Quran 97:1), and the Qur'an describes it as a blessed night in which every wise matter is determined by Allah's permission (Quran 44:3-4).
The Qur'an declares this single night to be "better than a thousand months" (Quran 97:3), meaning worship and sincere repentance on this night carries a reward greater than a lifetime of devotion.
According to Shia teachings, the angels and the Spirit (Ruh) descend on this night by Allah's permission with the decrees for the coming year (Quran 97:4). In Shia belief, these affairs are presented to the Imam of the time. This is why these nights are devoted to repentance, Qur'an, du'a, and asking Allah for a good decree.
The one who recites Surah Al-Qadr loudly and clearly is like one who drew their sword in the way of Allah. And the one who recites it silently is like one whose blood was shed in the way of Allah.
Source: Imam al-Baqir (as) — Tafsir al-Burhan; cited in Tafsir Surat Al-Qadr
When is Laylat Al-Qadr?
In Shia tradition, Laylat Al-Qadr is observed across three nights during the holy month of Ramadan. The exact night is kept hidden to encourage devotion on all three, with greater emphasis placed on the 21st and especially the 23rd night:
Imam Ali (as) was struck on the head while praying Fajr on this night. A night of grief and deep supplication.
Imam Ali (as) passed away from his wounds. A night of solemn remembrance and intense prayer.
Widely considered the most probable night of Qadr. Imam al-Sadiq (as) especially recommended its observance.
Note: These nights begin at Maghrib (sunset) the evening before the corresponding date. For example, the 19th night begins at sunset on the 18th of Ramadan.
If You Can Only Do a Little Tonight
Feeling overwhelmed is normal. The Nights of Qadr are about sincerity, not perfection. If you can only do a few things, these are the most impactful:
- 1
Perform ghusl (ritual bath) before the night begins.
Mafatih al-Jinan
- 2
Pray the special 2 rakʿah prayer — in each rakʿah recite al-Hamd and al-Ikhlas 7 times. After the prayer, say istighfar 70 times.
Mafatih al-Jinan
- 3
Open the Qurʿan, place it on your head, and recite the dua "Allahumma inni asʿaluka bi-kitabika al-munzal…"
Mafatih al-Jinan; Iqbal al-Aʿmal
- 4
Recite one major dua — Dua Jawshan al-Kabir is the most recommended.
Al-Misbah, al-Kafʿami
- 5
Recite istighfar (seeking forgiveness) 100 times.
Bihar al-Anwar
- 6
Pray for your parents, the believers, and Imam al-Mahdi (aj).
Mafatih al-Jinan
Even if you can only do some of these, do them with presence and intention. Allah rewards sincerity over quantity.
What to Do on All Three Nights
These practices (a'maal) are recommended for every Night of Qadr. Approach them with sincerity, humility, and a calm heart. You do not need to complete every single act — do what you can with presence and intention.
Perform Ghusl
Take a ritual bath (ghusl). It is recommended, and it is preferable to do it near sunset so Maghrib can be prayed in a state of purity, but the night's worship remains valid without it.
Mafatih al-Jinan, Sheikh Abbas Qummi
Stay Awake All Night (Ihya)
Keep vigil throughout the night in worship, supplication, Qur'an, and reflection. This is called "Ihya al-Layl" (reviving the night). Do what you can, even if you cannot remain awake until dawn.
Mafatih al-Jinan; Iqbal al-A'mal, Sayyid ibn Tawus
Recite the Qur'an and Perform the Qur'an Amal
Recite from the Qur'an and reflect on its meanings, especially Surah Al-Qadr. Also perform the well known Laylat Al-Qadr practice of placing the Qur'an on the head and supplicating through the names taught in the a'mal.
Mafatih al-Jinan, Sheikh Abbas Qummi
Pray 100 Rak'at
It is recommended to offer 100 rak'at of prayer (50 sets of 2 rak'at each). In each rak'ah, recite Surah Al-Hamd followed by Surah Al-Ikhlas 10 times, if you are able. If not, focus on fewer prayers with presence of heart.
Mafatih al-Jinan; Iqbal al-A'mal
Seek Forgiveness (Istighfar)
Recite "Astaghfirullaha wa atubu ilayh" (أستغفر الله وأتوب إليه) at least 100 times, sincerely repenting and seeking Allah's mercy.
Mafatih al-Jinan, Sheikh Abbas Qummi
Give Charity (Sadaqa)
Give charity on these nights. Even small acts of giving carry immense reward on the Nights of Qadr.
Mafatih al-Jinan; Wasa'il al-Shia, Sheikh al-Hurr al-Amili
Pray for Others
Pray for your parents, the deceased, the sick, the oppressed, and all believers. Pray for Imam al-Mahdi (may Allah hasten his reappearance).
Mafatih al-Jinan; Iqbal al-A'mal
Recite Key Duas
Recite Dua Jawshan al-Kabir and other recommended supplications. Prioritize heartfelt du'a, repentance, and asking Allah for a good decree, and include the Qur'an on the head supplication among the key a'mal of these nights.
