By I think it’s time for some Laylatul Qadr prayer 101. I asked around to get the details on how to pray during this night, and this is what I got.
Laylatul Qadr is not fard (obligatory). It is more mustahab (recommended), even mu’akidah (highly recommended).
Depending on which sect you follow, the way to pray for Laylatul Qadr may vary. The way I was taught is that we pray tahajjud (the night prayer), and the amount of rakaat (the series of movements performed during Salat prayer) should be any even number, with the minimum of two. You can pray wittr prayer after tahajjud. Wittr prayer is the final prayer of the day and consists of an odd number of rakaat (or prayer units,) which can be as few as one raka, or as many as 11 rakaat.
According to one website, there are five main things one should do for Laylatul Qadr.
Calculate the exact night
Uhhh, this is hard to do, because only Allah (SWT) knows the exact night. But we do know that it happens in the last ten nights of Ramadan, specifically during the last odd nights. So that means that it could fall on the 21, 23, 25, 27, or 29 day of Ramadan. Make sure you stay steadfast on your prayers and duas on those days. You don’t want to miss Laylatul Qadr. Bring consciousness to your days of worship.
Worship in congregation, if you can
If we can practice I`tikaf (retreating to the mosque to worship,) that would be ideal, although we understand that COVID has most of us still worshipping at home. But if we can get away, even for just an hour during the last ten days of Ramadan, it will keep us focused on our worship.
know what to do during your worship
You should also give charity during this time, make sure you pray tahajjud, pray wittr for extra blessings, make dua, be a good person, and keep your tongue from speaking lies and hurt towards others, take breaks between your prayers, and make sure you are staying hydrated.
Make a mental note of your supplications (duas)
Ever been in a situation where someone asks you what you would like if you could pick anything in the world, and your mind goes blank? Well, this is kind of the same situation. This is your opportunity to ask Allah (SWT) to bless us and our loved ones with the best in this life and the life after. Make a list so you don’t forget what you would like Allah (SWT) to bless you with in this life and the life after. Be prepared and don’t forget to make this dua:
“Allahumma innaka `afuwwun tuhibbul `afwa fa`fu `annee”Allahumma innaka `afuwwun tuhibbul `afwa fa`fu `annee.”
Which means, “Oh Allah, You are pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon me.”
Plan for your days after
Remember, we are not promised tomorrow. Make sure you make intentions to remain in Allah’s (SWT) good grace. Inshallah we make it to the next Laylatul Qadr, but let us not assume we will be here. Allah (SWT) is the best of planners, so let us reform our manners and remember to always perform our acts of worship. In general, be a good person everyday, not just during the last ten days of Ramadan.