10 ways to prepare for Laylatul Qadr
There is a night in Ramadhan cloaked in divine mystery. A night when the heavens opened, and The Quran descended. A night so powerful that its worth surpasses a thousand months. It is a night when the angels fill the skies, when mercy flows freely, sins are erased, and destinies are written by the will of Al-’Aleem. This is the night of Laylatul Qadr. One that is upon us any of these last 10 nights, and one that requires sincere and immense preparation so we may truly make it a night where our qadr changes for the better, In shaa Allah, Ameen! Allah (SWT) says in The Quran, “The Night of Glory is better than a thousand months.” (The Clear Quran®, 97:3). The weight of this verse alone should stop us in our tracks. One night of sincere worship, if accepted, is worth more than 83 years of worship. We may not live for more than 80 years, but Allah (SWT), in His infinite mercy, gifted us Laylatul Qadr to make the most of the time we do have. So, how do we prepare for this exalted night? How do we ensure that we don’t just pass through this night, but that we rise during it? Here are 10 practical and spiritual ways you can prepare for Laylatul Qadr, starting right now. Start by purifying your intentions: Before jumping into action, pause and check your heart. Ask yourself: Why do I want to catch Laylatul Qadr? Is it to please Allah (SWT)? Or just to tick a box? The Prophet (SAW) has said, “Actions are judged by niyyat (intention), so each man will have what he intended.” (Sahih al-Bukhari) A practical tip is to set a sincere intention that you’re seeking this night to gain Allah (SWT)’s closeness, forgiveness, and reward. Not for show, not for habit, but purely just for Him (SWT). Learn the signs and virtues of Laylatul Qadr: It’s crucial to know what you’re striving for. The more you understand Laylatul Qadr, the more your heart will yearn for it. Some signs from authentic narrations include: A calm and serene night. It is neither hot nor cold. The sun rises the next day without sharp rays. A night filled with peace until dawn. Knowing these signs can help you stay connected and conscious throughout the last 10 nights. Make Tawbah before the 10 nights begin, and during the 10 nights: Forgiveness always starts with acknowledging our mistakes! In shaa Allah, before the last 10 nights arrived, you asked Allah (SWT) to forgive your past sins and enter the nights with a clean heart. Making sincere tawbah beforehand allows you to raise your hands on Laylatul Qadr from a place of humility and hope. The Prophet (SAW) has said, “Whoever prays at night in Ramadhan out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 37) Free up your schedule: If possible, take time off of work or reduce commitments during the last 10 nights. These are not ordinary nights. They are an opportunity that you just cannot afford to miss as a Muslim. You can make this easier on yourself by: Preparing your iftar meals early. Wrapping up work or errands in the day. Unplugging from distractions (and yes, once again, that also removes social media. For a full guide on practical steps to practice, be sure to read our previous article!). Your energy, focus, and heart need space to worship. Don’t let the dunya distract you during this golden window. Create a simple ibaadah plan: You don’t need a six-page spreadsheet or a perfectly color-coded journal. What you really need is a realistic and consistent plan. Here’s a simple nightly plan that you can try: 2 rak’ahs of Tahajjud 2 pages of Quran 10-15 minutes of dhikr 5-10 minutes of dua 2 rak’ahs of Salaat ul Tawbah Memorize and repeat the dua taught by the Prophet (SAW): Bibi Aisha (RA) once asked the Prophet (SAW), “O Messenger of Allah! If I know which night is Laylatul Qadr, what should I say during it?” The Prophet (SAW) then replied, “O Allah! Indeed you are pardoning, and you love to pardon, so pardon me.” (Sunan at-Tirmidhi, 3513) Memorize this dua, repeat it often, and say it with your heart wide open, in shaa Allah! Give charity every night: You don’t know which night is Laylatul Qadr. So why not give a little every single night during the last 10? Many platforms at Al-Furqaan Foundation, for example, even offer automated donation options so you don’t forget! Imagine just giving $30 a night – if it falls on Laylatul Qadr, it’s as if you gave that amount every day for 83 years! Allahu Akbar!Allah (SWT) says in The Quran, “The example of those who spend their wealth in the cause of Allah is that of a grain that sprouts into seven ears, each bearing one hundred grains. And Allah multiplies the reward even more to whoever He wills. For Allah is All-Bountiful, All-Knowing.” (The Clear Quran®, 2:261) Make a personal dua list: Don’t leave your dua to the last minute. Take some time to: Write down your duas. Be specific by mentioning names, details, and feelings. Include the duas for your aakhirah first before you beseech for the dunya. Talk to Allah (SWT) as your Lord, your Sustainer and, ultimately, your Friend. This night is all about heartfelt connection and one that will carry forward even after Ramadhan ends, if we are so fortunate, in shaa Allah. Involve your family: While ibaadah can be personal, Laylatul Qadr is also a beautiful chance to involve your loved ones: Wake your children gently for a short prayer. Light candles or dim the lights to create a peaceful, reflective space. Read a small portion of The Quran together. The Prophet (SAW) used to wake his family in the last 10 nights to pray. Let your home also feel the noor of Laylatul Qadr. Stay consistent
