Today's Ramadan Times

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-- Ramadan 1447 AH

Sehri Time (Pre-Dawn Meal)

Fajr Begins - Stop Eating

Iftar Time (Breaking Fast)

Maghrib Begins - Break Fast
Calculation Method: Muslim World League
Fasting Duration: -- hours

Understanding Ramadan 2026: A Complete Guide

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and holds profound significance for over 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide. This comprehensive guide will help you understand, prepare for, and make the most of this blessed month.

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the holiest month in Islam, commemorating the first revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) through the angel Gabriel on Laylatul Qadr (The Night of Power). During this sacred month, Muslims worldwide engage in fasting from dawn until sunset, abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs.

Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, making it obligatory for all adult Muslims who are physically and mentally capable. The practice cultivates self-discipline, spiritual reflection, empathy for the less fortunate, and a deeper connection with Allah (God).

Ramadan 2026 Dates & Duration

Expected Start Date: Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Expected End Date: Thursday, March 19, 2026
Eid al-Fitr: Friday, March 20, 2026
Hijri Year: 1447 AH

Important: Islamic months begin with the sighting of the new moon. Actual dates may vary by 1-2 days based on moon sighting announcements from your local Islamic authority or country. Always confirm with your local mosque or Islamic center for the official start date in your region.

Why Ramadan Dates Change Every Year

The Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar consisting of 12 months based on the moon's cycles. Each lunar month lasts approximately 29 to 30 days, making the Islamic year about 11 days shorter than the Gregorian solar calendar. This is why Ramadan moves backward by about 10-12 days each year in the Gregorian calendar.

Over a span of 33 years, Ramadan will have occurred in every season—winter, spring, summer, and autumn. This rotation ensures that Muslims around the world experience fasting during different daylight hours and weather conditions throughout their lifetime, demonstrating the universal nature of this Islamic practice.

Ramadan Fasting Rules: Who, When, and How

Understanding the Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) of fasting helps ensure your fast is valid and accepted by Allah. Here are the essential rules and conditions based on authentic Islamic sources.

Who is Obligated to Fast?

Fasting is Obligatory For:

  • Adult Muslims who have reached puberty (usually after age 12-15)
  • Mentally capable individuals with sound reasoning
  • Physically healthy people capable of fasting
  • Residents (non-travelers) in their home location
  • Women who are not menstruating or experiencing postpartum bleeding

Exemptions from Fasting:

  • Children before puberty (encouraged to practice from age 7-10)
  • The elderly who cannot physically endure fasting
  • Chronically ill patients whose condition worsens with fasting
  • Pregnant and nursing women if fasting harms them or their baby
  • Women during menstruation or postpartum bleeding (must make up days later)
  • Travelers on journeys (may choose to fast or make up later)
  • Temporarily ill individuals (must make up missed days after recovery)

Fidya (Compensation): Those permanently unable to fast due to chronic illness or old age should feed one poor person per missed day. The amount equals the average cost of two meals or approximately 3.5 lbs (1.6 kg) of staple food grain. Those temporarily excused must make up (qada) the missed days later.

What Invalidates (Breaks) the Fast?

Intentional Eating/Drinking

Deliberately consuming food or beverages breaks the fast. However, if you eat or drink accidentally or by forgetfulness, your fast remains valid. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever forgets he is fasting and eats or drinks, let him complete his fast, for Allah has fed him and given him drink" (Bukhari & Muslim).

Smoking & Vaping

Smoking cigarettes, hookah, or vaping invalidates the fast as substances enter the body through inhalation. This includes all forms of tobacco and electronic cigarettes. Ramadan is an excellent opportunity to quit smoking permanently.

Marital Relations

Sexual intercourse during fasting hours breaks the fast and requires both making up the day (qada) and paying severe expiation (kaffara): fasting 60 consecutive days or feeding 60 poor people if unable to fast.

Medications Taken Orally

Swallowing pills, tablets, syrups, or nutritional supplements breaks the fast. However, external medications like eye drops, ear drops, injections (non-nutritional), insulin, and inhalers are generally permissible according to many scholars. Consult your doctor and Islamic scholar for medical exemptions.

Intentional Vomiting

Deliberately inducing vomiting breaks the fast. However, if vomiting occurs naturally and unintentionally, the fast remains valid. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever is overcome by vomiting does not have to make up the fast, but whoever vomits deliberately must make it up" (Tirmidhi).

