Khaberni - With the arrival of the night of the 27th of Ramadan in several countries, while it coincides with the 27th night of Ramadan in other countries on the following day due to the difference in the start of the Hijri month.
Millions of Muslims anticipate this blessed night which could be the Night of Decree, the greatest night of the year according to Islamic belief, as it is mentioned in the Quran where God Almighty says: "The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months".
The timing of the 27th night of Ramadan differs between countries
The difference in timing of the 27th night of Ramadan 2026 among Islamic countries is due to the different dates for sighting the Ramadan crescent at the beginning of the month, as some countries began fasting on a different day than others.
Therefore:
The 27th night of Ramadan is today in:
Saudi Arabia – Palestine – Kuwait – UAE – Qatar – Bahrain and a number of other Islamic countries.
The 27th night of Ramadan is tomorrow in:
Egypt – Jordan – Morocco – Algeria – Tunisia and some other countries.
This difference is a usual occurrence that repeats every year due to the varying sightings of the crescent moon between the countries.
Many scholars believe that the 27th night of Ramadan might coincide with the Night of Decree, based on some narratives from the companions, including the companion Ubayy ibn Ka'b who opined that the Night of Decree coincides with the 27th night.
However, scholars confirm that there is no definitive evidence that precisely determines the Night of Decree, as it is reported in the prophetic traditions from the Prophet Muhammad that the Night of Decree falls on the odd nights during the last ten nights of Ramadan.
According to reliable jurisprudential sources such as IslamWeb, the wisdom of not precisely determining the Night of Decree is to encourage Muslims to exert themselves in worship throughout the entirety of the last ten nights.
The merit of the Night of Decree in Islam
The Night of Decree is considered the greatest night in Islam, as worship during it equals worship of more than a thousand months, which exceeds 83 years.
It is narrated in the holy tradition:
"Whoever stands in prayer during the Night of Decree out of faith and accounting, all his previous sins will be forgiven".
Therefore, Muslims are eager on this night to increase their prayers, recitation of the Quran, supplication, and seeking forgiveness, in hopes of attaining forgiveness and mercy.
Signs of the Night of Decree as mentioned in the Sunnah
Scholars have mentioned several signs that may indicate the Night of Decree, among them are:
A peaceful night filled with tranquility and calm.
Moderate weather neither too hot nor too cold.
A feeling of comfort and serenity among the believers.
The sun rises in its morning without strong rays.
However, these signs are often recognized after the night is over, not beforehand.
The best deeds on the Night of Decree
Scholars advise making the most of this blessed night by engaging in acts of obedience, including:
Staying up all night and praying.
Reciting the Quran.
Engaging in abundant supplication and seeking forgiveness.
Charity and doing good deeds.
Retreating to mosques for seclusion.
Among the best supplications for this night, which the Prophet ﷺ taught to Aisha bint Abi Bakr when she asked what should be said if the Night of Decree is witnessed, is:
"O Allah, You are Forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me".
