Laylat al-Qadr in United States

Many Muslims spend time praying during Laylat al-Qadr. ©iStockphoto.com/AlterYourReality

What do people do?

Many Muslims in the United States believe that Laylat al Qadr marks the time when the Qur’an’s first verses were revealed to the Islamic prophet Muhammed. It is also believed that this night marks their fate in the following year. Therefore, many Muslims pray in the night to God for mercy, forgiveness, and salvation. This practice is also called Ehyaa.

This "Night of Power" is considered the most appropriate time of the entire year to pray for salvation and blessings. It is believed that a Muslim’s past sins are forgiven if the person prays throughout this night. Many people assemble at mosques during the Isha’ prayer, with many prayers being made until midnight.

Public life

Laylat al-Qadr is not a federal public holiday in the United States. However, many Islamic organizations and businesses may alter their opening hours and there may be some congestion around mosques, particularly in the evening and at night.

Background

Laylat al Qadr commemorates the night in 610 CE when Allah revealed the Qur’an (Islamic holy book) to the prophet Muhammad. The angel Gabriel first spoke to the prophet during that time, which marked the beginning of Muhammed’s mission. These revelations continued throughout the remainder of his life, according to Islamic belief.

Children begin studying the Qur’an from an early age and they celebrate the moment when they have read all the chapters for the first time. Many adults try to memorize the Qur’an. The common belief that this day occurred on the 26th or 27th day of Ramadan has no Islamic base. It seems to have originated in Manichaeism where the death of Mani is celebrated on the 27th day of the fasting month. This day is also known as the Night of Power or the Night of Destiny.

There is a difference of opinion about the date for Laylat al-Qadr but, in general, it is agreed that it is most likely to be in the last 10 nights of Ramadan, with the odd nights being more likely. Of the odd nights, the night of the 27th (which is the night before the 27th of Ramadan, as the Islamic day starts with nightfall) is most likely, according to many Muslim scholars.

About Laylat al-Qadr in other countries

Laylat al-Qadr Observances

Related holiday

• Ramadan begins–Saturday, August 22, 2009

Other holidays in September 2009 in United States

• Labor Day (Monday, September 7, 2009)
• International Literacy Day (Tuesday, September 8, 2009)
• World Suicide Prevention Day (Thursday, September 10, 2009)
• Patriot Day (Friday, September 11, 2009)
• Carl Garner Federal Lands Cleanup Day (Saturday, September 12, 2009)
• National Grandparents Day (Sunday, September 13, 2009)
• International Day of Democracy (Tuesday, September 15, 2009)
• International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer (Wednesday, September 16, 2009)
• Constitution Day and Citizenship Day (Thursday, September 17, 2009)
• National POW/MIA Recognition Day (Friday, September 18, 2009)
• International Talk Like a Pirate Day (Saturday, September 19, 2009)
• Rosh Hashana (Saturday, September 19, 2009)
• Eid-al-Fitr (Monday, September 21, 2009)
• International Day of Peace (Monday, September 21, 2009)
• Autumnal equinox (Tuesday, September 22, 2009)
• World Maritime Day (Thursday, September 24, 2009)
• Gold Star Mother's Day (Sunday, September 27, 2009)
• World Heart Day (Sunday, September 27, 2009)
• World Tourism Day (Sunday, September 27, 2009)
• Yom Kippur (Monday, September 28, 2009)
• World Rabies Day (Monday, September 28, 2009)

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