Menstruation & Postpartum

Menstrual period (hayd) or postpartum bleeding (nifas) automatically breaks the fast, even if it begins moments before sunset. Women must make up these missed days after Ramadan. It is not permissible to fast while menstruating.

What Does NOT Break the Fast?

  • Rinsing mouth without swallowing water (wudu ablution)
  • Brushing teeth with toothbrush/miswak (avoid swallowing toothpaste)
  • Applying kohl (eyeliner) or cosmetics
  • Using perfume and scented oils
  • Taking a shower or swimming (without swallowing water)
  • Blood tests and blood donation (minimal amounts)
  • Tasting food for cooking (without swallowing)
  • Accidental swallowing of dust, smoke, or unintentional water
  • Wet dreams or nocturnal emissions
  • Kissing or hugging spouse (without ejaculation)
  • Injections (non-nutritional, like insulin or vaccines)
  • Ear/eye drops according to majority of scholars

The Benefits of Ramadan Fasting

Fasting in Ramadan offers profound spiritual, mental, physical, and social benefits backed by both Islamic teachings and modern scientific research.

Spiritual & Religious Benefits

  • Increased Taqwa (God-Consciousness): Fasting develops awareness of Allah in every action, strengthening your relationship with the Creator.
  • Forgiveness of Sins: The Prophet ﷺ said, "Whoever fasts Ramadan with faith and seeking reward, his past sins will be forgiven" (Bukhari & Muslim).
  • Training in Self-Discipline: Controlling desires for food and drink trains the soul to resist temptations and develop willpower throughout the year.
  • Empathy for the Poor: Experiencing hunger fosters compassion and understanding for those who live in poverty and hunger daily.
  • Increased Quran Connection: Ramadan is the month of the Quran. Fasting encourages more recitation, memorization, and reflection on Allah's words.

Health & Scientific Benefits

  • Cellular Repair & Autophagy: Fasting triggers autophagy, where cells remove damaged components, promoting cellular regeneration and anti-aging effects.
  • Improved Insulin Sensitivity: Intermittent fasting reduces blood sugar levels and improves insulin function, lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes.
  • Weight Management: Controlled eating during Suhoor and Iftar helps reduce caloric intake while maintaining nutrition, supporting healthy weight loss.
  • Heart Health: Studies show fasting improves cholesterol levels, reduces blood pressure, and decreases inflammation markers linked to cardiovascular disease.
  • Brain Function: Fasting increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which supports cognitive function, memory, and protects against neurodegenerative diseases.
  • Digestive System Rest: Giving the digestive system a break allows for healing of the gut lining and improved digestive health.

Social & Psychological Benefits

Community Bonding: Shared Iftar meals and Taraweeh prayers strengthen family and community ties
Mental Clarity: Fasting reduces brain fog and enhances focus, concentration, and productivity
Stress Reduction: Spiritual practices during Ramadan lower cortisol levels and reduce anxiety
Gratitude Development: Breaking fast cultivates appreciation for Allah's blessings and provisions

Complete Ramadan Calendar 2026

Loading location... • 18 Feb - 19 Mar 2026 (1447 AH)

DayGregorian DateHijri Date Sehri Iftar Fast Duration

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Total Ramadan Days: 30 Average Fasting: -- hours
Today
Weekend (Jumu'ah)
Last 10 Nights (Laylatul Qadr)

All Prayer Times Today

Complete daily Salah schedule with Azan times

Fajr

Dawn

Sunrise

Shuruq

Dhuhr

Noon

Asr

Afternoon

Maghrib

Sunset

Isha

Night

Midnight

Islamic Midnight

Last Third

Tahajjud Time

Note: During Ramadan, Fajr is Sehri time (stop eating) and Maghrib is Iftar time (break fast). Taraweeh prayer is performed after Isha.

Sehri Dua (Fasting Intention)

وَبِصَوْمِ غَدٍ نَّوَيْتُ مِنْ شَهْرِ رَمَضَان

Transliteration:

Wa bisawmi ghadinn nawaiytu min shahri ramadan

Translation:

"I intend to keep the fast tomorrow in the month of Ramadan"

Tip: Make intention (niyyah) before Fajr. It's from the heart; saying it aloud is optional.