The significance of sharing food in Ramadhan
Ramadhan is a month of fasting, worship, and deep spiritual reflection. It is also a time when acts of charity and generosity are greatly emphasized. Among the most virtuous deeds in this blessed month is feeding others, particularly those who are fasting. This practice is rooted in the teachings of The Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet (SAW). Sharing food with others carries immense rewards, purifies the soul, and strengthens the bonds of brotherhood and compassion within the Ummah. Providing nourishing food, whether to the needy or those who are fasting, is an act of charity that is greatly emphasized in Islam. The Quran encourages believers to share food with others as an expression of faith and righteousness. Allah (SWT) says in Surah Al-Insan, “…and give food—despite their desire for it—to the poor, the orphan, and the captive, saying to themselves, ‘We feed you only for the sake of Allah, seeking neither reward nor thanks from you.’” (The Clear Quran®, 76:8-9) This verse highlights the pure intention behind feeding others—it should be done sincerely for the sake of Allah (SWT), without expecting anything in return. The Prophet (SAW) said, “He who provides a fasting person with which to break his fast, will earn the same reward as the one who was observing the fast, without diminishing in any way the reward of the latter.” (Sunan At-Tirmidhi) This hadith underscores the immense reward of feeding a fasting person, as it allows the one who provides the food to receive the same reward as the fasting person. The Prophet (SAW) was known for his unmatched spirit of giving, and he increased his acts of charity during Ramadhan. Ibn Abbas described the generosity of the Prophet (SAW), “The Messenger of Allah (SAW) was the most generous of people, and he was even more generous during Ramadhan when Jibreel met him… When Jibreel met him, he was more generous in doing good than the blowing wind.” (Sahih al-Bukhari) His generosity included giving charity, providing food, and ensuring that others had enough to break their fast. Following his Sunnah, we should also strive to be more generous in Ramadhan, especially by feeding others. Feeding those who are hungry is a great way to gain Allah (SWT)’s mercy and forgiveness, emphasized in the following hadith that describes feeding others as not only an act of kindness, but also a direct path to Jannah. The Prophet (SAW) said, “O people! Spread peace, feed others, uphold family ties, and pray at night when people are asleep, and you will enter Paradise in peace.” (Sunan ibn Majah, 1334) So, how can we implement the Sunnah of feeding others in Ramadhan? Here are some suggestions: Host iftar for family, friends, and neighbors. Sharing food strengthens bonds and increases love among Muslims. Provide meals for the poor. Many people struggle to afford food, and Ramadhan is a great time to help them. Contribute to masjid or charity iftar programs. A number of mosques and organizations arrange iftar meals for the needy. Give food baskets to struggling families. This allows them to have enough food for the entire month. Offer water and dates to those who are fasting. Even a small contribution like this can grant you immense rewards. Feeding people in Ramadhan has several spiritual benefits: Earns immense rewards. The reward is equivalent to fasting without diminishing the fast itself. Increases barakah in one’s sustenance. Generosity leads to more provision from Allah (SWT). Strengthens brotherhood and unity. Sharing food fosters love and compassion in the community. Brings Allah (SWT)’s mercy and forgiveness. Acts of kindness lead to purification of sins. Following the Sunnah of the Prophet (SAW). Practicing generosity is a way to emulate his noble character. Feeding others in Ramadhan is one of the most rewarding acts a Muslim can do. Whether it is feeding the poor, providing iftar for fasting individuals, or simply sharing meals with neighbors, this noble deed carries immense rewards from Allah (SWT). The Quran and Sunnah emphasize its significance, promising both worldly blessings and eternal rewards. As we continue to observe Ramadhan, let us strive to increase our generosity and earn the pleasure of Alalh (SWT) by feeding those in need. After all, the Prophet (SAW) said, “The best of you are those who feed others.” (Musnad Ahmad, 23926). May Allah (SWT) grant us the ability to be among those who feed others sincerely for His sake and bless us with His mercy in this holy month. Ameen!
