The Prophet (ﷺ) as saying: Lailat al-qadr is the twenty-seventh night (of Ramadan)
Hadith Text & Reference
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "Lailat al-qadr is the twenty-seventh night (of Ramadan)"
Source: Sunan Abi Dawud 1386 | Book: Prayer (Kitab Al-Salat): Detailed Injunctions about Ramadan
Scholarly Commentary
This narration specifies the 27th night as Laylat al-Qadr, though scholars note the Prophet (ﷺ) mentioned different dates in various authentic hadiths. This variation is divinely ordained wisdom - to encourage believers to seek this blessed night throughout the last ten nights of Ramadan with increased devotion.
The wisdom behind concealing its exact date is to motivate Muslims to intensify worship during all odd nights of the last ten days, thereby maximizing spiritual rewards. Imam Nawawi explains that these different narrations represent the most likely possibilities rather than contradictions.
Significance of Laylat al-Qadr
Laylat al-Qadr (The Night of Decree) is better than a thousand months of worship. On this night, the Quran was first revealed, and Allah decrees all matters for the coming year. The angels descend with divine blessings until dawn.
Ibn Kathir emphasizes that worship on this single night surpasses worship of 83 years and 4 months, demonstrating Allah's infinite mercy toward His servants.
Recommended Acts of Worship
Scholars recommend: Performing night prayers (Qiyam), reciting Quran abundantly, making sincere supplication (particularly saying: "Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul-'afwa fa'fu 'anni"), giving charity, and seeking forgiveness. These acts should be performed with presence of heart and certainty of faith.
Imam Al-Ghazali advises that the best approach is to treat every night of the last ten as potentially being Laylat al-Qadr, thus maintaining consistent devotion throughout this blessed period.