RECOMMENDED ACTS AT THE QADR NIGHTS
The recommended acts of the Qadr Nights are of two parts; the first part deals with the general acts that are advisably practiced at each of the three Qadr Nights. The second part deals with the private acts that are dedicated to each night exclusively.
THE 19th NIGHT OF RAMAḌᾹN
The nineteenth night of Ramadan is the first of the Qadr Nights. Of course, the Qadr Night (laylat al-Qadr) is unmatched in merits, since to practice acts of worship at this night is equal to the acts of one thousand nights. At this night, the affairs of the whole year are decided and the angels and the Greatest Spirit are descended by the permission of Almighty Allah so as to visit the Imam of the Age (i.e. Imam al-Mahdi), have the honor of being present before him, and provide the destinies of all the beings before him.
- General acts
First: It is recommended to bathe oneself at each of the Qadr Nights. According to ‘Allamah al-Majlisi, it is preferable to perform the bathing at sunset so as to be ready for the Isha’ Prayer with a bathing.
Second: It is recommended to offer a two-unit prayer reciting at each unit Surah al-Faatehah once and repeating Surah al-Tawheed seven times. After the accomplishment of the prayer, the following imploration should be repeated seventy times:
استغفر اللّه و اتوب اليه
According to a Hadith reported from the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.), Almighty Allah will forgive one who offers this prayer and will forgive his parents before he leaves his place.
Third: It is recommended to open a copy of the Holy Qur’an between one’s hands and say the following:
اللّٰهُمَّ اِنِّي اَسْاَلُكَ بِكِتَابِكَ الْمُنْزَلِ وَ مَا فِيهِ وَ فِيهِ اسْمُكَ الْاَكْبَرُ وَ اَسْمَاؤُكَ الْحُسْنَى وَ مَا يُخَافُ وَ يُرْجَى اَنْ تَجْعَلَنِي مِنْ عُتَقَائِكَ مِنَ النَّارِ.
Then, one may pray God to fulfill one’s desires.
Fourth: It is recommended to put a copy of the Holy Qur’an on the head and say the following:
اللّٰهُمَّ بِحَقِّ هٰذَا الْقُرْآنِ وَ بِحَقِّ مَنْ اَرْسَلْتَهُ بِهِ وَ بِحَقِّ كُلِّ مُؤْمِنٍ مَدَحْتَهُ فِيهِ وَ بِحَقِّكَ عَلَيْهِمْ فَلا اَحَدَ اَعْرَفُ بِحَقِّكَ مِنْكَ
Then, one should repeat each of the following ten times:
بِكَ يَا اللّٰهُ
بِمُحَمَّدٍ
بِعَلِيٍّ
بِفَاطِمَةَ
بِالْحَسَنِ
بِالْحُسَيْنِ
بِعَلِيِّ بْنِ الْحُسَيْنِ
بِمُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عَلِيٍّ
بِجَعْفَرِ بْنِ مُحَمَّدٍ
بِمُوسَى بْنِ جَعْفَرٍ
بِعَلِيِّ بْنِ مُوسَى
بِمُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عَلِيٍّ
بِعَلِيِّ بْنِ مُحَمَّدٍ
بِالْحَسَنِ بْنِ عَلِيٍّ
بِالْحُجَّةِ
One should then pray Almighty Allah to fulfill one’s desires.
Fifth: It is advisable to visit the holy tomb of Imam al-Husayn (a.s.) at these nights. A Hadith, in this respect, reads that at the Qadr Nights, a caller from the heavens will call from the Seventh Sky and, specifically, from the centre of the Holy Throne that Almighty Allah shall forgive whoever visits the tomb of al Husayn (a.s.).
Sixth: It is highly advisable to spend the whole three Qadr Nights with acts of worship. A Hadith reads that one who spends the whole Qadr Nights with acts of worship will have all his sins forgiven even if they are as many as stars, as heavy as mountains, and as weighty as seawater.
Seventh: In order to win its remarkable reward, it is recommended to offer the one-hundred unit prayer. It is preferable to recite at these units Surah al-Faatehah once and repeat Surah al-Tawheed ten times.
Eighth: It is recommended to say the following supplicatory prayer:
اللّٰهُمَّ اِنِّي اَمْسَيْتُ لَكَ عَبْدا دَاخِرا لا اَمْلِكُ لِنَفْسِي نَفْعا وَ لا ضَرّا وَ لا اَصْرِفُ عَنْهَا سُوءا اَشْهَدُ بِذَلِكَ عَلَى نَفْسِي وَ اَعْتَرِفُ لَكَ بِضَعْفِ قُوَّتِي وَ قِلَّةِ حِيلَتِي فَصَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ وَ اَنْجِزْ لِي مَا وَعَدْتَنِي وَ جَمِيعَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَ الْمُؤْمِنَاتِ مِنَ الْمَغْفِرَةِ فِي هَذِهِ اللَّيْلَةِ وَ اَتْمِمْ عَلَيَّ مَا آتَيْتَنِي فَاِنِّي عَبْدُكَ الْمِسْكِينُ الْمُسْتَكِينُ الضَّعِيفُ الْفَقِيرُ الْمَهِينُ اللّٰهُمَّ لا تَجْعَلْنِي نَاسِيا لِذِكْرِكَ فِيمَا اَوْلَيْتَنِي وَ لا [غَافِلا] لِاِحْسَانِكَ فِيمَا اَعْطَيْتَنِي وَ لا آيِسا مِنْ اِجَابَتِكَ وَ اِنْ اَبْطَاَتْ عَنِّي فِي سَرَّاءَ [كُنْتُ] اَوْ ضَرَّاءَ اَوْ شِدَّةٍ اَوْ رَخَاءٍ اَوْ عَافِيَةٍ اَوْ بَلاءٍ اَوْ بُؤْسٍ اَوْ نَعْمَاءَ اِنَّكَ سَمِيعُ الدُّعَاءِ
Al-Kaf’ami has narrated that Imam Zayn al-’Abidin(a.s.) used to say this supplicatory prayer very frequently at the Qadr Nights while sitting, standing, genuflecting, and prostrating. ‘Allamah al-Majlisi has mentioned that the most favorable rite at the Qadr Nights is to implore for Almighty Allah’s forgiveness, to mention Him, to pray for the settlement of one’s worldly and religious affairs as well as for one’s parents, relatives, and brethren-in-faith; the dead and the alive, and to invoke blessings upon the Holy Prophet and his Household. According to some narrations, it is recommended to say the famous supplicatory prayer known as Dua al-Jawshan al-Kabir, at the three Qadr Nights. It has been also narrated that when he was asked about the best prayer that one may say at the Qadr Night, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) said, “Pray for good health.”
