The dua for Laylat al-Qadr
The request for pardon the Prophet ﷺ taught ‘A’ishah for the Night of Decree.
The dua for Laylat al-Qadr is a short request for pardon: you address Allah, the One who erases sins and loves to pardon, and ask Him to pardon you. The Prophet ﷺ taught it to ‘A’ishah when she asked him what to say on that night. It comes from Sunan Ibn Majah, graded authentic.
What to say
اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي
Allâhumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbu l-'afwa fa-'fu 'annî
O Allah, You are the One who pardons and You love pardon, so pardon me.
| Source | Sunan Ibn Majah 3850 |
|---|---|
| Grade | sahih (authentic) |
| Graded by | al-Albani |
| Repetitions | once |
When to say it
During the last ten nights of Ramadan, especially the odd nights, in the night prayer or outside it.
You can repeat it as much as you like; the Laylat al-Qadr page explains the night itself.
ʿA’ishah asked the Prophet ﷺ what to say if she found the Night of Decree, and he taught her this request for pardon.
Frequently asked questions
What is the dua for the Night of Decree?
The one on this page, which the Prophet ﷺ taught ‘A’ishah, according to Sunan Ibn Majah.
Can I say other duas that night?
Yes: any permissible supplication. This is the only one the hadith ties to that night.
Should it be said in Arabic?
It is better when you can; the transliteration is there to learn it. Its translation helps you say it from the heart.
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