🌙 ✦ Night of Power · Laylatul Qadr ✦

Dua for Laylatul Qadr
The Night of Power

اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي

The complete, authentic dua for Laylatul Qadr — with Arabic text, transliteration, translation, source, and a full guide to the Night of Power in Ramadan.

1,000+Months of Reward
27thMost Likely Night
TirmidhiHadith 3513
10Last Nights

✦ The Authentic Dua

The Main Dua for Laylatul Qadr

This dua was directly taught by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to his wife Aisha (رضي الله عنها) when she asked what supplication to make if she encountered Laylatul Qadr. It is the most important and recommended dua for the Night of Power.

1
Most Important · Sahih
اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي
“Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun, tuhibbu al-‘afwa, fa’fu ‘anni”
Translation: “O Allah, You are Forgiving and You love forgiveness, so forgive me.”
📚 Source: Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 3513 · Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 3850 · Graded Sahih by Al-Albani
Aisha (رضي الله عنها) reported: “I asked: O Messenger of Allah, if I find Laylatul Qadr, what should I say?” He ﷺ replied: “Say: Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun, tuhibbu al-‘afwa, fa’fu ‘anni.” — Sunan al-Tirmidhi 3513 | Declared Sahih by Al-Albani

This short, powerful dua encapsulates the most fitting request on a night dedicated to divine forgiveness and mercy. Scholars unanimously emphasise that seeking forgiveness (istighfar) is the most recommended act on Laylatul Qadr, as it is a night when Allah’s mercy and pardon are at their most accessible.

✦ Background & Significance

What is Laylatul Qadr?

Laylatul Qadr — literally “the Night of Decree” or “the Night of Power” — is the most blessed night in the Islamic calendar. Understanding its significance deepens the purpose and sincerity of every dua made during this night.

🌟 Better Than 1,000 Months

Worship performed on this single night is equivalent in reward to over 83 years of continuous worship — as explicitly stated in Surah Al-Qadr (97:3). This is its most celebrated virtue.

📖 The Night the Quran Was Revealed

The first verses of the Holy Qur’an were revealed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ on Laylatul Qadr, making it the night that changed the course of human history.

👼 The Descent of Angels

The angels — led by Jibril (عليه السلام) — descend to earth on this night with every matter of divine decree for the coming year, bringing with them peace and blessings until dawn.

🕊️ A Night of Peace

Allah ﷻ describes this night as salamun hiya hatta matla’i al-fajr — “Peace it is until the emergence of dawn” (Quran 97:5), meaning it is filled with divine peace and safety.

📅 Annual Decree of Destiny

On this night, all events of the coming year — births, deaths, provisions, calamities — are written and assigned to the angels for execution, as described in Surah Ad-Dukhan (44:3-4).

✦ Surah Al-Qadr (97:1-5)

Quranic Verse on Laylatul Qadr

إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَاهُ فِي لَيْلَةِ الْقَدْرِ ﴿١﴾ وَمَا أَدْرَاكَ مَا لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ ﴿٢﴾ لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ خَيْرٌ مِّنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍ ﴿٣﴾ تَنَزَّلُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ وَالرُّوحُ فِيهَا بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهِم مِّن كُلِّ أَمْرٍ ﴿٤﴾ سَلَامٌ هِيَ حَتَّى مَطْلَعِ الْفَجْرِ ﴿٥﴾

“Indeed, We sent it 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.”

📖 Quran · Surah Al-Qadr (97:1–5)

This entire surah is devoted to Laylatul Qadr, confirming its unmatched status in Islamic belief. Many scholars recommend reciting Surah Al-Qadr frequently during the last ten nights of Ramadan as a form of remembrance and connection to the night’s meaning. Explore our full Quran and Tafsir section for deeper commentary.

✦ More Supplications

Additional Duas for the Night of Power

Alongside the primary Laylatul Qadr dua, these authentic supplications are highly recommended to recite during the last ten nights of Ramadan. Each addresses a core need of the believer’s heart.