- Acts dedicated to the Night 19 of Ramaḍan
First: It is recommended to repeat the following imploration one hundred times at the nineteenth night of Ramadan:
اَسْتَغْفِرُ اللّٰهَ رَبِّي وَ اَتُوبُ اِلَيْهِ
Second: It is recommended to repeat the following imprecatory prayer one hundred times at the nineteenth night of Ramadan:
اللّٰهُمَّ الْعَنْ قَتَلَةَ اَمِيرِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ
Third: It is recommended to say the aforementioned supplicatory prayer that begins with the following statement:
يَا ذَاالَّذِيْ كَانَ قَبْلَ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ….
Fourth: It is recommended to say the following supplicatory prayer:
اللّٰهُمَّ اجْعَلْ فِيمَا تَقْضِي وَ تُقَدِّرُ مِنَ الْاَمْرِ الْمَحْتُومِ وَ فِيمَا تَفْرُقُ مِنَ الْاَمْرِ الْحَكِيمِ فِي لَيْلَةِ الْقَدْرِ وَ فِي الْقَضَاءِ الَّذِي لا يُرَدُّ وَ لا يُبَدَّلُ اَنْ تَكْتُبَنِي مِنْ حُجَّاجِ بَيْتِكَ الْحَرَامِ الْمَبْرُورِ حَجُّهُمْ الْمَشْكُورِ سَعْيُهُمْ الْمَغْفُورِ ذُنُوبُهُمْ الْمُكَفَّرِ عَنْهُمْ سَيِّئَاتُهُمْ وَ اجْعَلْ فِيمَا تَقْضِي وَ تُقَدِّرُ اَنْ تُطِيلَ عُمْرِي وَ تُوَسِّعَ عَلَيَّ فِي رِزْقِي …
One may mention his desires after that.
THE 21st NIGHT OF RAMAḌᾹN
- General acts
First: It is recommended to bathe oneself at each of the Qadr Nights. According to ‘Allamah al-Majlisi, it is preferable to perform the bathing at sunset so as to be ready for the Isha’ Prayer with a bathing.
Second: It is recommended to offer a two-unit prayer reciting at each unit Surah al-Faatehah once and repeating Surah al-Tawheed seven times. After the accomplishment of the prayer, the following imploration should be repeated seventy times:
استغفر اللّه و اتوب اليه
According to a Hadith reported from the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.), Almighty Allah will forgive one who offers this prayer and will forgive his parents before he leaves his place.
Third: It is recommended to open a copy of the Holy Qur’an between one’s hands and say the following:
اللّٰهُمَّ اِنِّي اَسْاَلُكَ بِكِتَابِكَ الْمُنْزَلِ وَ مَا فِيهِ وَ فِيهِ اسْمُكَ الْاَكْبَرُ وَ اَسْمَاؤُكَ الْحُسْنَى وَ مَا يُخَافُ وَ يُرْجَى اَنْ تَجْعَلَنِي مِنْ عُتَقَائِكَ مِنَ النَّارِ.
Then, one may pray God to fulfill one’s desires.
Fourth: It is recommended to put a copy of the Holy Qur’an on the head and say the following:
اللّٰهُمَّ بِحَقِّ هٰذَا الْقُرْآنِ وَ بِحَقِّ مَنْ اَرْسَلْتَهُ بِهِ وَ بِحَقِّ كُلِّ مُؤْمِنٍ مَدَحْتَهُ فِيهِ وَ بِحَقِّكَ عَلَيْهِمْ فَلا اَحَدَ اَعْرَفُ بِحَقِّكَ مِنْكَ
Then, one should repeat each of the following ten times:
بِكَ يَا اللّٰهُ
بِمُحَمَّدٍ
بِعَلِيٍّ
بِفَاطِمَةَ
بِالْحَسَنِ
بِالْحُسَيْنِ
بِعَلِيِّ بْنِ الْحُسَيْنِ
بِمُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عَلِيٍّ
بِجَعْفَرِ بْنِ مُحَمَّدٍ
بِمُوسَى بْنِ جَعْفَرٍ
بِعَلِيِّ بْنِ مُوسَى
بِمُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عَلِيٍّ
بِعَلِيِّ بْنِ مُحَمَّدٍ
بِالْحَسَنِ بْنِ عَلِيٍّ
بِالْحُجَّةِ
One should then pray Almighty Allah to fulfill one’s desires.