Iftar Dua (Breaking Fast)

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي لَكَ صُمْتُ وَبِكَ آمَنْتُ وَعَلَيْكَ تَوَكَّلْتُ وَعَلَى رِزْقِكَ أَفْطَرْتُ

Transliteration:

Allahumma inni laka sumtu wa bika aamantu wa 'alayka tawakkaltu wa 'ala rizq-ika-aftartu

Translation:

"O Allah! I fasted for You and I believe in You and I put my trust in You and I break my fast with Your sustenance"

Sunnah: Break fast with dates and water, then pray Maghrib before full meal.

More Ramadan Duas

Laylatul Qadr Dua

اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي

Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa'fu 'anni

"O Allah, You are Forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me"

Short Iftar Dua

ذَهَبَ الظَّمَأُ وَابْتَلَّتِ الْعُرُوقُ وَثَبَتَ الأَجْرُ إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ

Dhahaba al-zama' wa abtalat al-'urooq wa thabata al-ajr in sha Allah

"Thirst is gone, veins are moistened, and the reward is confirmed, if Allah wills"

Authentic Hadith About Ramadan

Sayings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about fasting and Ramadan

"Whoever fasts during Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven."

Sahih al-Bukhari 2014, Sahih Muslim 760

"When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained."

Sahih al-Bukhari 3277, Sahih Muslim 1079

"There is a gate in Paradise called Ar-Rayyan, and those who observe fasts will enter through it on the Day of Resurrection, and none except them will enter through it."

Sahih al-Bukhari 1896, Sahih Muslim 1152

"Whoever gives food to a fasting person with which to break his fast, will have a reward equal to his, without it detracting from the fasting person's reward in the slightest."

Jami' at-Tirmidhi 807

Healthy Suhoor & Iftar: Nutrition Guide

Proper nutrition during Ramadan helps maintain energy, prevents dehydration, and supports spiritual focus throughout the fasting day.

Ideal Suhoor (Pre-Dawn Meal)

Suhoor is crucial for sustaining energy throughout the fasting day. Choose foods that release energy slowly and keep you hydrated.

✓ Best Foods for Suhoor:

  • Complex Carbohydrates: Whole grain bread, oatmeal, brown rice, quinoa (slow energy release)
  • Protein: Eggs, Greek yogurt, cheese, nuts, lean meat (keeps you fuller longer)
  • Healthy Fats: Avocado, olive oil, nut butter, seeds (sustained energy)
  • Hydrating Foods: Watermelon, cucumber, lettuce, oranges (high water content)
  • Dates & Honey: Natural energy boost with vitamins and minerals

✗ Avoid at Suhoor:

  • Salty foods: Chips, pickles, processed meats (cause thirst)
  • Sugary foods: Pastries, sugary cereals (quick energy crash)
  • Caffeinated drinks: Excessive coffee/tea (diuretic effect)
  • Spicy foods: Can cause heartburn during the day

Sample Suhoor Menu

  • • 2-3 dates with water
  • • Oatmeal with banana and almonds
  • • 2 boiled eggs or scrambled eggs with vegetables
  • • Whole wheat toast with peanut butter
  • • Greek yogurt with berries
  • • Fresh orange juice or coconut water
  • • 2-3 glasses of water (drink gradually)

Smart Iftar (Breaking Fast)

Break your fast gently to avoid digestive issues. Follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ by starting with dates and water.

✓ Healthy Iftar Strategy:

  • Start with Dates & Water: 3 dates rehydrate and boost blood sugar naturally
  • Pray Maghrib First: Gives stomach time to prepare for food
  • Start with Soup/Salad: Warm soup or fresh salad aids digestion
  • Balanced Main Meal: Include protein, vegetables, and complex carbs
  • Hydrate Gradually: Drink water between Maghrib and sleep (8-10 glasses total)
  • Light Snack Before Sleep: Fruit, nuts, or yogurt

✗ Avoid at Iftar:

  • Overeating: Eat until 70-80% full (follow Sunnah)
  • Fried & oily foods: Samosas, pakoras in large quantities
  • Carbonated drinks: Cause bloating and reduce nutrient absorption
  • Too many sweets: Can spike blood sugar and cause fatigue

Sample Iftar Menu

  • Opening (Immediately):
  • • 3 dates + 1 glass water
  • After Maghrib Prayer:
  • • Lentil soup or vegetable soup
  • • Fresh garden salad with olive oil
  • • Grilled chicken or fish
  • • Brown rice or whole wheat bread
  • • Steamed vegetables
  • • Fresh fruit juice (no added sugar)
  • Evening Snack:
  • • Fruit salad or smoothie
  • • Handful of mixed nuts

Hydration Tips During Ramadan

How Much Water?

