Laylat al-Qadr, the holiest night in Islam

ISTANBUL

Muslims are looking forward to welcoming Laylat al-Qadr, or the Night of Destiny, on April 17.

The night is one of the most cherished in the religion of Islam.

The much-awaited event marks the night of the first revelation of the Quran, the Muslim holy book, to Prophet Muhammad.

Muhammad is quoted as saying: "Look for the Night of Qadr in the last 10 nights of Ramadan,” meaning any of the last 10 nights might be Laylat al-Qadr.

Hence, the exact date remains unknown but Laylat al-Qadr is widely believed to be the 27th night of Ramadan and is celebrated on that night. In many countries, including Türkiye, is celebrated on the 27th.

“The Night of Destiny is better than a thousand months,” from a verse in the Quran makes the night even more important.

Muslims gather for collective prayers and recite the Quran together on that night.

"Whoever stays up (in prayer and remembrance of Allah) on the Night of Destiny, fully believing (in Allah's promise of reward) and hoping to seek reward, he shall be forgiven for his past sins," Muhammad is also quoted as saying.

Also known as “The Night of Power”, “Night of Decree”, “Night of Determination” and “Precious Night,” Laylat al-Qadr is translated in Turkish as Kadir Gecesi.

Starting after iftar (the fast-breaking meal), Turks flock to the mosques to pray in unison.

Muslims believe the night is found on the last five odd-numbered nights in Ramadan -- 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th -- whereby the night precedes day.

Certain scholars underline that in the event of a Friday night coinciding with an odd-numbered night, it is likely to be Laylat al-Qadr.