Fifth: It is advisable to visit the holy tomb of Imam al-Husayn (a.s.) at these nights. A Hadith, in this respect, reads that at the Qadr Nights, a caller from the heavens will call from the Seventh Sky and, specifically, from the centre of the Holy Throne that Almighty Allah shall forgive whoever visits the tomb of al-Husayn (a.s.).
Sixth: It is highly advisable to spend the whole three Qadr Nights with acts of worship. A Hadith reads that one who spends the whole Qadr Nights with acts of worship will have all his sins forgiven even if they are as many as stars, as heavy as mountains, and as weighty as seawater.
Seventh: In order to win its remarkable reward, it is recommended to offer the on-hundred unit prayer. It is preferable to recite at these units Surah al-Faatehah once and repeat Surah al-Tawheed ten times.
Eighth: It is recommended to say the following supplicatory prayer:
اللّٰهُمَّ اِنِّي اَمْسَيْتُ لَكَ عَبْدا دَاخِرا لا اَمْلِكُ لِنَفْسِي نَفْعا وَ لا ضَرّا وَ لا اَصْرِفُ عَنْهَا سُوءا اَشْهَدُ بِذَلِكَ عَلَى نَفْسِي وَ اَعْتَرِفُ لَكَ بِضَعْفِ قُوَّتِي وَ قِلَّةِ حِيلَتِي فَصَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ وَ اَنْجِزْ لِي مَا وَعَدْتَنِي وَ جَمِيعَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَ الْمُؤْمِنَاتِ مِنَ الْمَغْفِرَةِ فِي هَذِهِ اللَّيْلَةِ وَ اَتْمِمْ عَلَيَّ مَا آتَيْتَنِي فَاِنِّي عَبْدُكَ الْمِسْكِينُ الْمُسْتَكِينُ الضَّعِيفُ الْفَقِيرُ الْمَهِينُ اللّٰهُمَّ لا تَجْعَلْنِي نَاسِيا لِذِكْرِكَ فِيمَا اَوْلَيْتَنِي وَ لا [غَافِلا] لِاِحْسَانِكَ فِيمَا اَعْطَيْتَنِي وَ لا آيِسا مِنْ اِجَابَتِكَ وَ اِنْ اَبْطَاَتْ عَنِّي فِي سَرَّاءَ [كُنْتُ] اَوْ ضَرَّاءَ اَوْ شِدَّةٍ اَوْ رَخَاءٍ اَوْ عَافِيَةٍ اَوْ بَلاءٍ اَوْ بُؤْسٍ اَوْ نَعْمَاءَ اِنَّكَ سَمِيعُ الدُّعَاءِ
Al-Kaf’ami has narrated that Imam Zayn al-’Abidin(a.s.) used to say this supplicatory prayer very frequently at the Qadr Nights while sitting, standing, genuflecting, and prostrating. ‘Allamah al-Majlisi has mentioned that the most favorable rite at the Qadr Nights is to implore for Almighty Allah’s forgiveness, to mention Him, to pray for the settlement of one’s worldly and religious affairs as well as for one’s parents, relatives, and brethren-in-faith; the dead and the alive, and to invoke blessings upon the Holy Prophet and his Household.
According to some narrations, it is recommended to say the famous supplicatory prayer known as Dua al-Jawshan al-Kabir, at the three Qadr Nights. It has been also narrated that when he was asked about the best prayer that one may say at the Qadr Night, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) said, “Pray for good health.”
- Rituals of the 21st night of Ramaḍān
The twenty-first night of Ramadan is more meritorious than the nineteenth. It is worthwhile to practice the previously mentioned general rites of the Qadr Nights, such as bathing, spending the whole nights with acts of worship, visiting the tomb of Imam al-Husayn (a.s.), offering the two-unit prayer at which Surah al-Faatehah is recited once and Surah al-Tawheed repeated seven times, putting a copy of the Holy Qur’an on the head and saying the supplication dedicated to this practice, saying the Dua al-Jawshan al-Kabir supplicatory prayer, and so on.
According to narrations, it is strongly advisable to do the bathing and to spend the whole night with painstaking acts of worship at this night as well as the twenty-third, since the real Qadr Night is one of these two nights.
When the Holy Infallibles (a.s.) were asked to specify the Qadr Night, they did not specify; rather they used to say, “It is too easy to act at two nights in order to win one’s desire.” They also used to say, “What will harm you if you do righteously at two nights?”
Dictating to his students, Shaykh al-Saduq said in one of his sessions, “It is preferable to spend these two nights with studying the religious knowledge.”
Starting with this night, it is recommended to say the supplicatory prayers that are dedicated to the last ten nights of Ramadan.
