How to Perform Sholat Lailatul Qadar Alone, Complete with Prayer Recitations

Kapanlagi.com - The night of Lailatul Qadar, a highly anticipated night for Muslims around the world during the holy month of Ramadan, possesses extraordinary significance. This night is believed to be more valuable than a thousand months, so every act of worship performed on this night will yield abundant rewards. One of the main practices that is highly recommended is the Sunnah prayer of Lailatul Qadar.

Although the exact timing of this blessed night remains a mystery, many scholars and hadiths recommend seeking it on the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan. Therefore, Muslims are encouraged to enhance their worship on those nights, including performing the Sunnah prayer at home with full concentration.

For those who wish to perform the Lailatul Qadar prayer independently, it is important to understand the procedure. As stated by the Prophet Muhammad SAW as narrated by Bukhari, "Seek Lailatul Qadar on the odd nights of the last ten nights of Ramadan."

Let us look at the complete guide to performing the Lailatul Qadar prayer, from intentions to the prayer recitations, so that we can attain the blessings of this magnificent night with all our hearts.

1. 1. The Intention and Special Features of the Night Prayer of Lailatul Qadar

The Night Prayer of Lailatul Qadar has its own special features as a form of Sunnah worship performed on a very glorious night. In the Hadith of the Prophet, it is mentioned that the night of Lailatul Qadar is better than a thousand months, making it a rare moment filled with mercy and forgiveness.

To begin, it is important to read the intention correctly and with full concentration. The intention in the heart serves as a marker that the worship performed is solely intended for Allah SWT. The common intention recited is:

“Ushalli sunnatan Lailatil Qadri rak’ataini lillaahi ta’aala.”

Meaning: “I intend to perform the Sunnah prayer of Lailatul Qadar two rak'ahs for the sake of Allah Ta'ala.”

Some scholars also permit performing four rak'ahs with one salam, but two rak'ahs with one salam is the most commonly practiced opinion.

2. 2. Recommended Time for Implementation

The Night of Qadar prayer, a special moment in the last ten nights of Ramadan, offers an appealing flexibility for Muslims. You can perform it after the Isha and Tarawih prayers, or during the last third of the night like the Tahajjud prayer. Odd nights such as the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th are highly recommended as it is believed that the Night of Qadar often occurs on these nights. However, do not worry if you choose an even night; the opportunity to attain blessings remains open. For those with limited time, performing this prayer after Tarawih can be a smart choice, while for those who wish to experience peace and greater focus, welcoming it just before Sahur is the perfect way to reach this blessed night.

3. 3. Sequence of the Night of Qadar Prayer

The procedure for the Night of Qadar prayer is generally not much different from other Sunnah prayers, but there are some specific aspects that distinguish it. This prayer consists of two rak'ahs, beginning with intention and ending with salam. Here are the steps for its execution:

First rak'ah:

• Stand upright facing the Qibla.
• Recite the intention in your heart.
• Perform Takbiratul Ihram followed by the opening prayer (Dua Iftitah).
• Recite Surah Al-Fatihah, followed by Surah Al-Ikhlas seven times.
• Bow (Ruku), stand upright (I'tidal), prostrate (Sujud), sit between the two prostrations, and prostrate again.

Second rak'ah:

• Stand again, recite Surah Al-Fatihah and a short surah (Al-Ikhlas seven times or Al-Qadr).
• Continue with bowing (Ruku), standing upright (I'tidal), two prostrations (Sujud), the final Tashahhud, and salam.

This prayer does not include the initial Tashahhud because it consists of only two rak'ahs. If the number of rak'ahs is increased, there will still be no initial Tashahhud until just before the final salam.

4. 4. Remembrance and Prayer After Prayer

After the prayer, it is recommended to increase remembrance and seeking forgiveness. One of the recommended remembrances is to recite “Astaghfirullaha wa atubu ilayh” 70 times. It means: “I seek forgiveness from Allah and I repent to Him.”

In addition, the prayer taught by the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) for the night of Lailatul Qadar is also very important to recite:

اللّٰهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفُْ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي

Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibbul ‘afwa fa’fu ‘anni.

It means: “O Allah, indeed You are the Most Forgiving, You love forgiveness, so forgive me.”

The time after prayer is the best moment to pour out all prayers and hopes, especially on the blessed night of Lailatul Qadar when prayers are answered.

5. 5. Maintaining Concentration and Consistency

When performing the prayer of Lailatul Qadar, it is important to do so with concentration and full focus, away from all distractions. Turn off your phone notifications and find a quiet corner in your home so that every movement and recitation of the prayer can be felt more deeply. Although it is only two rakats, the quality of the recitation and sincere intention are the keys to the acceptance of our worship. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) also taught to increase worship during the last ten nights of Ramadan, even waking his family so they could also experience the blessings of this holy night. However, reviving the night of Lailatul Qadar is not limited to prayer; reading the Quran, engaging in dhikr, giving charity, and increasing istighfar are ways to enhance the value of worship and draw us closer to Allah.

6. Questions and Answers About the Prayer of Lailatul Qadar

Q: Does the prayer of Lailatul Qadar have to be performed in a mosque?

A: No, this prayer can be performed at home. What matters is the concentration and sincere intention.

Q: How many rakats are there in the prayer of Lailatul Qadar?

A: Generally, it is performed in two rakats. However, it can also be performed in four rakats according to some scholars' opinions.

Q: When is the best time to perform the prayer of Lailatul Qadar?

A: On odd nights during the last ten nights of Ramadan, between after Isha and before Fajr.

(kpl/mni)