Mafatih al-Jinan, Sheikh Abbas Qummi; Al-Misbah, al-Kaf'ami
Night-by-Night Guide
Each night has its own character and specific recommended practices in addition to the common a'maal. Select a night to see its details:
19th Night — Night of Wounding
On the 19th of Ramadan, Imam Ali (as) was struck by the poisoned sword of Ibn Muljam while he was in prostration during the Fajr prayer in the Mosque of Kufa. This night is marked by grief, repentance, and intense supplication.
Specific practices for this night
Remember Imam Ali (as)
This night is a night of mourning. Reflect on the life, justice, worship, and teachings of Amir al-Mu'minin (as), and renew your commitment to Allah through repentance and obedience.
Mafatih al-Jinan, Sheikh Abbas Qummi
Recite a recommended dua
Among the recommended supplications is the dua beginning with "Ya dhal-ladhi kana qabla kulli shay'in...". Recite it with attention and humility.
يا ذا الّذي كان قبل كلّ شيء
Mafatih al-Jinan; Iqbal al-A'mal, Sayyid ibn Tawus
Disassociate from ظلم and its أهل
Recite 100 times: "Allahumma al'an qatalata Amir al-Mu'minin" (O Allah, curse the killers of the Commander of the Believers), as an expression of disassociation from oppression.
اللّهمّ العن قتلة أمير المؤمنين
Mafatih al-Jinan, Sheikh Abbas Qummi
Supplication for forgiveness
Increase your istighfar and ask Allah to forgive your sins, conceal your faults, and grant you a good decree for this year and the next.
Iqbal al-A'mal, Sayyid ibn Tawus
Key Supplications (Duas)
These supplications are transmitted through the Ahl al-Bayt (as). They are organized by when they are most recommended.
For all three nights
Dua Jawshan al-Kabir
دعاء الجوشن الكبير
A long supplication praising Allah's names and attributes, divided into 100 sections. Especially recommended for the Nights of Qadr.
Al-Misbah, al-Kaf'ami; Mafatih al-Jinan
Dua Abu Hamza al-Thumali
دعاء أبي حمزة الثمالي
Taught by Imam Zayn al-Abidin (as) to Abu Hamza al-Thumali. A profound du'a of repentance and hope, recited in the pre-dawn hours.
Mafatih al-Jinan; Iqbal al-A'mal, Sayyid ibn Tawus
Dua al-Iftitah
دعاء الافتتاح
Attributed to Imam al-Mahdi (may Allah hasten his reappearance). Recited throughout Ramadan and fitting for the Nights of Qadr.
Mafatih al-Jinan, Sheikh Abbas Qummi
Dua Kumayl
دعاء كميل
Taught by Imam Ali (as) to Kumayl ibn Ziyad. A powerful supplication about mercy, forgiveness, and protection from the Fire.
Misbah al-Mutahajjid, Sheikh al-Tusi; Mafatih al-Jinan
Ziyarat of Imam Husain(as)
According to Hadith, during Lailat-e-Qadr an angel proclaims from the Arsh (throne) on the Seventh sky that Allah has forgiven who have visited the grave of Imam Hussain (as). It is also recited on 1st 15th and End of the Month of Ramadhan.
Dua by Imam Sajjad (as)
Imam Zainul-Abideen (a.s) used to recite this dua very frequently at the Qadr nights while sitting, standing, in rukuu', and prostrating as narrated in Al-Kaf`amiy
Sources & References
All practices described on this page are drawn from well-established Shia scholarly works and Quranic verses. The following are the primary references:
Primary Compilations
The most widely used Shia compilation of supplications, prayers, and acts of worship. The primary reference for a'maal of the Nights of Qadr.
A comprehensive work on recommended acts for each month and occasion, including detailed Ramadan and Laylat al-Qadr practices.
Contains Dua Jawshan al-Kabir and other supplications recommended for the Nights of Qadr.
The Psalms of Islam. Contains Dua Makarim al-Akhlaq and Dua al-Tawbah, both recommended for the Nights of Qadr.
Hadith Collections
A major hadith compilation covering all aspects of jurisprudence and recommended acts, including fasting and night worship.
The largest encyclopedia of Shia hadith. Contains extensive narrations about Laylat al-Qadr from the Ahl al-Bayt.
A classic guide for night worship and supplications, including Dua Kumayl and other prayers relevant to the Nights of Qadr.
Contains the narration from Imam al-Sadiq about reciting Surahs al-ʿAnkabut and al-Rum on the 23rd night.
Quranic References
The chapter dedicated to the Night of Qadr, declaring it better than a thousand months.
"We sent it down on a blessed night" — another Quranic reference to the revelation on this night.
Online Resources
Comprehensive online reference for all Qadr night practices, duas, and ziyarats with Arabic text and translations.