MISCELLANEOUS ACTS FOR THE 21ST NIGHT OF RAMAḌᾹN
(6) Al-Kaf’ami has quoted Sayyid Ibn Baqi as saying that it is recommended to say the following supplicatory prayer at the twenty-first night of Ramadan:
اللّٰهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ وَ اقْسِمْ لِي حِلْما يَسُدُّ عَنِّي بَابَ الْجَهْلِ وَ هُدًى تَمُنُّ بِهِ عَلَيَّ مِنْ كُلِّ ضَلالَةٍ وَ غِنًى تَسُدُّ بِهِ عَنِّي بَابَ كُلِّ فَقْرٍ وَ قُوَّةً تَرُدُّ بِهَا عَنِّي كُلَّ ضَعْفٍ وَ عِزّا تُكْرِمُنِي بِهِ عَنْ كُلِّ ذُلٍّ وَ رِفْعَةً تَرْفَعُنِي بِهَا عَنْ كُلِّ ضَعَةٍ وَ اَمْنا تَرُدُّ بِهِ عَنِّي كُلَّ خَوْفٍ وَ عَافِيَةً تَسْتُرُنِي بِهَا عَنْ كُلِّ بَلاءٍ وَ عِلْما تَفْتَحُ لِي بِهِ كُلَّ يَقِينٍ وَ يَقِينا تُذْهِبُ بِهِ عَنِّي كُلَّ شَكٍّ وَ دُعَاءً تَبْسُطُ لِي بِهِ الْاِجَابَةَ فِي هَذِهِ اللَّيْلَةِ وَ فِي هَذِهِ السَّاعَةِ السَّاعَةِ السَّاعَةِ السَّاعَةِ يَا كَرِيمُ وَ خَوْفا تَنْشُرُ [تُيَسِّرُ] لِي بِهِ كُلَّ رَحْمَةٍ وَ عِصْمَةً تَحُولُ بِهَا بَيْنِي وَ بَيْنَ الذُّنُوبِ حَتَّى اُفْلِحَ بِهَا عِنْدَ الْمَعْصُومِينَ عِنْدَكَ بِرَحْمَتِكَ يَا اَرْحَمَ الرَّاحِمِينَ
It has been narrated that Ali ibn Hammad visited Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq(a.s.) at the twenty-first night of Ramadan. “Have you bathed yourself, Hammad?” asked the Imam. “Yes, I have,” answered Hammad. The Imam (a.s.) then asked him to stand by him so as to imitate him in offering prayers. Hammad did. When they finished all the prayers, the Imam (a.s.) began to supplicate and Hammad listened and prayed for response. When dawn rose, the Imam (a.s.) declared the adhan (call to prayer), uttered the iqamah (the prefatory part of prayers), and then summoned one of his servants to participate in the prayer. They all stood behind the Imam (a.s.) who led their congregational Fajr (dawn) Prayer reciting Surahs al-Faatehah and al-Qadr in the first unit and Surahs al-Faatehah and al-Tawheed in the second. When he finished the post-prayer litanies and doxologies, praising Him, venerating Him, thanking Him, invoking His blessings upon the Holy Prophet and his Household, and praying Him for the good of all the believing men and women as well as all the Muslims, Imam al-Sadiq(a.s.) prostrated himself. The companions could not hear anything except the Imam’s breaths for a long time. Hammad narrated: I could then hear him saying the following:
لَااِلٰهَ اِلَّا اَنْتَ مُقَلِّبَ الْقُلُوْبِ وَالْاَبْصَارِ….
This long supplicatory prayer has been mentioned by Sayyid Ibn Tawus in his book of Iqbal al-A’mal.
Al-Kulayni has narrated that Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (a.s.) used to supplicate Almighty Allah at the twenty-first and twenty-third nights of Ramadan up to midnight. After that, he would offer prayers.
As for the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.), it has been narrated that he used to bathe himself at each of the last ten nights of Ramadan.
Being the best time of I’tikaf (the ritual seclusion in places of worship for practicing acts of worship), it is highly recommended to practice the ritual I’tikaf at the last ten nights of Ramadan, for this deed brings about an abundant reward. According to narrations, its reward is as same as the reward of two times of Hajj and two times of ‘Umrah. In this regard, it is reported that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.), at the last ten nights of Ramadan, used to confine himself to the mosque where a dome made of camel hair would be erected for him while he would roll up his bed and prepare himself for worship.
It is worth mentioning that at the twenty-first night of Ramadan, the sadnesses of the Shi’ah should be shown. At the twenty-first night of Ramadan, AH 40, Imam Ali ibn Abi-Talib, Ameer al-Momineen – peace be upon him – departed life as martyr. It is narrated that fresh blood would be found under any rock that was lifted at that night. The same thing happened at the night of Imam al-Husayn’s martyrdom.
Shaykh al-Mufid says: At this night, it is highly recommended, as frequently as possible, to invoke Almighty Allah’s blessings upon the Holy Prophet and his Household and to invoke His curse upon those who have wronged the Ahl al-Bayt and upon the killer of Imam AliAmeer al-Momineen.
THE 23rd NIGHT OF RAMAḌᾹN
- General acts
First: It is recommended to bathe oneself at each of the Qadr Nights. According to ‘Allamah al-Majlisi, it is preferable to perform the bathing at sunset so as to be ready for the Isha’ Prayer with a bathing.
Second: It is recommended to offer a two-unit prayer reciting at each unit Surah al-Faatehah once and repeating Surah al-Tawheed seven times. After the accomplishment of the prayer, the following imploration should be repeated seventy times:
استغفر اللّه و اتوب اليه
According to a Hadith reported from the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.), Almighty Allah will forgive one who offers this prayer and will forgive his parents before he leaves his place.
Third: It is recommended to open a copy of the Holy Qur’an between one’s hands and say the following:
اللّٰهُمَّ اِنِّي اَسْاَلُكَ بِكِتَابِكَ الْمُنْزَلِ وَ مَا فِيهِ وَ فِيهِ اسْمُكَ الْاَكْبَرُ وَ اَسْمَاؤُكَ الْحُسْنَى وَ مَا يُخَافُ وَ يُرْجَى اَنْ تَجْعَلَنِي مِنْ عُتَقَائِكَ مِنَ النَّارِ.
