Is Lailat ul Qadr a public holiday?

No, Lailat ul Qadr is not a public holiday in most countries. However, it is a highly sacred night in Islam, observed during the last 10 nights of Ramadan. Muslims spend the night in prayer and worship, but governments typically do not designate it as an official public holiday.

When is Laylat ul Qadr 2026?

Laylat ul Qadr 2026 is expected to fall on the night of Sunday, 15 March or Monday, 16 March 2026, depending on moon sighting. It is commonly observed on the 27th night of Ramadan, but it may fall on any odd night in the last 10 days.

What Is Laylatul Qadr?

Laylatul Qadr, also known as the Night of Power, is the most venerated night in the Islamic calendar. On this night, Angel Jibril brought down the verses of the Holy Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

It occurs during the final 10 days of Ramadan, with the exact date unknown, though many believe it falls on the 27th night. However, believers are encouraged to seek it during odd-numbered nights of the last 10 days, as the Prophet advised in Bukhari and Muslim.

Its significance is highlighted in the Qur’an, where Allah (SWT) said the Night of Power is better than a thousand months. On this night, angels and the Spirit descend by Allah’s permission, fulfilling every errand. Peace remains until the rise of Morn ([Al-Qadr 1–5]).

Signs of Laylatul Qadr

Only Allah has knowledge of Laylatul Qadr, but certain signs help us determine its presence. One of the most authentic signs is that the sun rises the next morning without rays. As narrated by Ubayy, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said it looks like a brass dish. This Hadith is recorded in Muslim.

Another sign is that the night is pleasant and calm. According to Ibn Abbaas, the Messenger described the night as neither hot nor cold, with a feeble, red sunrise. This is recorded in Ibn Khuzaimah. To catch this Night of Power, one should increase Ibadah (worship) in Ramadan, make Du’a, and aim to witness this precious, powerful night and earn immense rewards.

 History of Lailat ul Qadr

In the year 610 CE, the first verses of the Qur’an were revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) by the angel Jibreel (Gabriel). At 40 years old, the Prophet, born into the Quraysh tribe and living in Mecca, present-day Saudi Arabia, was with his beloved wife, Khadijah (RA).

The Prophet (PBUH) often traveled to the Cave of Hira for seclusion, to meditate on the creation of the world, having rejected the worship of idols, a custom of his society. He was troubled by the state of his environment and turned to his heart, seeking true religion. This pivotal revelation was a turning point, marking the beginning of Islam.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) meeting Angel Jibreel (RA)

During Ramadan in 610 CE, while meditating in the Cave of Hira, the Prophet (peace be upon him) encountered Angel Jibreel. By the order of Allah, the angel revealed himself and commanded him to read: “Iqra.”

The Prophet was illiterate, and his inability to read prevented him from uttering the words. He responded, “I am not a reader.” The Messenger of Allah later relayed that Jibreel (AS) squeezed him until he could no longer bear it and then released him. The process repeated again.  “Read!“.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said again, “I am not a reader”.

The first revelation of Quranic verses

Jibreel again took hold of the Prophet a second time, squeezed, and released him, asking him to Read. The Prophet (PBUH) repeated, “I am not a reader.” On the third time, Jibreel (AS) once more squeezed the Prophet (peace be upon him) until he could not bear it. Then came the first Quranic verses, a divine moment in history.

“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