Aim for 8-10 glasses between Iftar and Suhoor. Drink slowly, not all at once. Space out intake every hour.

Best Drinks

Water, coconut water, fresh juice, herbal tea, milk. Avoid excessive caffeine and sugary drinks.

Dehydration Signs

Dark urine, dizziness, extreme fatigue, dry mouth. If severe, consult a doctor immediately.

Laylatul Qadr: The Night of Power

The most blessed night of the year, better than a thousand months. Learn how to seek and maximize this sacred night.

What is Laylatul Qadr?

Laylatul Qadr (The Night of Decree) is the night when the Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Allah says in the Quran: "The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months" (Quran 97:3). This means worship on this single night is equivalent to 83 years and 4 months of continuous worship.

During this blessed night, angels descend to earth, prayers are answered, destinies for the coming year are decreed, and sins are forgiven for those who worship sincerely.

Quranic Evidence

Surah Al-Qadr (97:1-5): "Indeed, We sent the Qur'an down during the Night of Decree. And what can make you know what is the Night of Decree? The Night of Decree 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."

When is Laylatul Qadr?

The exact date of Laylatul Qadr is not specified, but the Prophet ﷺ instructed us to seek it in the last 10 nights of Ramadan, with emphasis on the odd nights (21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, 29th).

Most Likely Nights in 2026:

  • 21st Night: March 9-10, 2026
  • 23rd Night: March 11-12, 2026
  • 27th Night (Most Emphasized): March 15-16, 2026
  • 29th Night: March 17-18, 2026

Wisdom: The date was hidden so Muslims would increase worship throughout the last 10 nights, not just focus on one night.

How to Maximize Laylatul Qadr

1

Perform I'tikaf

Seclude yourself in the mosque during the last 10 days, as the Prophet ﷺ did. If unable, spend maximum time in worship at home.

2

Increase Quran Recitation

Recite Quran with reflection (tadabbur). Complete as much as possible with understanding. The Quran was revealed this night.

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Hadith About Ramadan

Authentic sayings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

"
"Whoever fasts during Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven."
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ - Sahih al-Bukhari 1901, Sahih Muslim 760
"
"When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained."
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ - Sahih al-Bukhari 1899, Sahih Muslim 1079
"
"There is a gate in Paradise called Ar-Rayyan, and those who observe fasts will enter through it on the Day of Resurrection and none except them will enter through it."
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ - Sahih al-Bukhari 1896, Sahih Muslim 1152
"
"Whoever gives food to a fasting person with which to break his fast, will have a reward equal to his, without it detracting from the fasting person's reward in the slightest."
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ - Sunan al-Tirmidhi 807 (Sahih)
"
"There is in the month of Ramadan a night which is better than a thousand months. Whoever is deprived of its good is truly deprived."
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ - Sunan al-Nasa'i 2106 (Sahih)

Practical Tips for a Successful Ramadan

Expert advice to help you maximize spiritual growth, maintain health, and achieve your Ramadan goals

Suhoor (Pre-Dawn Meal) Tips

  • Eat complex carbohydrates: Choose whole grains, oatmeal, brown rice, and whole wheat bread that release energy slowly throughout the day and keep you fuller longer.
  • Include protein: Eggs, yogurt, cheese, nuts, and legumes help maintain muscle mass and provide sustained energy. Aim for 20-30g of protein at Suhoor.
  • Stay hydrated: Drink 2-3 glasses of water at Suhoor. Add hydrating foods like cucumbers, watermelon, oranges, and yogurt to maintain fluid balance.
  • Avoid salty and sugary foods: High sodium increases thirst, while simple sugars cause blood sugar spikes followed by crashes that increase hunger.
  • Eat just before Fajr: Following the Sunnah, delay Suhoor as much as possible (stop 5-10 minutes before Fajr) to minimize fasting hours and maintain energy.
  • Include healthy fats: Avocados, olive oil, nuts, and seeds provide long-lasting satiety and essential nutrients for brain function.