Then, one may pray God to fulfill one’s desires.
Fourth: It is recommended to put a copy of the Holy Qur’an on the head and say the following:
اللّٰهُمَّ بِحَقِّ هٰذَا الْقُرْآنِ وَ بِحَقِّ مَنْ اَرْسَلْتَهُ بِهِ وَ بِحَقِّ كُلِّ مُؤْمِنٍ مَدَحْتَهُ فِيهِ وَ بِحَقِّكَ عَلَيْهِمْ فَلا اَحَدَ اَعْرَفُ بِحَقِّكَ مِنْكَ
Then, one should repeat each of the following ten times:
بِكَ يَا اللّٰهُ
بِمُحَمَّدٍ
بِعَلِيٍّ
بِفَاطِمَةَ
بِالْحَسَنِ
بِالْحُسَيْنِ
بِعَلِيِّ بْنِ الْحُسَيْنِ
بِمُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عَلِيٍّ
بِجَعْفَرِ بْنِ مُحَمَّدٍ
بِمُوسَى بْنِ جَعْفَرٍ
بِعَلِيِّ بْنِ مُوسَى
بِمُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عَلِيٍّ
بِعَلِيِّ بْنِ مُحَمَّدٍ
بِالْحَسَنِ بْنِ عَلِيٍّ
بِالْحُجَّةِ
One should then pray Almighty Allah to fulfill one’s desires.
Fifth: It is advisable to visit the holy tomb of Imam al-Husayn (a.s.) at these nights. A Hadith, in this respect, reads that at the Qadr Nights, a caller from the heavens will call from the Seventh Sky and, specifically, from the centre of the Holy Throne that Almighty Allah shall forgive whoever visits the tomb of al-Husayn (a.s.).
Sixth: It is highly advisable to spend the whole three Qadr Nights with acts of worship. A Hadith reads that one who spends the whole Qadr Nights with acts of worship will have all his sins forgiven even if they are as many as stars, as heavy as mountains, and as weighty as seawater.
Seventh: In order to win its remarkable reward, it is recommended to offer the one-hundred unit prayer. It is preferable to recite at these units Surah al-Faatehah once and repeat Surah al-Tawheed ten times.
Eighth: It is recommended to say the following supplicatory prayer:
اللّٰهُمَّ اِنِّي اَمْسَيْتُ لَكَ عَبْدا دَاخِرا لا اَمْلِكُ لِنَفْسِي نَفْعا وَ لا ضَرّا وَ لا اَصْرِفُ عَنْهَا سُوءا اَشْهَدُ بِذَلِكَ عَلَى نَفْسِي وَ اَعْتَرِفُ لَكَ بِضَعْفِ قُوَّتِي وَ قِلَّةِ حِيلَتِي فَصَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ وَ اَنْجِزْ لِي مَا وَعَدْتَنِي وَ جَمِيعَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَ الْمُؤْمِنَاتِ مِنَ الْمَغْفِرَةِ فِي هَذِهِ اللَّيْلَةِ وَ اَتْمِمْ عَلَيَّ مَا آتَيْتَنِي فَاِنِّي عَبْدُكَ الْمِسْكِينُ الْمُسْتَكِينُ الضَّعِيفُ الْفَقِيرُ الْمَهِينُ اللّٰهُمَّ لا تَجْعَلْنِي نَاسِيا لِذِكْرِكَ فِيمَا اَوْلَيْتَنِي وَ لا [غَافِلا] لِاِحْسَانِكَ فِيمَا اَعْطَيْتَنِي وَ لا آيِسا مِنْ اِجَابَتِكَ وَ اِنْ اَبْطَاَتْ عَنِّي فِي سَرَّاءَ [كُنْتُ] اَوْ ضَرَّاءَ اَوْ شِدَّةٍ اَوْ رَخَاءٍ اَوْ عَافِيَةٍ اَوْ بَلاءٍ اَوْ بُؤْسٍ اَوْ نَعْمَاءَ اِنَّكَ سَمِيعُ الدُّعَاءِ
Al-Kaf’ami has narrated that Imam Zayn al-’Abidin(a.s.) used to say this supplicatory prayer very frequently at the Qadr Nights while sitting, standing, genuflecting, and prostrating.
‘Allamah al-Majlisi has mentioned that the most favorable rite at the Qadr Nights is to implore for Almighty Allah’s forgiveness, to mention Him, to pray for the settlement of one’s worldly and religious affairs as well as for one’s parents, relatives, and brethren-in-faith; the dead and the alive, and to invoke blessings upon the Holy Prophet and his Household.
According to some narrations, it is recommended to say the famous supplicatory prayer known as Dua al-Jawshan al-Kabir, at the three Qadr Nights.
It has been also narrated that when he was asked about the best prayer that one may say at the Qadr Night, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) said, “Pray for good health.”
