‘Twas the Night of Laylatul Qadr When All was Calm and Still

It’s believed that Laylatul Qadr occurs on the 27th night of Ramadan.

Why do we seek it out so eagerly? Because Allah (swt) says “And what will make you realise what the Night of Glory is? The Night of Glory is better than a thousand months.” [TMQ 97: 2-3]

Prophet’s ﷺ wife `A’isha narrates, “When the last ten nights began Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) kept awake at night (for prayer and devotion), wakened his family, and prepared himself to observe salah (with more vigor).” Sahih Muslim 1174

Why?

Because the Prophet ﷺ said:

“Whoever spends the nights of Ramadan in prayer out of faith and in the hope of reward, he will be forgiven his previous sins.” Sunan an-Nasa’i 2192

So, we eagerly seek Laylatul Qadr, a night that holds immense spiritual significance for Muslims worldwide. Known as the “Night of Power,” Laylatul Qadr is a night where the Qur’an was revealed, when prayers made on this night are magnified in reward. It’s a night that offers a profound connection to the divine, a time of reflection, prayer, and hope for mercy.

I know I haven’t said much about my new book beyond dropping the trailer on my IG account before Ramadan after a long hiatus from IG (being busy writing it!). But, I thought I’d take this opportunity to tell you something about it here on my blog as we are in the last 10 days of Ramadan.

In The House of Ibn Kathir - The Keeper of Time, ’twas the night of Laylatul Qadr when all was calm and still - Yusif’s heart raced as he prepared for it, joining his parents for the special night prayers and reflections. That and the fact that for the first time in his whole life Yusif would get to stay up all night! With his usual bedtime routine paused on this sacred night, he’s excited to stay awake and witness the beauty of Ramadan’s final days with his family.

For Yusif, Laylatul Qadr becomes more than just a night of staying awake—it’s a meaningful experience, one where he discovers the importance of family, tradition, and faith. As his parents guide him through the night’s special prayers, Yusif learns about the beauty of seeking forgiveness, making heartfelt duas, and being present with loved ones. It’s a night of wonder and anticipation, and for Yusif, leaves a lasting impact on his heart.

This year, as you take a moment to reflect on the precious last days of this month and all the lessons learned from personal goals so far, you can still make the last push … whether it’s through prayer, supplication, or simply spending time together as a family encouraging each other in good deeds. Just as Yusif embraces the night of Laylatul Qadr with open arms, we too can strive and turn things around more than ever before.

 S. N. Jalali ✍🏼 author of The House of Ibn Kathir - The Keeper of Time