Laylatul qadr – The Night of Power
The last few nights of Ramadan (in which Laylatul qadr – the night of power – can be found) are upon us. We’re blessed with the opportunity to earn even more bountiful rewards for our good deeds.
As Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Search for the night of qadr in the odd nights of the last 10 days of Ramadan.”
Right now across the world, millions of men, women and children are struggling to survive as a result of a lack of food, water and shelter. However, by donating to Islamic Relief, you can offer vulnerable families critical aid and save lives for an even greater reward.
On this night, every reward is multiplied. Therefore, by giving just £100 is the same as giving £3 million, SubhanAllah!
Seize the rewards of laylatul qadr and save a life now.
Laylatul qadr, or the the night of power, as it is otherwise referred to, is one of the most important and sacred nights in the Islamic calendar.
While the month of Ramadan is most widely known as the month that the Qur’an was first revealed to humankind, the the night of power is the exact night that the Qur’an was revealed.
Laylatul Qadr can be found in the last 10 nights of Ramadan. It is a commonly held belief that it occurs on the 27th of Ramadan, which is expected to fall on the evening of 16th March 2026, depending on the sighting of the moon.
However, scholars of Hadith recommend focusing on the last 10 nights of Ramadan. Especially the odd nights, as it is most likely to have occurred in one of these nights based on the following Hadith:
It was advised by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to: “Look for it in the odd nights of the last 10 nights of the month of Ramadan.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
Humankind will never know the exact date of laylatul qadr. However, it is most likely one of the odd nights in the last 10 nights of Ramadan – Allah knows best.
In 2026, Ramadan will begin around 17th February 2025, subject to the sighting of the moon, which means laylatul qadr will likely fall in the last ten nights between 7th and 17th March 2025.
Muslims are encouraged to worship intently throughout Ramadan in order to catch the blessings of the the night of power. On this night, the reward for worship is better than 1000 months! Therefore, Muslims can earn phenomenal reward and acceptance of their repentance through sincere worship and reflection.
In the Qur’an, an entire surah (chapter) is dedicated to the the night of power, and in it, Allah (SWT) reveals its purpose, reward and signs:
“Indeed, We sent the Qur’an down during the the night of power. And what can make you know what is the the night of power? The the night of power is better than a thousand months.The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter. Peace it is until the emergence of dawn.” (Qur’an 97:1-5)
Here are 5 key acts of worship to focus on in your effort to catch laylatul qadr:
Due to the sanctity of this night, your deeds are multiplied. Consequently, praying just two rakat could equal 83 years of salah!
May Allah accept our efforts, Ameen.
Laylatul qadr, or the night of power, is described as such to illustrate the significance of what the night entails for human kind.
Allah says about the purpose of this night:
”Ha, Meem. By the clear Book, Indeed, We sent it down during a blessed night. Indeed, We were to warn [mankind]. On that night every precise matter – Every matter [proceeding] from Us. Indeed, We were to send (a messenger).” (Qur’an 44:1-5)
Only Allah has knowledge of the exact timing of laylatul qadr. However, to determine its presence we are directed towards some signs.
Two of the most authentic signs of laylatul qadr are:
“The Prophet (PBUH) said, “On the morning following laylatul qadr, the sun rises without any rays, as if it were a brass dish, until it rises up.” (Muslim)
“Allah’s Messenger (PBUH), said: “Laylatul-qadr is calm and pleasant, neither hot nor cold, the sun rises on its morning being feeble and red.” (Ibn Khuzaimah)
Try your best to catch Laylatul qadr by focusing on Ibadah (worship) this Ramadan more than ever before! Therefore, by consistently making du’a to catch it, it may be that Allah allows you to witness this precious and powerful night and earn its rewards!
Laylatul qadr, is mentioned in the Qur’an in Surah Qadr, which is a whole surah dedicated by Allah to describing this bountiful night in these precious verses:
“Indeed, We sent the Qur’an down during the night of power. And what can make you know what is the night of power? The night of power is better than a thousand months. The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter. Peace it is until the emergence of dawn.” (Qur’an, 97:1-5)
Scholars relay that one of the most beloved du’as to make during these last 10 nights in the hope that it falls on laylatul qadr is the following:
“Allahumma innaka Afuwwun (Karimun) tuhibbul `afwa fa`fu `annee”
Translation: “O Allah, indeed You are Pardoning, (Generous) You love to pardon, so pardon me.”
There are no specific prescribed acts of worship for laylatul qadr. This is because the exact date is known only to Allah. However, as it is most commonly believed to occur in the last 10 nights, Muslims are encouraged to follow the beautiful example of the Prophet (PBUH) during this precious time and maximise their worship:
Aisha (ra) said that:
“Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) used to exert himself in devotion during the last ten nights to a greater extent than at any other time.” (Muslim)
Some examples of worship that can earn bountiful reward can include:
Above all, Muslims are encouraged to approach every act of worship with sincere faith in Allah’s bountiful mercy. The Prophet (PBUH) said:
“Whoever fasted the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith (i.e. belief) and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his past sins will be forgiven, and whoever stood for the prayers in the night of qadr out of sincere faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven .” (Bukhari)
On this night, in the year 610 CE, the Qur’an was first revealed to the beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through the angel Jibreel (Gabriel).