Iftar (Breaking Fast) Tips

  • Break fast with dates and water: Following the Sunnah, start with 1-3 dates and water. Dates provide instant energy (natural sugars) and essential minerals like potassium.
  • Pray Maghrib before full meal: Break fast lightly, pray Maghrib (15-20 minutes), then eat your main meal. This prevents overeating and digestive discomfort.
  • Eat slowly and mindfully: Take at least 20 minutes to eat. Your brain needs time to register fullness. Eating too fast leads to overeating and stomach pain.
  • Balance your plate: Fill half your plate with vegetables, quarter with lean protein (chicken, fish, legumes), and quarter with complex carbs. This ensures proper nutrition.
  • Avoid fried and heavy foods: Minimize fried items, excessive oils, and heavy desserts that cause bloating, acid reflux, and weight gain. Choose grilled or baked options.
  • Rehydrate properly: Drink water gradually between Iftar and Suhoor (aim for 8-10 glasses total). Avoid caffeine and carbonated drinks that dehydrate you.

Managing Energy During Fasting

  • Take strategic naps: A 20-30 minute power nap after Dhuhr prayer can significantly boost alertness and productivity. Avoid naps longer than 30 minutes to prevent grogginess.
  • Adjust work schedule: If possible, schedule demanding tasks for morning hours when energy is higher. Save lighter tasks for the late afternoon when energy naturally dips.
  • Stay cool: Avoid direct sunlight and hot environments between noon and 4 PM. Stay in air-conditioned spaces, wear light clothing, and use cold compresses on pulse points.
  • Light exercise timing: Exercise 1-2 hours before Iftar or 2-3 hours after. Avoid intense workouts during peak fasting hours. Walking after Iftar aids digestion.
  • Manage stress: Practice deep breathing, listen to Quran recitation, and avoid unnecessary arguments. Stress increases cortisol, which depletes energy faster.
  • Prioritize sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours total sleep (may be split between night and day). Going to bed within 2 hours after Taraweeh helps you wake for Suhoor refreshed.

Maximizing Spiritual Rewards

  • Complete Quran recitation: Plan to recite or listen to the entire Quran. Divide it into daily portions (Juz per day = 30 days, or 4 pages after each prayer = 30 days).
  • Attend Taraweeh regularly: Pray Taraweeh (20 rakats) every night at the mosque or home. The Prophet ﷺ said those who pray Taraweeh with faith have sins forgiven.
  • Increase sadaqah (charity): Give daily charity, even small amounts. The Prophet ﷺ was most generous in Ramadan. Set aside 2.5% of savings for Zakat if due.
  • Wake for Tahajjud: Pray voluntary night prayers in the last third of the night, especially during the last 10 nights. This is the best time for dua acceptance.
  • Seek Laylatul Qadr: Maximize worship on odd nights of the last 10 days (21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, 29th). These nights are most likely to be Laylatul Qadr.
  • Control your tongue and eyes: Avoid backbiting, lying, arguing, and watching/listening to inappropriate content. Fasting is not just from food but from all sins.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Ramadan

Overeating at Iftar: Causes digestive issues and defeats the purpose of fasting. Eat until 70-80% full.
Sleeping all day: Wastes precious time. Stay productive with dhikr, reading, and worship.
Skipping Suhoor: Makes fasting much harder. Never skip this blessed meal.
Wasting time on entertainment: Limit TV, social media, and games. Focus on Quran and worship.
Neglecting family: Make time for family iftars and activities. Ramadan strengthens bonds.
Delaying prayers: Pray all five daily prayers on time, especially in congregation (for men).

Health & Medical Considerations During Ramadan

Important medical guidance for fasting safely. Always consult your doctor if you have health concerns.

Fasting with Diabetes

Muslims with diabetes can fast safely with proper planning. Consult your doctor 6-8 weeks before Ramadan to adjust medications and insulin doses.

  • Monitor blood sugar 4-7 times daily, especially in the first few days
  • Break fast immediately if glucose <70 mg/dL or >300 mg/dL
  • Adjust insulin: take long-acting at Iftar, reduce pre-Suhoor dose by 25-50%
  • Eat complex carbs at Suhoor; avoid sugary foods that spike blood sugar
  • Stay hydrated between Iftar and Suhoor (8-10 glasses water)

Warning: Type 1 diabetes and unstable Type 2 patients should NOT fast without medical clearance. Hypoglycemia can be life-threatening.

Hypertension & Heart Disease

Most people with controlled hypertension and stable heart disease can fast safely. Medication timing adjustment is crucial.

  • Switch to once-daily or long-acting medications taken at Iftar or Suhoor
  • Severely limit salt intake to prevent thirst and blood pressure spikes
  • Monitor blood pressure regularly, especially in the first week
  • Break fast if experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, or severe dizziness
  • Avoid strenuous exercise during fasting hours; light walking is safe

Contraindications: Recent heart attack (<6 months), unstable angina, severe heart failure, or uncontrolled hypertension require medical exemption.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Pregnant and nursing mothers are exempted if fasting harms them or their baby. Most scholars recommend Fidya (feeding poor) without makeup fasts.

