The most unique night in the whole Islamic calendar is Laylatul Qadr (also spelled Laylat al-Qadr), also known as the Night of Power or Night of Decree. If you’re wondering what to read on Laylatul Qadr, you’re in the right place. This is the night that grown-ups are after when they talk of staying up late during Ramadan and pleading to God to pray harder. It is the Super Bowl of spiritual evenings – only on a much more significant scale and with eternal awards.
This guide will tell you exactly what to read on Laylatul Qadr, what duas to make, and how to spend this blessed night. During the last days of Ramadan, I will have your back even in case you are only beginning to learn about Islam or you are a young student trying to comprehend why everyone has to hype so much.
What is Laylatul Qadr?
Thus the point of Laylatul Qadr. It is the night in which Allah (SWT) sent down the Holy Quran to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) by Angel Jibreel (Gabriel). The Quran was revealed on Laylatul Qadr. It occurred in a cave known as Hira more than 1400 years ago and since that time, Muslims have been celebrating this night. Understanding this helps us appreciate what to read on Laylatul Qadr.
It has a lot to say in the name itself. Layl refers to night in the Arabic language, and Qadr denotes a number of things, it may refer to power, decree, or honor. In Islam, the Night of Decree refers to when Allah determines significant issues in the next year during this time of the year. Some people refer to it as the Night of Power due to its power and blessing. Frankly speaking, both definitions are ideal.
Allah (SWT) was fond of this night that He devoted one of the surahs of the Holy Quran only to discuss it:
إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَاهُ فِي لَيْلَةِ الْقَدْرِ ○ وَمَا أَدْرَاكَ مَا لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ ○ لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ خَيْرٌ مِّنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍ ○ تَنَزَّلُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ وَالرُّوحُ فِيهَا بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهِم مِّن كُلِّ أَمْرٍ ○ سَلَامٌ هِيَ حَتَّىٰ مَطْلَعِ الْفَجْرِ
In fact, We revealed it in the Night of Decree. And what can I know what the Night of Decree is? Better than a thousand months is The Night of Decree. The angels and the Spirit descend therein by the goodwill of their Lord on anything. Who knows, peace until dawn comes about.
(Surah Al-Qadr, Chapter 97:1-5)
This is the most important surah when considering what to read on Laylatul Qadr. This night is better than a thousand months of worship. Let that sink in for a second. And that is over 83 years of worship in one night. A single night of honest prayer can supersede many years of regular worship.
When is Laylatul Qadr?
Here it is a bit of a mystery, – and I believe it is pretty. We were not informed by Allah of the exact date of Laylatul Qadr. He kept it hidden on purpose. Laylatul Qadr 2026 will fall during the last ten nights, so prepare accordingly.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) told us to seek it during the Last Ten Nights of Ramadan which are odd. These odd nights of Ramadan (21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, 29th) are when we should intensify worship. The 27th night of Ramadan is particularly being given extra attention by the majority of the Muslims worldwide as most scholars believe that it is during this period that it is most likely to fall. But nobody knows for sure. Knowing when to seek it helps you prepare what to read on Laylatul Qadr.
Why Allah Concealed This Night
Why not disclose such a big night to us? Think about it this way. Having that knowledge of the specific night, could make people just worship hard on that single night and relax the rest of Ramadan. By concealing it, Allah motivates us to struggle all the last 10 nights of Ramadan. Pretty smart, right?
We have just been provided with a slight clue of what the night might appear like showing Laylatul Qadr signs, by the Prophet (peace be upon him):
عَنِ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ فِي لَيْلَةِ الْقَدْرِ لَيْلَةٌ طَلْقَةٌ لا حَارَّةٌ وَلا بَارِدَةً تُصْبِحُ الشَّمْسُ يَوْمَهَا حَمْرَاءَ ضَعِيفَةً
It is a cool night, neither hot nor cold, and the sun is rising on its day red and weak.
(Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah, 2912 – narrated by Ibn Abbas (RA))
so that you may have caught, had you remarked a specially peaceful night in the past ten days, followed by a soft morning sun. However, do not be too worried about signs, just make a point of worshipping every odd night of Ramadan with all your heart.
Significance of Laylatul Qadr: Why This Night Matters
Allow me to describe to you the scene on Laylatul Qadr. Angels descend on Laylatul Qadr to earth as numerous as they are that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said there are no less than more angels than pebbles on the ground. That’s a lot of angels. Angel Jibreel (Gabriel) himself falls down, and he does not even come down to earth casually anymore, this night is something special enough to call him back. Beyond what to read on Laylatul Qadr, understanding its significance deepens your worship.
