Understanding Laylatul Qadr: The Night of Power and Decree

Surplus

Calculated on your khums due date.

Equivalent amount, in Australian Dollars, of foreign currency you own ?

Calculated on your khums due date.

Debts owed to you that you expect to be repaid ?

Do not include this if it was accounted for in previous financial years.

In-kind possessions not used for sustenance ?

This includes buildings, farms, factories, commodities, work tools, and any household items or possessions not used for sustenance. Calculate these at present value if they were acquired with surplus income on which a year has not elapsed, and at cost price if they were acquired with surplus income on which a year has elapsed. If acquired with a combination of income, then calculate these at present value in relation to what was acquired with surplus income on which a year has not elapsed, and at cost price in relation to what was acquired with surplus income on which a year has elapsed.

Financial dues ?

This includes the due of key premium (surqufliah), the due of utilizing agricultural lands owned by the state, and the due of revival of lands which are fenced and prepared for residency. Calculate these at present value if they were acquired with surplus income on which a year has not elapsed, and at cost price if they were acquired with surplus income on which a year has elapsed. If acquired with a combination of income, then calculate these at present value in relation to what was acquired with surplus income on which a year has not elapsed, and at cost price in relation to what was acquired with surplus income on which a year has elapsed.

Amount you utilized prior to your khums due date ?

This is cash which was subject to khums prior to your khums due date, and which you have already spent (e.g. If this is the first year you pay khums, despite having needed to pay khums in previous years)

Fungible items you utilized prior to your khums due date ?

These are fungible items which were subject to khums prior to your khums due date, and which you have already utilized. Calculate these according to present value. Fungible items are those which are freely exchangeable or replaceable, in whole or in part, for another item of a similar nature, such as machinery or factory-produced fabrics.

Non-fungible items you utilized prior to your khums due date ?

These are non-fungible items which were subject to khums prior to your khums due date, and which you have already utilized. Calculate these according to their value at point of utilization. Non–fungible items are unique items, such as unique paintings, monuments, and unique jewelry.

Amount you already paid with intention of Sahm Al-Imam ?

Amount you paid with the intention of Sahm Al-Imam before your khums due date.

Amount you already paid with intention of Sahm Al-Sada ?

Amount you paid with the intention of Sahm Al-Sada before your khums due date.

Deductions

Commercial debts ?

Include all commercial debts you still owe others.

Remaining sustenance debts taken in the financial year ?

Includes debts borrowed in the financial year for accommodation (mortgage), a car, etc. Please refer to more detailed rulings for accounting for mortgages.

Remaining sustenance debts taken in previous financial years ?

Includes debts borrowed in the previous financial year for accommodation (mortgage), a car, etc. The asset (house, car, etc.) must still be in your possession. Calculate only the amount that you have not deducted from your profits in previous financial years. Please refer to more detailed rulings for accounting for mortgages.

Amount you own which has already been subjected to khums ?

Calculated on your khums due date. Includes the remainder of funds that were subject to khums in previous years and on which you have already paid khums.

Notes

1) Your khums due date is the first day you started your job or business. If you are retired or not in employment, then you can agree a khums due date with a representative of the marja’a, or calculate separate khums years for each profit that you make, from the date you made that profit.
2) The khums of commercial commodities and real estate(s) which are intended for trading, should be paid in accordance with their current market value, even if they were bought with profits which a year has elapsed on, unless the price at which they were bought is higher than the current value.
3) If the calculations show that the amount of khums due is negative as a result of sustenance debts, then the amount of the sustenance debt equivalent to the amount of khums due for the rest of the item is calculated and excluded.
4) If sustenance debts are fully repaid in the financial year, this amount is excluded from the profits.
5) Possessions which are not subject to khums are:
1. a. Possessions owned through inheritance:
2. i. Cash
3. ii. Real Estate
4. iii. Objects that are transferrable and the like
5. b. Possessions owned by the wife from the dowry (mahr):
6. i. Cash
7. ii. Gold Jewellery
8. iii. Home furniture and the like
9. c. Possessions used for personal or family provisions from the profits of that financial year:
10. i. Home residence
11. ii. Home furniture and other household items
12. iii. Gardens used for leisure and to personally benefit from their fruit
13. iv. Personal or family cars
14. v. Animals that are benefited from by the household such as a cow for milk or a chicken for eggs
15. d. Debts owed by others that you do not expect to be repaid.
16. e. Items purchased through debt that has not yet been repaid.