يَا رَبَّ لَيْلَةِ الْقَدْرِ وَ جَاعِلَهَا خَيْرا مِنْ اَلْفِ شَهْرٍ وَ رَبَّ اللَّيْلِ وَ النَّهَارِ وَ الْجِبَالِ وَ الْبِحَارِ وَ الظُّلَمِ وَ الْاَنْوَارِ وَ الْاَرْضِ وَ السَّمَاءِ يَا بَارِئُ يَا مُصَوِّرُ يَا حَنَّانُ يَا مَنَّانُ يَا اللّٰهُ يَا رَحْمَانُ يَا اللّٰهُ يَا قَيُّومُ يَا اللّٰهُ يَا بَدِيعُ يَا اللّٰهُ يَا اللّٰهُ يَا اللّٰهُ لَكَ الْاَسْمَاءُ الْحُسْنَى وَ الْاَمْثَالُ الْعُلْيَا وَ الْكِبْرِيَاءُ وَ الْآلاءُ اَسْاَلُكَ اَنْ تُصَلِّيَ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ وَ اَنْ تَجْعَلَ اسْمِي فِي هَذِهِ اللَّيْلَةِ فِي السُّعَدَاءِ وَ رُوحِي مَعَ الشُّهَدَاءِ وَ اِحْسَانِي فِي عِلِّيِّينَ وَ اِسَاءَتِي مَغْفُورَةً وَ اَنْ تَهَبَ لِي يَقِينا تُبَاشِرُ بِهِ قَلْبِي وَ اِيمَانا يُذْهِبُ الشَّكَّ عَنِّي وَ تُرْضِيَنِي بِمَا قَسَمْتَ لِي وَ آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَ فِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَ قِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ الْحَرِيقِ وَ ارْزُقْنِي فِيهَا ذِكْرَكَ وَ شُكْرَكَ وَ الرَّغْبَةَ اِلَيْكَ وَ الْاِنَابَةَ وَ التَّوْبَةَ وَ التَّوْفِيقَ لِمَا وَفَّقْتَ لَهُ مُحَمَّدا وَ آلَ مُحَمَّدٍ عَلَيْهِمُ السَّلامُ .
- Dedicated acts of the 23rd Night
- Reciting Quran:
This night has a greater merit than the 2 previous nights of Qadr and all matters are ordained in accordance with divine wisdom.
- Perform Common Amaal of Laylatul Qadr
- Recite Surah Surah Al-`Ankabut (No. 29) and Surah Al-Rum (No. 30)
- Imam al-Sadiq (a.s) is reported to have said, “Anyone who recites the two Surahs (29/30) at this night will be included with the people of Paradise.”
- It is also recommended to recite:
- Surah al-Dukhan (No. 44)
- Surah al-Qadr (No 97)1000 times also while doing wuzoo and in Magrib Salat.
- Surah al-Nasr No 110)25 times.
- Ayatul Kursi (2:255/256 )100 times upto Aliyul Azeem only.
- Recite these 3 Duas Night of 23rd Ramaḍān
- Dua 1- 23rd -Qadr night
اللَّهُمَّ ٱمْدُدْ لِي فِي عُمْرِي
allahumma imdud li fi `umri
O Allah, (please do) prolong my lifetime,
وَاوْسِعْ لِي فِي رِزْقِي
wa awsi` li fi rizqi
expand my sustenance,
وَاصِحَّ لِي جِسْمِي
wa asihha li jismi
make my body healthy,
وَبَلِّغْنِي امَلِي
wa ballighni amali
make me attain my hopes,
وَإِنْ كُنْتُ مِنَ ٱلاشْقِيَاءِ فَٱمْحُنِي مِنَ ٱلاشْقِيَاءِ
wa in kuntu min al-ashqya'i famhuni min al-ashqya'i
and if I am written with the unhappy ones, (please) erase my name from this list
وَٱكْتُبْنِي مِنَ ٱلسُّعَدَاءِ
waktubni min alssu`ada'i
write it with the happy ones,
فَإِنَّكَ قُلْتَ فِي كِتَابِكَ ٱلْمُنْزَلِ
fa'innaka qulta fi kitabika almunzali
for You have said in Your Book that You revealed
عَلَىٰ نَبِيِّكَ ٱلْمُرْسَلِ صَلَوَاتُكَ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ:
`ala nabiyyika almursali salawatuka `alayhi wa alihi
to Your missioned Prophet, Your peace be upon him and his Household:
”يَمْحُو ٱللَّهُ مَا يَشَاءُ وَيُثْبِتُ وَعِنْدَهُ امُّ ٱلْكِتَابِ“
yamhu allahu ma yasha'u wa yuthbitu wa `indahu ummu alkitabi
“Allah makes to pass away and establishes what He pleases, and with Him is the basis of the Book.”
- Dua 2 - 23rd Ramadan
اللَّهُمَّ ٱجْعَلْ فِي مَا تَقْضِي وَفِي مَا تُقَدِّرُ
allahumma ij`al fima taqdi wa fima tuqaddiru
O Allah, among the matters that You decide and make
مِنَ ٱلامْرِ ٱلْمَحْتُومِ
min al-amri almahtumi
from among the inevitable affairs
وَفِي مَا تَفْرُقُ مِنَ ٱلامْرِ ٱلْحَكِيمِ
wa fima tafruqu min al-amri alhakimi
and from among the wise matters that You make distinct
فِي لَيْلَةِ ٱلْقَدْرِ
fi laylati alqadri
at the Destiny Night
مِنَ ٱلْقَضَاءِ ٱلَّذِي لاَ يُرَدُّ وَلاَ يُبَدَّلُ
min alqada'i alladhi la yuraddu wa la yubaddalu
from among the act that is neither rejected nor altered,
انْ تَكْتُبَنِي مِنْ حُجَّاجِ بَيْتِكَ ٱلْحَرَامِ
an taktubani min hujjaji baytika alharami
(please) decide me to be with the pilgrims to Your Holy House
فِي عَامِي هٰذَا
fi `ami hadha
at this year;
ٱلْمَبْرُورِ حَجُّهُمُ
almabruri hajjuhum
those whose pilgrimage is admitted,
ٱلْمَشْكُورِ سَعْيُهُمُ
almashkuri sa`yuhum
whose efforts are praised,
ٱلْمَغْفُورِ ذُنُوبُهُمُ
almaghfuri dhunubuhum
whose sins are forgiven,
ٱلْمُكَفَّرِ عَنْهُمْ سَيِّئَاتُهُمْ
almukaffari `anhum sayyi'atuhum
and whose offenses and pardoned.
