Laylat al Qadr or Laylat ul Qadr is translated as the Night of Power or Night of Decree. This is one of the most sacred nights in the Islamic year. It was the night the Qur’an was first revealed to the Prophet Mohammad in 610 CE.
How is Laylat al Qadr observed in Egypt?
Laylat al Qadr falls in the last ten nights of Ramadan, and according to Hadith (a collection of traditions containing sayings of the Prophet Muhammad) it is most likely to be on one of the odd nights. However, because it is believed that the actual night will never be revealed to humans, many recommend that all of the last third of Ramadan should be an opportunity to earn more rewards for good deeds.
Signs of Laylat ul Qadr are:
1. the sun rises early in the morning without rays
2. the night is pleasant and calm
In the Qur’an, Surat Al-Qadr 97: 1 – 5 describes the importance of this night, here is a translation:
“Indeed, We sent the Qur’an down during the Night of Decree.
And what can make you know what is the Night of Decree?
The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.
The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter.
Peace it is until the emergence of dawn.”
This is not a night of overt celebration, instead it is observed by additional worship. This may include acts such as giving Zakat (almsgiving) and Sadaqah (voluntary charity), praying Nafl prayers (voluntary prayers), and making Du’a (prayer of invocation, supplication or request).
Laylat al Qadr may be observed at home in solitude, or at a mosque. Some Muslims practice Iʿtikāf (spiritual retreat) during the last ten days of Ramadan, awaiting Laylat al Qadr. Some communities may encourage each other to gather together at the mosque in the last ten nights to pray or fundraise Sadaqah.
Real Egypt includes visits to historic mosques in many of our tours, for example in Cairo and Alexandria.
If you are interested to find out more about what we can include in your Egypt experience, contact our experienced Travel Advisors, email: [email protected] or WhatsApp +201100022242
Photos: Islamic Cairo mosques by team member Sohaila;
Siwa Oasis, Sharm el Sheikh mosques by mindseyephotographyegypt