At the age of 40 years old, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who had been born into the Quraysh tribe and lived in Mecca, present day Saudi Arabia, was living with his beloved wife Khadijah (RA). The Prophet (PBUH) would often travel to the Cave of Hira in Mecca to be in seclusion and meditate on the creation of the world, as he had rejected the worship of idols as was custom within the Quraysh tribe.
In the lead up to the revelation, Muhammad (PBUH) was troubled with the state of the society he was living in and resolved himself to seeking true religion within his heart.
During the month of Ramadan in the year 610 CE, the Prophet (PBUH) was meditating in the Cave of Hira, when the Angel Jibreel suddenly revealed himself to him by the order of Allah, commanding him to read, “Iqra!”.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was illiterate, and his inability to read prevented him from reading the words before him, he said, “I am not a reader”. The Messenger of Allah relayed that Jibreel (AS) then took hold of him and squeezed him until he could not bear it any more, then he released the Prophet (peace be upon him) and said, “Read!“.
The Prophet (PBUH) said again, “I am not a reader”.
Jibreel (AS) took hold of him and squeezed him a second time until he could not bear it any more, then Jibreel released him and said, “Read!“. The Prophet (PBUH) said, “I am not a reader.” Jibreel took hold of him (PBUH) and squeezed him a third time until he could not bear it any more, then Jibreel (AS) released him and said:
Read! In the Name of your Lord Who has created (all that exists). He has created man from a clot (a piece of thick coagulated blood). Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous. Who has taught (the writing) by the pen. He has taught man that which he knew not. (Qur’an, 96:1-5)
These were the first verses of the Qur’an to be revealed.
The night of power marks the single most important event in the Islamic calendar, the revelation of the Qur’an. During the month of Ramadan in 610 CE, the Qur’an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and thus began the Prophethood of the Messenger of Allah with a message to humanity for the remainder of existence.
As a result, Muslims around the world are encouraged to seek this night out with worship throughout the month of Ramadan in the hope of catching its bountiful rewards.
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Zia Salik was appointed Interim Director of Islamic Relief UK in 2025, and brings with him over 18 years of third sector experience. He has held several leadership roles within Islamic Relief UK, including National Events Coordinator, National Community Fundraising Manager, Head of Fundraising, and Deputy Director. Zia has led national fundraising strategies, managed large-scale campaigns and events, and contributed significantly to volunteer development, donor engagement and public outreach.
As Interim Director, Zia oversees multiple teams and contributes to strategic planning, operational leadership and organisational growth. He is recognised for his expertise in major donor management, public speaking, media engagement and community fundraising. Zia has been instrumental in building strong community networks and delivering impactful campaigns.
Before joining Islamic Relief, Zia served as Programmes Manager at Humber All Nations Alliance, where he led organisational growth, project delivery and funding proposals.
Zia is a seasoned leader committed to social justice, who brings a collaborative, mission-driven approach to his work, helping to amplify voices and maximise impact in the charity sector.
Nadeem has a wealth of experience from the charity, statutory and private sectors. He is the Managing Director of HAD (a division of IRW) which is a centre of excellence seeking to empower the humanitarian sector and maximise its effectiveness and from October 2025 will serve as our interim CEO.
Before joining Islamic Relief, for nearly a decade at the General Medical Council — a globally recognised professional regulator — Nadeem managed strategic relationships with Chief Medical Officers and senior leaders. Prior to that, he served as the UK Director of Islamic Help, engaging closely with many international non-governmental organisations and playing a key role in fundraising and media activities.
In 2000, Nadeem was admitted as a solicitor. He spent nearly 8 years as a Partner at a law firm specialising in employment, regulatory and charity law. He has published papers, including in the Modern Law Review, and chapters in books.
Nadeem is deeply committed to strengthening civil society organisations and the charity sector, and throughout his career has focused on improving foundations for future generations and building strong networks. Nadeem has particular expertise working in matters of Learning and Development, especially personal and professional development, combining Islamic principles with modern techniques and interventions. He is also especially interested in psychological perspectives and cognitive distortions. He has designed and delivered training to thousands of people for nearly 3 decades.
As well as individual development and growth, Nadeem has spent 20 years working with organisations to manage and lead people to improve outcomes and efficiencies. He is a Consultant Coach, qualified at ILM Level 5 in Effective Coaching and Mentoring and ILM Level 7 in Executive and Senior Leadership Coaching. He was Chair of the Independent Advisory Group for the Professional Standards Department of West Midlands Police for 4 years, where he was awarded recognition for his ‘Outstanding Work.’
Saqeb Mueen
Asha joined Islamic Relief in 2025 with the aim of working with colleagues to create an environment where everyone feels valued, empowered, and motivated to contribute meaningfully to our shared mission.
