Laylat al Qadr, The Night of Destiny

During the sacred period of Ramadan, not all nights are created equal. A very particular night exists, a blessed night, full of spirituality and devotion: Laylat al-Qadr. It is literally “The Night of Destiny,” the one where believers connect with the divine more than ever. It is one of the strongest moments of this period. The Koran proclaims it “better than a thousand months.” Let's find out together why it is so important and what it consists of.

When will Laylat al-Qadr take place in 2024?

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Each year, the fast of the month of Ramadan is punctuated by Laylat al-Qadr who falls on an odd night located in the last ten days of the period. That means it can be 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th^E Ramadan nights. This year, it is scheduled in France on April 5, 2024. However, the date may be postponed by one day. In fact, it depends on the observation of the Ramadan Moon 1445 (designating the current year in the Islamic calendar).

What is Laylat al-Qadr?

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There are numerous Quranic verses and hadiths about the importance and meaning of this blessed Ramadan night of destiny. It is mentioned explicitly in Surah Al-Qadr (97), where Allah announces: “We sent it down (the Koran) during the night of Al-Qadr”. Laylat al-Qadr therefore marks the revelation of the first verses of the Koran to the Prophet Mohammed.

According to the same Surah, “The night of al-Qadr is better than a thousand months.” Worshiping Allah overnight is, according to the texts, better as a reward than doing it for 1000 months! Acts of worship are rewarded immeasurably there. All sins will be forgiven there. “Whoever established prayers on the night of Qadr by sincere faith and in the hope of a reward from Allah, then all previous sins will be forgiven” Sahih Bukhari: 1901

Intense devotion in prayer

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During the night of Ramadan's destiny, therefore, believers turn to prayer with particular care. They spend the night reciting the Koran, meditating, praying, and invoking divine mercy. The mosques are full of worshipers. An invisible line seems to connect believers around the world, uniting their prayers, hopes, and devotion in an unprecedented spiritual fellowship.

A night of reflection and renewal

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But Laylat al-Qadr is not only a night of intense prayer. It is also a night of deep reflection and self-criticism. Believers are encouraged to carefully consider their past actions, to sincerely repent of their mistakes, to set a course of action, and to renew their commitment to the teachings of Islam. The night of destiny offers an opportunity to purify the soul, an experience of reconnecting with its fundamental values and strengthening its relationship with Allah.
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Generosity and solidarity in action
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In addition to prayer and meditation, Laylat al-Qadr also announces a night of generosity and charity towards others. Believers are encouraged to share their blessings and reach out to those in need. This charity takes many forms, ranging from financial donations to volunteering and practical assistance to vulnerable people in the community.

Giving to people in need
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During Laylat al-Qadr, many Muslims pledge to donate to people in need. Whether in the form of food, money, clothing or basic supplies, these acts of generosity aim to alleviate the daily lives of the most vulnerable people. They also spread a message of compassion and solidarity. By sharing their material resources with those who need them, believers hope to obtain the blessing and satisfaction of Allah.

At LIFE, we support people in need in France and around the world through several operations.. Our campaign 1 Euro = 1 Meal distributes meals all year round and especially during the month of Ramadan. Believers can also turn to us for all their charitable actions such as Zakat al-Fitr, Zakat al-Maal, or, for those who are exempt from fasting, Fidya or Kaffara. We distribute alms to people in need in accordance with Muslim tradition.

Strengthening community ties
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During the Ramadan period, Laylat al-Qadr night is also a good opportunity to strengthen and promote solidarity among members of the Muslim community. Mosques and charities in France and around the world often organize special programs during this night. This could be distributing meals to the homeless, clothing drives, or medical camps to provide health care to people who need it. These initiatives strengthen the social fabric of the community and remind believers of their duty to care for one another.

Cultivating the spirit of generosity
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By practicing charity during Laylat al-Qadr, the night of destiny, believers cultivate the very essence of their faith. Charity is not only an act of material generosity, but also a manifestation of love and compassion for others. By sharing what they have with those in need, Muslims are following the example of Prophet Muhammad, who taught the importance of taking care of the weakest and most vulnerable in society.

The importance of charity
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In Islam, charity is one of the fundamental pillars of faith. The Quran encourages believers to be generous to others and to see it as a form of worship to Allah. Laylat al-Qadr night offers a special opportunity during Ramadan to put these teachings into practice and to seek divine blessings by meeting the needs of the less fortunate.
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Traditions associated with Laylat al-Qadr

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The traditions associated with Laylat al-Qadr, the night of destiny, vary across Muslim cultures and communities. However, there are a few common practices followed by many devotees. These include the special recitation of certain suras from the Quran, such as Surah Al-Qadr, the vigorous prayer until dawn, as well as the observation of particular devotions such as the dhikr (the remembrance of God) and the tasbih (the recitation of divine praises).

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Laylat al-Qadr is a Ramadan night of paramount importance in the spiritual life of Muslims in France and around the world. It is a night when the doors of heaven open wide, prayers are answered, and blessings abound. But it is much more than a time for prayer and personal meditation. It is a strong moment of generosity and solidarity with others. All believers are encouraged to share their blessings with those in need and to strengthen community ties. By practicing charity on this sacred night, Muslims are strengthening their faith, cultivating a spirit of generosity, and responding to Islam's call to care for the most vulnerable in society.

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