Laylat al-Qadr 2026: When Is It & How to Worship the Night of Power

Laylat al-Qadr — the Night of Power — is described in the Quran as being better than a thousand months. It is the holiest night of the Islamic calendar, and it falls somewhere in the last 10 nights of Ramadan. If Ramadan 2026 began on February 19, the last 10 nights begin on March 11, 2026. This guide tells you everything you need to know: the most likely dates, what to do on this night, the special dua, and how paying Zakat on Laylat al-Qadr multiplies its reward beyond imagination.

What Is Laylat al-Qadr?

Laylat al-Qadr (ليلة القدر) translates as the Night of Power or the Night of Decree. Allah says in Surah Al-Qadr (97:1–5):

إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَاهُ فِي لَيْلَةِ الْقَدْرِ وَمَا أَدْرَاكَ مَا لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ خَيْرٌ مِّنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرُ

"Indeed, We sent the Quran down during the Night of Decree. And what can make you know what the Night of Decree is? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months."
— Quran 97:1–3

This night is when the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) through the Angel Jibril. Angels descend to earth with Allah’s decrees for the coming year, and the night is characterized by peace until the break of dawn.

When Is Laylat al-Qadr 2026?

The exact night of Laylat al-Qadr is hidden by Allah as a mercy, so that believers seek it earnestly throughout the last 10 nights of Ramadan. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Seek Laylat al-Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten nights of Ramadan.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

With Ramadan 2026 running from approximately February 19 to March 20, 2026, the last 10 nights begin on March 11, 2026. The five odd nights to prioritize are:

The 27th night (March 17) is considered most likely by the majority of classical scholars, including Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him). However, no one can know for certain, which is why it is strongly recommended to worship intensely on all five odd nights.

The Special Dua for Laylat al-Qadr

Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) asked the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): “O Messenger of Allah, if I know which night is Laylat al-Qadr, what should I say?” He replied:

اللّهُمّ إِنّكَ عَفُوّ تُحِبّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي

Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibb al-'afwa fa'fu 'anni

“O Allah, You are All-Forgiving, You love to forgive, so forgive me.”
— Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah — Authentic (Sahih)

This dua should be repeated throughout the night, especially in prostration (sujud) during prayer. For a full collection of Ramadan duas including this one with Arabic text and transliteration, see our Ramadan Duas page.

How to Worship on Laylat al-Qadr

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) would intensify his worship during the last 10 nights more than at any other time. The recommended acts of worship on this night include:

1. Qiyam al-Layl (Night Prayer)

Pray as many voluntary units (rak'ahs) as you can throughout the night. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever spends the night of Laylat al-Qadr in prayer out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.” (Bukhari and Muslim). Even if you cannot stay up the whole night, pray Tahajjud after Tarawih and before Suhoor.

2. Recitation of the Quran

Since the Quran was first revealed on this night, reciting it carries special significance. Aim to read as much as you can with reflection (tadabbur). Even a few pages read with full presence of heart is better than rushing through many chapters without focus.

3. Extensive Dua and Dhikr

Make heartfelt supplications for yourself, your family, the Muslim ummah, and all of humanity. Repeat the Laylat al-Qadr dua taught by the Prophet frequently. Engage in tasbeeh (SubhanAllah), tahmeed (Alhamdulillah), and takbeer (Allahu Akbar).

4. Giving Zakat and Sadaqah

Giving charity on Laylat al-Qadr earns the reward of giving that charity continuously for 83 years. This makes it arguably the most efficient time of the year to pay your Zakat. If you have not yet calculated your Zakat for 2026, use the ZakatEasy Calculator now so you are ready to give the moment the night begins.

5. I'tikaf (Retreat in the Mosque)

The sunnah of I'tikaf — spending the last 10 nights in the mosque in seclusion and worship — was practiced by the Prophet (peace be upon him) every Ramadan until his death. Even if you can only manage one or two nights, the intention and effort are highly rewarded.

6. Seeking Forgiveness (Istighfar)

Laylat al-Qadr is above all a night of forgiveness. Make sincere tawbah (repentance) for past sins and renew your commitment to Allah. The dua taught to Aisha specifically asks for 'afw (pardon) — a comprehensive forgiveness that erases traces of sin entirely.

Paying Zakat on Laylat al-Qadr

One of the most impactful decisions you can make this Ramadan is to ensure your Zakat is calculated and ready to be given on Laylat al-Qadr. The Quranic verse tells us this night is worth more than 83 years. If your Zakat obligation is, for example, $500, paying it on this one night carries the spiritual reward of paying $500 every single night for 83 years — approximately $15 million worth of reward.

To prepare:

1. Calculate your Zakat now using the ZakatEasy Calculator. It uses live gold and silver prices and calculates your exact obligation in seconds.
2. Identify your recipients. Zakat can be given to the eight categories mentioned in Surah At-Tawbah (9:60): the poor, the needy, those employed to collect Zakat, those whose hearts are to be reconciled, freeing slaves, those in debt, in the way of Allah, and the wayfarer.
3. Set a reminder for the night of March 17 (27th night) and ideally for all five odd nights.
4. Give immediately when the night begins after Maghrib. Do not wait until the morning.

For a detailed explanation of Zakat timing rules, see our guide on paying Zakat in Ramadan. For the deadline to pay before Eid, read about the last day to pay Zakat for Ramadan 2026.

Signs and Description of Laylat al-Qadr

Several authentic hadiths describe the characteristics of Laylat al-Qadr. The Prophet (peace be upon him) described it as a night that is:

• Calm and peaceful, neither too hot nor too cold
• The sun rises on the following morning without rays (appearing white and faint)
• A night of tranquility and serenity

These signs are noticeable only after the night has passed. This is another reason why you should worship on all five odd nights rather than waiting for a “sign” — by the time you see the sign, the opportunity has gone.

Making the Most of All 10 Nights

The wisest approach is to treat every one of the last 10 nights as if it were Laylat al-Qadr. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Seek it in the last ten nights, and seek it on the odd-numbered nights.” (Bukhari)

This means:

• Arrange your schedule so you can sleep earlier and wake for Tahajjud
• Minimize social media and screens to protect your focus
• Prepare your Zakat calculation in advance so giving is effortless
• Have a personal list of duas ready so your supplications are specific and heartfelt
• Involve your family — even young children benefit from seeing the environment of worship

Conclusion

Laylat al-Qadr is the single greatest night of the year and one of the most extraordinary gifts Allah has given to the Muslim ummah. A thousand months of worship condensed into one night. Whether it falls on March 11, 13, 15, 17, or 19, 2026 — treat every odd night as if it were the one. Calculate your Zakat, prepare your duas, and dedicate these nights to worship. May Allah grant us all the blessing of Laylat al-Qadr. Ameen.