The Night of Destiny is one of the most important nights for Muslims practicing Ramadan. Here is what this symbolic evening means.
The Night of Destiny, also called Laylat al-Qadr, is considered the holiest night of the year for Muslims. According to tradition, it was during this night that the Koran was revealed to the Prophet Mohammed by the angel Gabriel. Meaning, traditions and origin… Here is what you need to know about the Night of Destiny which takes place shortly before the end of Ramadan.
When is the Night of Destiny in 2025?
This year and according to first estimates, the Night of Destiny should take place on the night of March 26, 2025. This event usually occurs during the last ten days of the month of Ramadan, shortly before Eid el-Fitr, a celebration marking the breaking of the fast among Muslims.
What is the meaning of the Night of Destiny?
The Night of Destiny (Laylat Al-Qadr) is considered blessed or the holiest night of the year by Muslims. It takes place towards the end of Ramadan and during this night, its followers must make invocations, prayers, recite the Koran and ask for sincere forgiveness for the sins committed. Indeed, it is at this precise moment thatwe celebrate the revelation of the Koran to the prophet Mohammed, which occurred between 612 and 632 thanks to the archangel Gabriel.
What are the origins of Laylat al-Qadr?
The Night of Destiny or Laylat al-Qadr in Arabic, is one of the nights at the end of the month of Ramadan during which, according to Islam, the Koran was sent by God to men. Indeed, according to Sunni tradition, it was during this night that the Koran was revealed to the prophet Mohammed (in the year 610) in the cave of Hira, by the angel Gabriel. So, for Muslims, the angels accompanied by the angel Gabriel (or Jibril) descend to earth during the Night of Destinyin large numbers. Their mission is to intercede for believers with God.
The visitation and blessing of angels during Laylat al-Qadr takes place among all believers who keep vigil that night via prayers and readings from the Quran. Islam considers it a sacred night where there is indescribable peace from sunrise to sunset: “She is peace and salvation until the dawn appears” (Quran Surah 97/5).
It is also about the night of the Divine decreebecause God would decree there everything that happens the following year. It is therefore an auspicious night for ask God for forgiveness for your sins committed, praying, reading the Koran and doing dhikr (or zikr), a ritual where we repeat and remember the name of Allah.
What surahs to recite on the Night of Destiny?
On the Night of Destiny, Muslims must mainly recite the Surah Al-Qadr (meaning Destiny) which is dedicated to him.
- “We certainly sent it down (the Quran) during the night of Al-Qadr.”
- “She is peace and salvation until the dawn appears” (Quran surah Al-Qadr 97/5).”
- “And who will tell you what the night of Al-Qadr is?”
- “The night of Al-Qadr is worth more than a thousand months combined.”
- “During this, the Angels and the Spirit descend, by permission of their Lord for all orders.”
These five verses are taken from the 97th surah in the Quran.
