The Night of Power

There are many historic events which Muslims honor and remember, but none are more important than the remembrance of the initial revelation of the Qur’an to the Prophet Muhammad. This is the event recalled on the Night of Power, or Lailat Al Qadr – also known as the Night of Destiny.

It is said that the Prophet Muhammad would frequently retire to a cave called Hira, on the outskirts of Mecca, where he would spend days in meditation. He was
said to spend this time reflecting on how to solve the problems faced by the communities around him.

According to Islamic sources, in the month of Ramadan, in 610 CE, Muhammad was visited by the Archangel Gabriel, who revealed the first verses of the Qur’an to the Prophet. The Prophet ran home to his wife, Kadijah, and told her what had happened. She encouraged him and took him to her cousin, Waraqa, who was a scholar. He advised Muhammad that he had been chosen as a prophet and was sent by God to call society to worship the One God and lead a righteous life.

The story of Muhammad’s revelation inspires Muslims particularly during the last 10 days of Ramadan when the Night of Power is said to occur, probably on the 26th. In the mosque, there will be increased worship, recitation of the Qur’an and fervent prayer. Many Muslims believe that prayers prayed on the Night of Power are a thousand times more effective than prayers prayed on other days.

How to Pray

• Many Muslims have had dreams or visions of Jesus on the Night of Power. Pray that through Jesus many will come to have that revelation of God that they desire.
• Pray for opportunities for Muslims who are seeking revelation to have encounters with believers who can help them to understand the revelation we have of God through Jesus.
• Pray that on this night of heightened expectation, many will find what they are seeking.