Total amount subject to Khums 0$

Khums Due 0$

Sahm al Imam to be paid 0$

Sahm al Sada to be paid 0$

Email me Khums report

Understanding Laylatul Qadr: The Night of Power and Decree

25 March 2024

Laylatul Qadr is one of the most sacred and spiritually potent nights on the Islamic calendar.

Observed during the last ten nights of the month of Ramadan, it is also known as the Night of Power or Decree, and it is important for Muslims worldwide.

In this blog, we will explore everything you need to know about Laylatul Qadr, including:

What does Laylatul Qadr mean?
The history and significance of Laylatul Qadr
Why Laylatul Qadr is important to Muslims
Recommended acts in Laylatul Qadr
Advice on how to make the most of Laylatul Qadr

What does Laylatul Qadr mean?

If we break down the meaning of Laylatul Qadr, we can begin to understand and appreciate the importance of this grand night.

“Laylatul” simply means “the night of…”

Worshipping Allah (swt) in the night is emphasised in the Holy Quran. In chapter 76, verse 2, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is tasked to spend a portion of the night in worship:

“Rise to pray in the night, except a little…”

Further down the chapter, in verse 6, the Quran states:

“Night prayer makes a deeper impression…”

Reflecting on these verses, it becomes clear that praying on any night can deepen our connection with Allah (swt).

“Qadr” in the context of Laylatul Qadr can mean two things:

Power: This interpretation highlights the spiritual significance of this night. Any worship or charity performed on this night weighs heavier than other nights.
Decree/Destiny: On Laylatul Qadr, Allah (swt) decides the fate of all creation. His decrees cover all aspects of one’s life, including health, wealth and other forms of sustenance (marriage, children, job opportunities and so on). Through spending this night in devotion, Muslims can have a say in their destiny.

Putting these two meanings together makes praying on the night of Qadr potentially life-changing.

The history and significance of Laylatul Qadr

The term “Laylatul Qadr” was first mentioned in the Holy Quran. An entire Surah named “Qadr” was revealed to the Prophet during his time in Mecca before he migrated to Medina.

The entire phrase “Laylatul Qadr” is mentioned in the first verse of this chapter:

“Surely, We revealed it on the Grand Night (Laylatul Qadr).”

It is unanimously accepted that the Holy Quran was revealed on the grand night, which is why the night is so rich in spirituality.

The Quran being revealed on this night is also referenced elsewhere. There is an almost identical verse in chapter 44:

“Surely, We revealed it on a blessed night.”

Although the Quran was revealed to the Prophet over the course of two decades, some commentators of the Quran say the entire Quran was sent to the Prophet on this night (either in the form of words or its spirit/essence).

Therefore, Laylatul Qadr is also a time for celebration as it marks the arrival of the final guidance for Muslims.

Why Laylatul Qadr is important to Muslims

Apart from what we have already mentioned, the secret to why Laylatul Qadr is important to Muslims lies in verse three of Surah Qadr:

“The grand night is better than a thousand months.”

A thousand months equals a little over 83 years (the average human life span).

As a result, there are two implications of this verse:

Things that could influence/affect the rest of your life are decided on this night.
Every act of worship you do on this night is multiplied by a thousand months.

It is this second reason why Muslims hold this night so dearly–because they can do a lifetime’s worth of worship in one night.

To put it into context: If someone gives £50 in charity on Laylatul Qadr, it’s as if they’ve donated £50 daily for the next 83 years!