2
Forgiveness · Quranic
رَبَّنَا ظَلَمْنَا أَنفُسَنَا وَإِن لَّمْ تَغْفِرْ لَنَا وَتَرْحَمْنَا لَنَكُونَنَّ مِنَ الْخَاسِرِينَ
“Rabbana zalamna anfusana wa in lam taghfir lana wa tarhamna lanakunanna minal-khasireen”
Translation: “Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves, and if You do not forgive us and have mercy upon us, we will surely be among the losers.”
📖 Source: Quran · Surah Al-A’raf (7:23) · Dua of Adam & Hawwa (عليهما السلام)
3
Mercy & Guidance
رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
“Rabbana atina fi al-dunya hasanatan wa fi al-akhirati hasanatan wa qina ‘adhab al-nar”
Translation: “Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.”
📖 Source: Quran · Surah Al-Baqarah (2:201) · Sahih al-Bukhari
4
Istighfar · Daily
أَسْتَغْفِرُ اللَّهَ الَّذِي لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ وَأَتُوبُ إِلَيْهِ
“Astaghfirullaha alladhi la ilaha illa huwa al-Hayyu al-Qayyumu wa atubu ilayh”
Translation: “I seek forgiveness from Allah, besides Whom there is no god, the Ever-Living, the Self-Sustaining, and I turn to Him in repentance.”
📚 Source: Sunan Abu Dawud, Hadith 1517 · Graded Sahih by Al-Albani
5
Jannah · Protection from Nar
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْجَنَّةَ وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ النَّارِ
“Allahumma inni as’aluka al-jannata wa a’udhu bika min al-nar”
Translation: “O Allah, I ask You for Paradise and I seek refuge with You from the Fire.”
📚 Source: Sunan Abu Dawud, Hadith 792 · Authenticated in multiple collections

✦ Visual Guide

The Last 10 Nights of Ramadan

Laylatul Qadr is hidden among the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Seek it in the last ten nights of Ramadan, on the odd-numbered nights.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 2017)

🌙 Odd Nights of the Last Ten Days

Intensify worship on these nights — the 27th is most widely considered the most probable.

20thEven
21stOdd ✦
22ndEven
23rdOdd ✦
24thEven
25thOdd ✦
26thEven
27th★ Most Likely
28thEven
29thOdd ✦
Odd nights — seek Laylatul Qadr 27th — most widely favoured Even nights

📊 Worship Reward Comparison

One night of Laylatul Qadr equals more than 83 years of worship — an incomparable divine gift.

🌙 1 Night of Laylatul Qadr= 1,000+ months
83+ years
📿 1 Year of Worship (no Qadr)= 12 months
1 year
⭐ 1 Friday (Jumu’ah) night= Multiplied reward

⚡ Based on Surah Al-Qadr (97:3): “The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.”

✦ Acts of Worship

What to Do on Laylatul Qadr

Beyond making dua, there are several recommended acts of worship that maximize the blessings of this extraordinary night.

🤲

Make Dua

Recite the Laylatul Qadr dua and your personal supplications sincerely and repeatedly throughout the night.

🙏

Pray Tahajjud

Perform as many voluntary night prayers as you can. Even two rak’ahs with deep concentration carry immense reward.

📖

Recite the Quran

Read Surah Al-Qadr, Surah Al-Ikhlas, Surah Al-Falaq, and Surah An-Nas. Reflect on each verse.

📿

Dhikr & Tasbeeh

Repeat Subhanallah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar, and La ilaha illallah. See our Dhikr guide.

🕌

I’tikaf

The Prophet ﷺ would seclude himself in the mosque during the last ten days of Ramadan to devote himself entirely to worship.

💸

Sadaqah

Giving charity on Laylatul Qadr multiplies rewards dramatically. Pay your Zakat or give Sadaqah generously.

😭

Tawbah (Repentance)

Sincerely repent from all sins. The doors of Allah’s mercy and forgiveness are wide open on this night.

🌙

Seek Forgiveness for Others

Make dua for your family, loved ones, the Muslim ummah, and all of humanity. Interceding for others is a noble act.