وَٱجْعَلْ فِي مَا تِقْضِي وَتُقَدِّرُ
waj`al fima tiqdi wa tuqaddiru
Among the matters that You decide and make,
انْ تُطِيلَ عُمْرِي
an tutila `umri
(please) prolong my lifetime
وَتُوَسِّعَ لِي فِي رِزْقِي
wa tuwassi`a li fi rizqi
and expand my sustenance.
- Dua 3, 23rd Ramaḍān
«اللّهُمَّ كُنْ لِوَلِيِّكَ الْحُجَّةِ بْنِ الْحَسَنِ
“O’ Allah! Be for Your deputy, al-Hujjah bin al-Hassan (al-Mahdi),
صَلَواتُكَ عَلَيْهِ وَعَلى آبائِهِ
May Your blessings be upon him and his forefathers,
في هذِهِ السّاعَةِ وَفي كُلِّ ساعَةٍ
Now and at all times,
وَلِيّاً وَ حافِظاً وَ قائِداً و َناصِراً وَ دَليلاً وَ عَيْناً
A master and protector and guide and helper and proof and guard,
حَتّى تُسْكِنَهُ أَرْضَكَ طَوْعاً
Until he resides peacefully on Your earth,
وَ تُمَتِّعَهُ فيها طَويلا»
And let him enjoy (his rule on the Earth) for a long time.”
….
ACTS OF THE LAST TEN NIGHTS OF RAMAḌAN
Starting with this night, it is recommended to say the supplicatory prayers that are dedicated to the last ten nights of Ramadan.
(1) In al-Kafi, Shaykh al-Kulayni has reported Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq(a.s.) as saying: At the last ten nights of Ramadan, you may say the following supplicatory prayer:
اَعُوذُ بِجَلالِ وَجْهِكَ الْكَرِيمِ اَنْ يَنْقَضِيَ عَنِّي شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ اَوْ يَطْلُعَ الْفَجْرُ مِنْ لَيْلَتِي هَذِهِ وَ لَكَ قِبَلِي ذَنْبٌ اَوْ تَبِعَةٌ تُعَذِّبُنِي عَلَيْهِ.
(2) As a footnote in al-Balad al-Amin, al-Kaf’ami has mentioned that Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq(a.s.) used say the following supplicatory prayer at each of the last ten night of Ramadan after the obligatory and supererogatory prayers:
اللّٰهُمَّ اَدِّ عَنَّا حَقَّ مَا مَضَى مِنْ شَهْرِ رَمَضَانَ وَ اغْفِرْ لَنَا تَقْصِيرَنَا فِيهِ وَ تَسَلَّمْهُ مِنَّا مَقْبُولا وَ لا تُؤَاخِذْنَا بِاِسْرَافِنَا عَلَى اَنْفُسِنَا وَ اجْعَلْنَا مِنَ الْمَرْحُومِينَ وَ لا تَجْعَلْنَا مِنَ الْمَحْرُومِينَ
He adds that Almighty Allah will forgive one who says this supplicatory prayer all the sins that he has committed in the past days of Ramadan and will protect him against sinning in the rest of it.