Another place in the Holy Quran also refers to this night:
حم ○ وَالْكِتَابِ الْمُبِينِ ○ إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَاهُ فِي لَيْلَةٍ مُّبَارَكَةٍ ۚ إِنَّا كُنَّا مُنذِرِينَ ○ فِيهَا يُفْرَقُ كُلُّ أَمْرٍ حَكِيمٍ
“Ha, Meem. Through the clear Book, Indeed, We put it down in a blessed night. We were indeed to caution mankind. On this night is set apart each minute thing.
(Surah Ad-Dukhan, Chapter 44:1-4)
That line “all the exact things” is enormous. According to scholars, it is during this night that Allah determines what is going to happen in the next year. Who is going to be born, who is going to die, who is going to marry, who is going to get that job that they have been praying to have it is all written down. All the fate of the year gets determined. This is why Laylatul Qadr is the most appropriate moment to make Allah grant you all you desire and need.
Dua for Laylatul Qadr: The Best Prayer to Recite
All right, this is the part everybody would like to know. This is what most people want to know about what to read on Laylatul Qadr. So what shall you in reality say on this night?
The famous Aisha dua for Laylatul Qadr came from Aisha (RA), a wife of Prophet (may Allah be pleased with her) who was a shrewd lady. She went directly to the source and told the Prophet what she ought to say in case she discovers Laylatul Qadr. His reply was short and beautiful:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي
Transliteration: Allahumma innaka afuwwun tuhibbul afwa fa’fu anni
O Allah, thou art the Pardoner, Pardonist, Pardon me.
(Ibn Majah, Kitabul Duaa)
This dua is the essential answer to what to read on Laylatul Qadr. It is not too long that my 8 year old cousin got to know by heart this Laylatul Qadr dua last Ramadan. Repeat it repeatedly at night. Afw (pardon) is not the ordinary form of forgiveness, it refers to Allah wiping your sins off the face of the earth. Gone. Wiped clean. That is the sort of new beginning we are all seeking.
On the odd nights, I repeat this dua for Laylatul Qadr more than a dozen times. Its simplicity is powerful in some way. You are not requesting any fancy things; you are requesting the most significant thing, which is the pardon of Allah.
What to Read on Laylatul Qadr: Complete List
And even more than that special dua there is much more you can do on this holy night. I would like to go through the key things with you.
The Holy Quran tops the list of what to read on Laylatul Qadr. I say, consider it, this is the night Quran was revealed. When Allah reads his words during the anniversary of their arrival, it is just right. There is no need to complete the entire one. It is a matter of count even to read some pages with understanding and reflection. Please, read Surah Al-Qadr as such because it is literally on this night.
Additional prayers are what the Prophet (peace be upon him) had been doing furiously every night during these nights. Beyond what to read on Laylatul Qadr, prayers hold great importance. He would pray that much that his family would be up with him. You do not need to overwork yourself, but attempt to pray more than you do. The Tahajjud (night prayer) has an added burden on this night.
This is likely the most individual aspect making lots of dua. Having read that special pardon dua, address Allah (SWT) concerning all things. All your fears, all your aspirations, your family, all your future, drain it. Others make a dua list prior to Ramadan especially during these nights; they take it out during the odd nights and read through it. In fact, I began practicing this a few years ago and it has allowed me to be focused.
The practice of dhikr (Remembrance of Allah) consists of praising Allah by such phrases as SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah and Allahu Akbar. The reward of these simple words is huge particularly on Laylatul Qadr. You can utter them when you are sitting, lying or even walking around in case you feel bored staying in a single position.
That primary dua is accompanied by seeking forgiveness (Istighfar). According to the Prophet, we are required to repeat Astaghfirullah (I seek Allah forgiveness) as many times as possible. There are nights when you want to have sins erased, you would want to be asking that they be erased.
How Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) Spent Laylatul Qadr
Aisha (RA) has narrated the way the Prophet transformed in the Last Ten Nights of Ramadan. The Laylat al Qadr prayer was special to the Prophet (peace be upon him):
The Prophet (peace be upon him) tightened his waist belt at the beginning of the tenth days of Ramadan (i.e. to work hard) and practiced Salah at night and kept his family awake to perform Salah.
