lailat-ul-qadr
RareReligious / Formal / Academic
Definition
Meaning
The 'Night of Decree' or 'Night of Power' in Islam, believed to be the night the Quran was first revealed to Muhammad.
A spiritually significant night during Ramadan, when Muslims believe angels descend, prayers are answered, and the decree for the coming year is finalized. It is considered better than a thousand months.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is specific to Islamic theology and calendar. It refers to one particular night (traditionally one of the last ten odd nights of Ramadan), not a general concept. Often associated with intense prayer, Quranic recitation, and seeking forgiveness.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling variations are common (e.g., 'Laylat', 'Lailat', 'Leilat'). American texts often use 'Night of Power', while British texts may slightly favour 'Night of Decree' or the transliterated term.
Connotations
Identical religious connotations in both regions.
Frequency
Frequency is similarly low in both varieties, occurring primarily in religious contexts, interfaith dialogue, or news reports about Ramadan.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Muslims] observe [Laylat al-Qadr].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in religious studies, Islamic theology, and comparative religion contexts.
Everyday
Used primarily by Muslims discussing Ramadan practices.
Technical
Used in Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) regarding night prayers (Tahajjud, Qiyam) and their timing.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Muslims pray on Laylat al-Qadr.
- Many Muslims stay awake all night on Laylat al-Qadr to pray and read the Quran.
- The exact date of Laylat al-Qadr is not specified, so believers intensify worship during the last ten nights of Ramadan.
- The theological significance of Laylat al-Qadr lies in its being the night the first verses of the Quran were revealed, initiating the final prophecy.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Lay' (as in night) + 'lat' sounds like 'lot' – a night with a lot of divine power and decree.
Conceptual Metaphor
DIVINE COMMUNICATION IS LIGHT (the night is 'illuminated' by revelation); SPIRITUAL OPPORTUNITY IS A PRECIOUS COMMODITY (better than a thousand months).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation like 'Ночь Судьбы' which implies fate/destiny in a generic sense. The concept is more specific: 'Ночь Предопределения' or 'Ночь Могущества' is closer.
- Do not confuse with 'Ночь на Ивана Купалу' – a completely different Slavic tradition.
Common Mistakes
- Pronouncing 'Qadr' as /ˈkweɪdər/.
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'two Lailat-ul-Qadrs').
- Referring to it outside the context of Ramadan.
Practice
Quiz
What is Laylat al-Qadr?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It falls on one of the last ten odd-numbered nights of Ramadan (e.g., 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th). The exact night is not known.
Both are common transliterations from Arabic. 'Laylat' is slightly more standardized in academic contexts.
Yes, in contexts of interfaith understanding or learning about Islamic practices, though participation in worship is specific to Muslim belief.
Muslims engage in prolonged prayers (especially Qiyam or Tahajjud), recite the Quran, make supplications (dua), and seek forgiveness.