The Holy month of Ramadan is the most important month of the Islamic calendar as this is when Muslims observe sawm (the fast). However, as significant as Ramadan as a whole is to the Islamic community, there is one night that is held above all others – Laylat al-Qadr, otherwise known as the Night of Power.
This is the night that the Holy Qur’an was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and, as such, all rewards and blessings are greatly multiplied. The Night of Power is widely believed to fall on the 27th night of Ramadhan, although some scholars state that Laylat al-Qadr could fall on any of the odd-numbered nights during the last 10 nights of Ramadan.
Because of the rewards and blessings associated with this night, which are multiplied by that of a thousand months, this is the most popular time for Muslims to pay their charitable obligations. This includes both Zakat ul-Fitr (or Fitrana) and Zakat.
Assuming the month of Ramadan starts on the evening of Friday 1st April, Laylat al-Qadr (27th night of Ramadhan) will fall on Wednesday 27th April. This means that the last 10 nights of Ramadan fall between Wednesday 20th April and Friday 29th April, during which time Muslims may wish to spread out their donations.
Giving charity on Laylat al-Qadr pleases Allah (SWT) and shows our faith and loyalty to him. In order to ensure that everyone who makes their donation through ILM gets the most rewards, we offer the option to spread payments across each of the last 10 nights of Ramadan. This means that you will not miss out on any of the multiplied rewards and blessings that come with giving on this night.
There are several different types of charity that Muslims may choose to give on the Night of Power. Zakat ul-Fitr or Fitrana, which must be paid during the month of Ramadan and before the start of the Eid prayers, is one such obligatory payment that is likely to be given on Laylat al-Qadr while Zakat is another payment that can be paid on this night. Zakat, unlike Fitrana (or Zakat ul-Fitr), can be paid at any point of the year as long as the person qualifies to make their payment (which is at the point their wealth exceeds the nisab threshold).
Sadaqah Jariyah, an act of charity that continues to give after you have left this world, for which you expect nothing in return, may also be given on the Night of Power and will yield increased rewards and blessings. An example of Sadaqah Jariyah is to plant a tree that will grow long after you are gone, or supporting an orphaned child so that they may receive an education and spread the good word of Allah (SWT).
As well as the above acts of charity, Muslims can also choose to simply make a general donation for no other reason than to give back to the world.
Laylat al-Qadr is just one night, although because the Night of Power could fall on any of the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th and 29th nights of Ramadan, traditions such as reciting the Qur’an and participating in extra prayers can often take place across the last 10 nights. This is also why charities, such as ILM, offer Muslims the opportunity to spread donations across these nights, with donors often keen to make a Laylat ul-Qadr donation.
To make your charity payment, such as Fitrana or Zakat, please donate through ILM and we will ensure that you benefit from the multiplied rewards and benefits that come with doing so on the Night of Power. Whether you wish to specifically give your payment on the 27th night of Ramadan or have your payment spread across the last 10 nights, we will ensure that the funds you give are used to support those most in need.
Your payment can either be sent as a general donation which ILM will use as and where most appropriate (this could be used for any of the charity’s emergency appeals, general campaigns or other areas), or to support a specific cause. The ILM team, in many cases, can provide feedback on how your donation has been used and the difference it has helped make to the lives of our brothers and sisters both here in the United Kingdom and around the world.
Please head to our donations page to make your payment and ILM will ensure that the funds will be used in the best interests of Allah (SWT) and the wider Islamic community.