(Sahih al-Bukhari)
“Buckle his waist belt” – how graphic a picture. It means he got serious. He shifted gears. The Prophet who was already the most devoted worshipper was even more violent during these nights. He was not sleeping frequently and he was inviting his family to worship with him.
Probably, now you are thinking, “I cannot stay awake through out the night, I have school! or “I have work the next day!” Of course that is understandable. The Prophet also taught us that Islam is a religion of convenience. Do what you can. You know, though you may not go to bed till an hour or two after the Isha prayer, that is still counted. That is even after you only wake up during the final third of the night prior to Fajr. Allah does not only look at your output but at your effort.
Other Surahs to Read on Laylatul Qadr
Besides Surah Al-Qadr, here’s what to read on Laylatul Qadr from other surahs that are also read by a large number of Muslims.
Surah Al-Ikhlas (Chapter 112) is not long but very strong- the Prophet believed that one third the reward of Quran was the reading of this surah. That is important on a night when the rewards are multiplied.
The first chapter is Surah Al-Fatiha which we read in each prayer. Reading it in a profound manner in order to reflect on its definitions will provide an extra point of connectivity to your worship.
Surah Yaseen is mostly referred to as the heart of the Quran. Reading it during special nights is a tradition of many families.
Surah Al-Mulk is popular in guarding the reader. Others read it on the night as a tradition; nonetheless, it is a special night when one makes sure to read it during the odd nights of Ramadan.
The remaining three surahs (Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, An-Nas) are protection surah and however, the Prophet used to read them at night before going to sleep.
These are the recommended choices for what to read on Laylatul Qadr. You do not have to feel obliged to read through all these. Pick what feels right for you. Always quality and not quantity.
Also Read: How to pray in Islam | Ultimate Guide 2026
How to Spend Laylatul Qadr: Practical Tips
Now that you know what to read on Laylatul Qadr, here are practical tips. I have a few suggestions that could assist you in making the most out of these nights that I would like to share about you. Here’s how to pray on Laylatul Qadr effectively:
Take a nap before Maghrib. Seriously. In case you want to go to bed late, you must stock some sleep earlier in the day before that. Otherwise you will be tugging your eyelids rather than worship.
Prepare snacks and water. Having them close by would ensure that you do not disrupt your flow of thought by visiting the kitchen. There are certain dates, nuts, and water which are great.
Put your phone away. This is hard in 2026 when we are all glued to our devices but believe me, those notifications may be postponed. Switch off the airplane or leave it elsewhere. You will be surprised at how much more there you are in your adoration.
Vary your worship. There is no use praying four hours in a row when you are going to get tired of it. Read Quran then make dua then some dhikr then pray again. Altering activities is what keeps you occupied. Your Laylatul Qadr prayer should include variety.
Have a dua list ready. Your dua list guides what to read on Laylatul Qadr. List all questions you need to get answered prior to night. Pray to yourself, your relatives, your friends, the ummah (Muslim community) and the world. When it comes time to ask, having a list will keep your mind clear so that your mind goes blank.
Find a worship buddy. Assuming there is a friend of family member, also attempting to catch Laylatul Qadr. You can motivate one another to be awake and on track. During such nights, my brother and I are texting each other and just commenting on stuff such as, still going strong? – it helps more than you’d think.
Virtues of Laylatul Qadr and Forgiveness
Understanding Laylatul Qadr forgiveness clarifies what to read on Laylatul Qadr. There is a gorgeous hadith of forgiveness which relates well with the virtues of Laylatul Qadr:
Whosoever prays in the Night of Al-Qadr with faith and hoping to receive a reward (of Allah), he will be pardoned his earlier sins.
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)
Faith and expecting reward are two conditions here. You must have faith that Allah is pleased to accept your worship, and you must be doing it on His behalf and not as a display or a check box. When these two things exist, then your sins of the past are pardoned. All of them.
That’s not a small thing. We all are baggage that we are not proud of, of moments when we could have done better, times we could have undone. Laylatul Qadr forgiveness gives an empty slate. A re-starter of your soul.
The scholars explain that this is the reason why the Prophet taught that given dua of pardoning. When the night of the forgiveness of sins comes, seek the final forgiveness. Praying ask the forbearance of your sins not only to be forgotten but wholly blotted out.
What Happens If You Miss It?
This is what I would like to point out since I hear this concern most of the time; they worry whether they caught Laylatul Qadr or not.
The point is, you would never know whether you got it in this life, or not. Not everyone can have dreams or signs as some companions of the Prophet would have them. And that’s okay. It is not about receiving a piece of paper with the message Congratulations, you discovered Laylatul Qadr! The idea is to worship Allah with all her heart during these nights.