✦ How to Recognise It

Signs of Laylatul Qadr

Several authentic hadith describe signs that accompany Laylatul Qadr. While certainty is known only to Allah, these narrations can provide awareness and increase anticipation during worship.

☀️ The Following Morning’s Sun
The Prophet ﷺ described the sun on the morning after Laylatul Qadr as rising without rays — appearing white and disc-like.
Sahih Muslim 762
🌡️ Moderate Temperature
Some narrations describe the night as neither hot nor cold — a pleasant, mild night unlike others in the last ten days.
Ibn Khuzaymah 2192 · Hassan
✨ A Sense of Tranquility
Many worshippers report an unusual spiritual calm and openness of heart during this night — a feeling of closeness to Allah.
Reported by companions — Athar
🌑 Clear, Starlit Night
Some scholars describe Laylatul Qadr as a calm, clear night. Regardless of signs, worship as intensely as possible on all odd nights.
Ibn Hajar, Fath al-Bari
⚠️ Important Note: Do not delay worship waiting for signs. The Prophet ﷺ said to seek Laylatul Qadr on all odd nights of the last ten. Signs are observations after the fact, not conditions for worship. Fatwa — Ibn Baz, Majmu’ al-Fatawa 15/440

✦ Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best dua for Laylatul Qadr?
The dua directly narrated in the hadith of Aisha (رضي الله عنها) is the single most recommended supplication: Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun, tuhibbu al-‘afwa, fa’fu ‘anni — “O Allah, You are Forgiving, You love forgiveness, so forgive me.” This is narrated in Tirmidhi 3513↗ and declared authentic.
When exactly is Laylatul Qadr?
Its exact date is hidden, though it falls within the last ten nights of Ramadan, specifically on the odd-numbered nights (21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th). The 27th night holds the strongest scholarly consensus as the most probable. In 2026, this corresponds to approximately 16 March 2026. Visit our Ramadan 2026 Calendar for more details.
How many times should I recite the Laylatul Qadr dua?
There is no specific number mentioned in the hadith. Scholars recommend reciting it frequently throughout the night — during prostration (sujud), between prayers, and at any time you are in a state of dua. Repeat it as much as possible with full presence of heart and sincere intention.
Can I make personal dua in my own language on Laylatul Qadr?
Yes. While the Prophetic duas (like the main Laylatul Qadr dua) carry special blessings and should be prioritised, making personal heartfelt supplications in your own language is completely valid and encouraged. The essence of dua is sincere communication with Allah ﷻ. See our guide on how to make accepted dua.
What if I am unsure whether I caught Laylatul Qadr?
The wisdom behind its concealment is precisely to encourage intense worship across all odd nights. If you worshipped sincerely on multiple nights, there is great hope you caught it. Allah ﷻ is Al-‘Afuww (The Pardoner) and knows your intention. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever spends it in prayer out of faith and seeking reward, his past sins will be forgiven.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 2014↗)
Is there a specific prayer (salah) for Laylatul Qadr?
There is no specific obligatory prayer for Laylatul Qadr. However, performing as many voluntary rak’ahs of Qiyam al-Layl (night prayer) as possible — even just two rak’ahs with sincerity — is strongly recommended. Tarawih prayers in congregation also hold great virtue during Ramadan nights. Visit our Masnoon Duas section for prayer-related supplications.
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DuaForAll Editorial Team
Islamic Content Researchers · Verified Sources
All duas on DuaForAll are sourced from the Quran and authenticated hadith collections (Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Sunan Abu Dawud, Sunan Ibn Majah). Where available, grading by scholars such as Sheikh Al-Albani and Ibn Baz is referenced. Last reviewed: Ramadan 1447 AH.

🌙 May Allah Grant You Laylatul Qadr

Explore our full collection of Ramadan duas, dhikr, and Islamic guidance to make the most of this blessed month.

🌙 Ramadan 2026 Guide 📿 Browse All Duas 📖 Quranic Duas
Dua for Laylatul Qadr