Nobody knows when they pass on to the afterlife. Therefore, Muslims spend this night striving to maximise their devotion to Allah (swt).

Recommended acts on Laylatul Qadr

There are numerous acts recommended for this night. Some of the most common include:

A ritual bath

A ritual bath, or ghusl, should be one of the first things performed this night. This bath must be done to seek nearness to Allah (swt) and with the hope it will shed all sins performed in one’s life.

Seeking forgiveness

Allah’s (swt) mercy is available at any time of the year. However, Laylatul Qadr is the chance to have your entire slate of misdeeds wiped out. Forgiveness should be sought intentionally. This can be done by thinking of the mistakes while repenting and feeling genuine remorse.

Recitation of the Quran

As it was the night the Quran was revealed, reciting its holy verses is especially recommended. The Quran has layers and layers of meanings to uncover, and this spiritually charged night is your golden opportunity to dive deeper and increase your understanding of the holy book.

Express gratitude

Sometimes, we make so many requests to Allah (swt) that we don’t take a moment to thank Him for what we already have. Take some time to express gratitude to Allah (swt) in your own way. For example, you could perform a lengthy prostration of gratitude.

Recite supplications

Recite as many supplications as you can. These can be formal supplications found in books dedicated to supplications or say something in your own words. Besides supplicating for forgiveness and gratitude, consider praying for your loved ones, the oppressed and the dearly departed.

Donate to charity

Any charity performed on Laylatul Qadr will come back to you manifold. In addition to multiplying your donations by 83 years, charity attracts sustenance and keeps calamities and tragedies at bay–while immensely benefitting the beneficiary.

Consider:

Donating toward the upkeep and well-being of orphaned children. The importance of looking after orphaned children is frequently mentioned in the Quran.
Start a Sadaqa Jariya either in your name or the name of a deceased loved one. The deceased have no method of adding to their good deeds. Thus, beginning a Sadaqa Jariya in their name is a great way to continue filling their pot of good deeds.

Advice on how to make the most of Laylatul Qadr

Laylatul Qadr only comes once every lunar year. Understandably, you may feel pressure to make the most of the night.

We recommend the following:

Have a light iftar

Overeating or eating heavy foods can make us feel drowsy and fatigued, which directly impacts our ability to recite and engage in acts of worship. Consider a light iftar that maintains good energy levels without bringing on fatigue.

Keep hydrated

Water is your best friend! You will recite more of the Quran and supplications than on normal days. Water will stop your throat from drying out and maintain good energy levels.

Understand your recitations

It’s recommended that everything be recited in Arabic. If you know how to read Arabic but don’t understand its meaning, consider having English translations nearby so you know what you are saying. This makes your recitations more meaningful and powerful.

If you don’t know Arabic, recite everything in English.

Focus on quality over quantity

So many more things are recommended on Laylatul Qadr (beyond what we mentioned). While getting through all the acts is tempting to feel a sense of accomplishment, you will benefit the most by deeply focusing on a selected few.

Book annual leave

Those in Australia are fortunate to have Laylatul Qadr fall on Easter weekend in 2024. However, the 23rd of Ramadan (the night most emphasised) is on a weekday. With one of the recommendations being staying awake all night, consider booking annual leave the next day–that way you can maxmise the benefits without worrying about having to wake up early for work the next day.

Make lists

Prepare for the night as much as you can through lists. You can make a list for:

The things you want to show gratitude for on the night
The things you want to ask forgiveness for
The specific acts you want to do

Being prepared as possible sets you up for a blissful Night of Power.

One of the other things you can prepare for is your charitable acts. Namely, you can choose a trustworthy charity in advance of the night.

And we warmly invite you to consider Al-Ayn.

When you donate to Al-Ayn, you are supporting vital initiatives that bring hope and essential aid to orphaned children in need.

By choosing to give on Laylatul Qadr, you maximise the spiritual rewards for yourself and extend a lifeline of support to those who rely on your contributions.