Provided you were doing your best on the odd nights, duas with a good heart, a reading of Quran and requested forgiveness -you have done your bit. Leave the results to Allah. He knows all, and he does not waste anything.
Although you might not have been able to remain up all night because of health reasons, work, or any other legitimate reason, what you were able to accomplish is what counts. Even a hour of distracted prayer would not be as good as a few honest rakats. Your time does not count. Allah observes your heart.
Signs of Laylatul Qadr: Peace Until Dawn
The first aspect that comes to my mind when reading the description of Laylatul Qadr is the aspect of peace. This surah is followed by the phrase, Peace it is until the appearance of dawn. Its hadith states that it was neither hot nor cold. These are among the Laylatul Qadr signs mentioned in authentic sources.
That peace is what we badly need in our hectic contemporary lives. Such evenings provide an opportunity to forget about all the noise – the news, the social media drama, the daily stress and just be with Allah. That is healing; the refreshing of the spiritual batteries, which is needed in the year ahead.
There was a Ramadan that occurred a few years ago when I was experiencing a difficult moment. Was not able to concentrate, could not sleep well, even pray well most of the month. However, on the 27th night of Ramadan, I made myself sit down once Isha had spoken and simply talked to Allah. No homilies, no schooling by heart, no insincere small talk. I was much lighter than I had been in months by the time Fajr arrived. Probably it was Laylatul Qadr, probably not. But the peace was real.
Teaching Children About Laylatul Qadr
When you find yourself reading this and you happen to be a parent or an older sibling, you may be asking yourself what you can do to get the younger kids engaged. Teach children what to read on Laylatul Qadr through stories.
Start with the story. Kids love stories. Inform them of the night Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was in the cave and Angel Jibreel (Gabriel) appeared before him delivering the first words of the Quran. Bring it alive, the mountain, the cave, the angel and his appearance, the infant astonishment and fear of the Prophet, the first revelation in her lovely form.
Allow them to keep late on the odd nights of Ramadan. They do not need to keep up till the Fajr even an extra hour seems to be a gift to the child. Make it an event. Notable snacks, shared worship by the family members, possibly some Islamic songs or stories between the prayers.
Teach them the short dua. This is the first thing about what to read on Laylatul Qadr for kids. It’s only a few words. Children like to feel that they are aware of something significant. They connect with the night when they are able to repeat that dua by heart.
Get them to take a list of dua. Question them on what they wish to have prayed. Their responses may be unexpected – children have the most innocent and honest demands at times.
Signs Your Laylatul Qadr Was Accepted
How can you tell whether your worship was accepted or not? The honest answer is: you don’t. Not with certainty, anyway.
However, researchers note that there were some signs which could possibly indicate that your ibadah (worship) was accepted. You experience the feeling of serenity and sweeten your heart during and after worship. Habitually you are inclined to keep on practicing good acts once Ramadan is over. You experience real remorse on your sins and the urge not to go back to it.
These are not promises, but just encouraging indications and only Allah is sure who He accepts. See, in case you do not feel them at once, do not give hope. The consequences of worship sometimes manifest themselves later and in unforeseen ways.
Also Watch: Is there a specific Prayer (Salah) for Laylatul Qadr? – Assim al hakeem
Final Thoughts on Laylatul Qadr
Laylatul Qadr is a gift. Now you know what to read on Laylatul Qadr. Direct to the point, no other way to describe it. Allah might have made it hard to worship and scarce to get rewards but He provided us with one night more valuable than a lifetime of normal worship. That is generosity to the nth degree.
What to read on Laylatul Qadr matters, but intention matters more. The content you read on this night is important, however, what matters more is the purpose of reading it. Go into these nights with a pure heart, with the humble spirit, with the wish and the pleasure of Allah. Repeat the special dua of forgiveness. Take the Quran and have its words flow over you. Pray even when you feel tired of your legs. Talk to Allah as though he were your best friend at all – because he is.
You can be 10 years old, or 80 years old, first Ramadan or you are having your fiftieth, the time of Laylatul Qadr is made equal to all. Don’t waste it. Night arrives once in a year, and none of us is sure of the number of Ramadans we are going to witness.
May this guide on what to read on Laylatul Qadr benefit you. May Allah shower comforts of Laylatul Qadr to all of us, accept our prayers, and forgive all of our sins. Ameen.