Asha has more than 20 years of experience in HR leadership across a range of industries, holding roles at Thomson Reuters, BMW, Movado Group and others. She is passionate about building strong, resilient teams and fostering positive workplace cultures where individuals are empowered to thrive, contribute and do their best work.
Asha holds a BA in Management, Economics and Law, as well as a BA in Business Studies. She is an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development.
Adnan joined Islamic Relief in 2004 as a regional fundraiser in the UK. He worked in multiple roles over 10 years at Islamic Relief UK, including setting up the first digital team and leading the growth of digital fundraising and engagement. Adnan also led numerous fundraising and marketing campaigns, which played a significant part in the growth of Islamic Relief UK.
Having moved to Islamic Relief Worldwide in 2014, Adnan has held different roles that have helped grow Islamic Relief’s global digital footprint into new geographic territories, supporting Islamic Relief members with their digital and marketing growth as well as developing new products and initiatives for the Islamic Relief family.
Adnan graduated in Industrial Design and Technology from Loughborough University. He has since completed an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration from Durham University and a Diploma in Digital Marketing from the Institute of Data and Marketing.
Nadeem Azhar
Nadeem joined Islamic Relief Worldwide in September 2022. He has worked in the charitable sector for over a decade.
He studied Modern History and Politics at Manchester University, and at the University of Law in London before qualifying as a solicitor in 2011.
Nadeem is an experienced corporate, commercial and governance lawyer, having worked with various faith-based and grant making charities as well those in health and education settings. He was a partner at a law firm in London before moving in-house where he focused on setting up and restructuring charities and social enterprises.
Most recently, Nadeem was Lead Counsel at Mind, a leading mental health charity, where he co-authored a new federation agreement, revamped legal processes, and played a major role in developing its strategic and fundraising partnerships.
Nadeem has been a charity trustee for the Seafarers Charity, as well as many grant-making bodies and theatre companies.
Salaheddin joined Islamic Relief UK in 2006 and over the next 7 years held multiple roles, including Community Fundraiser and Campaigns Manager, before joining Islamic Relief Worldwide in 2013.
Since then, Salaheddin has been instrumental in the launch and growth of new Islamic Relief member offices in Ireland, Spain, Norway and Finland, as well as providing essential support and guidance to existing members, including Italy, where he served as CEO for 3 years.
In 2023, Salaheddin became Deputy Director of Global Family Development and in this role has continued to play a crucial part in steering Islamic Relief’s growth and expansion. He has also led global fundraising and media engagement for major emergencies including the Türkiye-Syria earthquake and Libya floods. Salaheddin became the Interim Director of Global Family Development in 2025.
Salaheddin holds a master’s degree in International Development and is actively involved in several community-led initiatives. He is currently the Vice President of the International Union of Muslim Scouts and Deputy Chair of the UK Muslim Scouts Fellowship as well as Chair of the South Birmingham Muslim Community Association.
Martin Cottingham joined Islamic Relief in 2012 as IRUK Media Relations Manager, and was appointed Head of Communications in 2015 before taking up his current position as Director of External Relations and Advocacy for Islamic Relief Worldwide.
Martin has helped Islamic Relief to increase its mainstream media profile and expand its campaigning work, producing hard-hitting advocacy reports on floods in Pakistan (2011) famine in Somalia (2012) disaster risk reduction (2013) and aid to Afghanistan (2014). He has over 20 years’ experience working in media, communications and marketing roles for international development and environmental charities.
Martin graduated from the University of London with a degree in English and Drama (1982-85) then trained as a journalist with a postgraduate diploma at City University (1986-87). He has previously worked for Christian Aid as Editor of Christian Aid News and Media Relations Manager (1988-97) for Oxfam as Regional Campaigns Manager (1997-2000) and at the Soil Association as Marketing Director (2001-2006), as well as working for a wide range of organisations as a freelance writer, researcher and communications consultant.
Waseem Ahmad joined the Islamic Relief family over 24 years ago, serving as Programme Officer in the Balochistan province of south-western Pakistan before becoming Head of Programmes in Pakistan. Waseem then moved to Oxfam and Tearfund before returning to Islamic Relief to establish our mission in Malawi. Later serving as Head of Programme Funding and Partnerships, Waseem led the response to major crises across the globe, including the East Africa drought, Pakistan earthquake and the Indian Ocean Tsunami.
Waseem then served for nearly 6 years as our Director of International Programmes, during which time the charity secured and retained the coveted Core Humanitarian Standard certification in recognition of the quality of our programming. He was appointed CEO of Islamic Relief in May 2021.
With a special interest in community mobilisation and infrastructure, Waseem received an MSc in Project Planning and Management from the University of Bradford, as well as an MSc in Economics from Arid Agriculture University in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
Waseem has also worked for Lepra Health in Action and is a member of the International Civil Society Centre’s Board of Trustees. The father-of-3 enjoys walking and playing football, and is a keen birdwatcher.