  • Consult OB-GYN before deciding to fast; consider trimester and health status
  • First trimester: High risk due to nausea, dehydration, and critical fetal development
  • Third trimester: Increased energy needs; fasting may affect fetal growth
  • Breastfeeding: Ensure adequate hydration and nutrition; milk supply may decrease
  • Break fast immediately if experiencing dizziness, reduced fetal movement, or contractions

Chronic Medications

Many medications can be adjusted for Ramadan. Never stop medications without consulting your doctor.

  • Twice-daily meds: Take at Iftar and Suhoor (maintain 12-hour gap)
  • Three-times-daily: Switch to extended-release or ask doctor for alternatives
  • Inhalers (asthma): Most scholars permit; life-saving treatment takes priority
  • Dialysis patients: Generally cannot fast; cleared by Islamic ruling and medical need
  • Mental health meds: Continue as prescribed; mental health is valid exemption reason

When to Break Your Fast (Medical Emergency)

Islam prioritizes preserving life. You MUST break your fast immediately if you experience any of these symptoms:

Severe dizziness or fainting spells
Chest pain or heart palpitations
Severe headache or migraine with vomiting
High fever (>102°F / 39°C)
Extreme dehydration (dark urine, confusion)
Difficulty breathing or severe asthma attack

Breaking fast for health reasons is NOT a sin—it's a religious obligation to protect the life Allah gave you. Make up the day later when healthy.

Laylatul Qadr - The Night of Power

Better than a thousand months of worship. Learn how to recognize and maximize this blessed night.

What is Laylatul Qadr?

Laylatul Qadr (Night of Decree/Power) is the night when the Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Allah says in Surah Al-Qadr: "The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months" (97:3). This means worship on this single night equals more than 83 years of worship!

On this night, angels descend to Earth, destinies for the coming year are decreed, and duas (supplications) are especially accepted. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever stands in prayer on Laylatul Qadr with faith and seeking reward, his past sins will be forgiven" (Bukhari & Muslim).

When is Laylatul Qadr?

The exact date is deliberately hidden by Allah to encourage Muslims to seek it throughout the last 10 nights of Ramadan. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Seek it in the last ten nights, on the odd nights" (Bukhari).

Most Likely Nights (Odd Nights):

  • 21st night of Ramadan
  • 23rd night of Ramadan
  • 27th night of Ramadan (most emphasized)
  • 25th night of Ramadan
  • 29th night of Ramadan

Count nights by Islamic calendar (sunset to sunset), not Gregorian dates

Signs of Laylatul Qadr

While not everyone experiences these signs, the Prophet ﷺ and companions described certain indicators:

  • Peaceful serenity: You feel unusual tranquility and spiritual sweetness in your heart
  • Mild weather: The night is neither too hot nor too cold, with a gentle atmosphere
  • Sun rises without rays: The next morning, the sun appears like a flat disc without strong rays (mentioned in hadith)
  • Light rain or dew: Some scholars note light rain or dewdrops on this night
  • Spiritual energy: You don't feel tired despite long worship and have strong desire to pray

How to Worship on Laylatul Qadr

  • Pray Qiyam (Night Prayer): Pray as many rakats as you can with sincerity. Even 2-4 rakats with deep focus is better than rushing through many.
  • Recite Quran extensively: Read, understand, and ponder over Allah's words. Aim to complete several Juz if possible.
  • Make abundant Dua: Ask for everything—forgiveness, Jannah, health, family, ummah. Aisha (RA) asked what dua to make, and the Prophet ﷺ taught her the dua in the next section.
  • Do Dhikr (Remembrance): SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illallah, Istighfar (seeking forgiveness)—repeat thousands of times.
  • Give Charity: Donate generously on these nights. The rewards are multiplied exponentially.
  • Perform I'tikaf: If possible, seclude yourself in the mosque for the last 10 days following the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ.

Special Dua for Laylatul Qadr

اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ كَرِيمٌ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي

Transliteration:

Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun kareemun tuhibbul 'afwa fa'fu 'anni

Translation:

"O Allah, You are the Most Forgiving, Most Generous, You love to forgive, so forgive me"

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught this dua specifically for Laylatul Qadr when asked by Aisha (RA) - Tirmidhi 3513