The short answer: Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree) is better than a thousand months (Quran 97:3). The Prophet ﷺ told us to seek it in the odd nights of the last ten nights of Ramadan (Bukhari). The dua he taught for it is: *Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul-'afwa fa'fu 'anni*, "O Allah, You are Pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon me" (Tirmidhi).
When is Laylat al-Qadr in 2027?
Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin on Monday 8 February, so the last ten nights are expected to begin on the evening of Saturday 27 February 2027. The odd nights (21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th and 29th) fall around the evenings of 27 February, 1, 3, 5 and 7 March. Islamic nights begin at sunset, and the exact dates depend on the moon sighting your community follows. See Ramadan 2027 dates.
The dua for Laylat al-Qadr
Aisha asked the Prophet ﷺ what she should say if she knew which night was Laylat al-Qadr. He told her to say:
*Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul-'afwa fa'fu 'anni.*
"O Allah, You are Pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon me." (Tirmidhi, graded sahih.) Many people add the word *karim* after *'afuwwun*; the best-known reliable copies of the narration do not include it.
The virtues of the night
- Better than a thousand months: worship on this one night is better than more than 83 years of worship (Surah Al-Qadr, 97:3).
- The Quran was sent down on it (97:1).
- Forgiveness: "Whoever stands in prayer on Laylat al-Qadr out of faith and hoping for reward, his previous sins will be forgiven" (Bukhari and Muslim).
The signs mentioned in hadith
Sahih Muslim records from Ubayy ibn Ka'b that on the morning after Laylat al-Qadr, the sun rises without strong rays. Other descriptions, such as the night being calm and neither hot nor cold, come in weaker narrations. The signs are mostly noticed afterwards, so they are not a reason to worship on one night only; seek it in all of the last ten.
A simple plan for families
- Every night of the last ten: pray Isha and Taraweeh, read some Quran, and make the Laylat al-Qadr dua.
- Odd nights: add a little extra, such as two rak'ahs before sleeping, extra dhikr, or giving some sadaqah online.
- For children: let them stay up a little later on the odd nights, read Surah Al-Qadr together, and help them write their own list of duas.
- Give charity every night: a small amount each night means you will have given on Laylat al-Qadr, whichever night it is.
Teach your child Surah Al-Qadr and its meaning before Ramadan begins: our Ramadan Quran classes for kids can help, and you can book 3 free trial classes.