(3) In Iqbal al-A’mal, Sayyid Ibn Tawus has narrated on the authority of Ibn Abi-’Umayr on the authority of Murazim that Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq(a.s.) used to say the following supplicatory prayer at each of the last ten nights of Ramadan:
اللّٰهُمَّ اِنَّكَ قُلْتَ فِي كِتَابِكَ الْمُنْزَلِ شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِي اُنْزِلَ فِيهِ الْقُرْءَانُ هُدًى لِلنَّاسِ وَ بَيِّنَاتٍ مِنَ الْهُدَى وَ الْفُرْقَانِ فَعَظَّمْتَ حُرْمَةَ شَهْرِ رَمَضَانَ بِمَا اَنْزَلْتَ فِيهِ مِنَ الْقُرْآنِ وَ خَصَصْتَهُ بِلَيْلَةِ الْقَدْرِ وَ جَعَلْتَهَا خَيْرا مِنْ اَلْفِ شَهْرٍ اللّٰهُمَّ وَ هَذِهِ اَيَّامُ شَهْرِ رَمَضَانَ قَدِ انْقَضَتْ وَ لَيَالِيهِ قَدْ تَصَرَّمَتْ وَ قَدْ صِرْتُ يَا اِلَهِي مِنْهُ اِلَى مَا اَنْتَ اَعْلَمُ بِهِ مِنِّي وَ اَحْصَى لِعَدَدِهِ مِنَ الْخَلْقِ اَجْمَعِينَ فَاَسْاَلُكَ بِمَا سَاَلَكَ بِهِ مَلائِكَتُكَ الْمُقَرَّبُونَ وَ اَنْبِيَاؤُكَ الْمُرْسَلُونَ، وَ عِبَادُكَ الصَّالِحُونَ اَنْ تُصَلِّيَ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ وَ اَنْ تَفُكَّ رَقَبَتِي مِنَ النَّارِ وَ تُدْخِلَنِي الْجَنَّةَ بِرَحْمَتِكَ وَ اَنْ تَتَفَضَّلَ عَلَيَّ بِعَفْوِكَ وَ كَرَمِكَ وَ تَتَقَبَّلَ تَقَرُّبِي وَ تَسْتَجِيبَ دُعَائِي وَ تَمُنَّ عَلَيَّ [اِلَيَ] بِالْاَمْنِ يَوْمَ الْخَوْفِ مِنْ كُلِّ هَوْلٍ اَعْدَدْتَهُ لِيَوْمِ الْقِيَامَةِ اِلَهِي وَ اَعُوذُ بِوَجْهِكَ الْكَرِيمِ وَ بِجَلالِكَ الْعَظِيمِ اَنْ يَنْقَضِيَ اَيَّامُ شَهْرِ رَمَضَانَ وَ لَيَالِيهِ وَ لَكَ قِبَلِي تَبِعَةٌ اَوْ ذَنْبٌ تُؤَاخِذُنِي بِهِ اَوْ خَطِيئَةٌ تُرِيدُ اَنْ تَقْتَصَّهَا مِنِّي لَمْ تَغْفِرْهَا لِي سَيِّدِي سَيِّدِي سَيِّدِي اَسْاَلُكَ يَا لا اِلَهَ اِلا اَنْتَ اِذْ لا اِلَهَ اِلا اَنْتَ، اِنْ كُنْتَ رَضِيتَ عَنِّي فِي هٰذَا الشَّهْرِ فَازْدَدْ عَنِّي رِضًا وَ اِنْ لَمْ تَكُنْ رَضِيتَ عَنِّي فَمِنَ الْآنَ فَارْضَ عَنِّي يَا اَرْحَمَ الرَّاحِمِينَ يَا اللّٰهُ يَا اَحَدُ يَا صَمَدُ يَا مَنْ لَمْ يَلِدْ وَ لَمْ يُولَدْ وَ لَمْ يَكُنْ لَهُ كُفُوا اَحَدٌ
(4) You may repeat the following supplicatory prayer as many times as possible during this night:
يَا مُلَيِّنَ الْحَدِيدِ لِدَاوُدَ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ يَا كَاشِفَ الضُّرِّ وَ الْكُرَبِ الْعِظَامِ عَنْ اَيُّوبَ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ اَيْ مُفَرِّجَ هَمِّ يَعْقُوبَ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ اَيْ مُنَفِّسَ غَمِّ يُوسُفَ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا اَنْتَ اَهْلُهُ اَنْ تُصَلِّيَ عَلَيْهِمْ اَجْمَعِينَ وَ افْعَلْ بِي مَا اَنْتَ اَهْلُهُ وَ لا تَفْعَلْ بِي مَا اَنَا اَهْلُهُ
(5) Shaykh al-Kulayni, in al-Kafi, has narrated, with a complete chain of authority, that the following supplicatory prayer, which is also narrated in al-Muqni’ah and al-Misbah yet with an interruption in the chain of authority, should be said at the twenty-first night of Ramadan:
يَا مُولِجَ اللَّيْلِ فِي النَّهَارِ وَ مُولِجَ النَّهَارِ فِي اللَّيْلِ وَ مُخْرِجَ الْحَيِّ مِنَ الْمَيِّتِ وَ مُخْرِجَ الْمَيِّتِ مِنَ الْحَيِّ يَا رَازِقَ مَنْ يَشَاءُ بِغَيْرِ حِسَابٍ يَا اللّٰهُ يَا رَحْمَانُ يَا اللّٰهُ يَا رَحِيمُ يَا اللّٰهُ يَا اللّٰهُ يَا اللّٰهُ لَكَ الْاَسْمَاءُ الْحُسْنَى وَ الْاَمْثَالُ الْعُلْيَا وَ الْكِبْرِيَاءُ وَ الْآلاءُ اَسْاَلُكَ اَنْ تُصَلِّيَ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ وَ اَنْ تَجْعَلَ اسْمِي فِي هَذِهِ اللَّيْلَةِ فِي السُّعَدَاءِ وَ رُوحِي مَعَ الشُّهَدَاءِ وَ اِحْسَانِي فِي عِلِّيِّينَ وَ اِسَاءَتِي مَغْفُورَةً وَ اَنْ تَهَبَ لِي يَقِينا تُبَاشِرُ بِهِ قَلْبِي وَ اِيمَانا يُذْهِبُ الشَّكَّ عَنِّي وَ تُرْضِيَنِي بِمَا قَسَمْتَ لِي وَ آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَ فِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَ قِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ الْحَرِيقِ وَ ارْزُقْنِي فِيهَا ذِكْرَكَ وَ شُكْرَكَ وَ الرَّغْبَةَ اِلَيْكَ وَ الْاِنَابَةَ وَ التَّوْفِيقَ لِمَا وَفَّقْتَ لَهُ مُحَمَّدا وَ آلَ مُحَمَّدٍ عَلَيْهِ وَ عَلَيْهِمُ السَّلامُ.
(For more information, see Mafātiḥ al-Jinān)
