What’s the Night of Decree?
The Night of Decree (or Night of Power) is described in the 97th chapter of the Quran. It is mentioned that the Prophet, peace be upon him, used to pray on this night, and that he recommended for his followers and his family to pray too.
The Quran says that this night is better than 1000 months; the Angels and the Spirit descend therein with every command from God, and there is peace until the break of dawn.
Which night is it exactly?
This isn’t known for sure, but some reports say that it is one of the odd nights within the last ten nights of the month of Ramadan. It could be the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or 29th. Others say it could occur in any one of the last ten nights, not just the odd nights. For this reason, some Muslims observe what is referred as I’tikaf, or seclusion, where they reside in the mosque for the last ten nights of Ramadan, so that whenever the Night of Decree occurs within the last ten nights, the servant of God can be found in the mosque, devoted to worship.
What can you do during the last ten nights if you can’t seclude yourself for ten nights?
You can seclude yourself for part of the time.
You can serve human beings and help the poor and needy.
You can engage in additional worship at home or in the mosque. This includes reciting the Quran and praying extra prayers in congregation or alone, especially at night.
You can beseech God with a special supplication recommended for this night: Oh Allah, You are Forgiving, You love to forgive, so forgive me!
And you can engage in any other good acts that would please God.
