Lailatul Qadr in the Dawoodi Bohra tradition is a symphony of movement ( namaz ), breath ( wazeefa ), and intention ( niyyat ). The 100 Rak'ats are not just a number; they are a journey—a physical manifestation of the 100 blessings descending upon the earth.
The Lailatul Qadr namaz, also known as the "Qiyam-ul-Layali" prayer, is a special prayer performed by Dawoodi Bohras on the night of Lailatul Qadr. This prayer is an essential part of the Dawoodi Bohra observance of Lailatul Qadr and is performed in congregation at mosques and community centers.
Lailatul Qadr serves as a time for both communal bonding and deep personal introspection. Atonement and Amends
At its core, the night is about seeking maghfirah (forgiveness). It is a time to repent of sins and to pray that all negativity and evil are swept away from one’s life. For many, it is the night to learn the lesson of good and purity. The dua specifically taught for this night is a plea for forgiveness: "Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun, tuhibbul-'afwa, fa'fu 'anni" (Oh Allah, You are most forgiving, and You love forgiveness, so forgive me). dawoodi bohra lailatul qadr namaz
These are not performed individually. The congregation follows the Imam (local religious leader) in sets of two Rak’ats, repeated 50 times. This takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.
The most distinct feature of the night is the —voluntary (Nafila) prayers performed in sets of two rak'ats (one salaam).
of the month. Unlike the broader practice of seeking the night among the last ten odd nights, Dawoodi Bohras hold a firm conviction that this 23rd night is the definitive "Night of Power" mentioned in the Quran as being "greater than a thousand months". The Ritual Structure of the Night The night is characterized by Ihya ul-Layl Lailatul Qadr in the Dawoodi Bohra tradition is
Lailatul Qadr (the Night of Power) is the most sacred night of the Islamic calendar for the Dawoodi Bohra community. Falling within the last ten days of Ramadan, this night is revered as a time of immense blessings, spiritual reflection, and intensive prayer. For Dawoodi Bohras, the observation of this night involves a highly structured sequence of prayers (Namaz), supplications (Doas), and community gatherings, guided by the teachings of the Fatimid Imams and the Syedna (the spiritual leader).
Voluntary prayers intended to make up for any shortcomings in obligatory prayers.
For a Dawoodi Bohra, the 23rd night is the "Crown of Ramadan." The Namaz offered in the congregation ( Jamaat ) under the leadership of a Shaher (local religious authority) or Aamil (priest) is considered the most powerful act of the lunar year. This prayer is an essential part of the
Additionally, giving Zakat (obligatory charity) and Sadaqah (voluntary charity) is highly emphasized during this night, as rewards for good deeds are multiplied exponentially.
Community members wear clean, freshly pressed Libas al-Anwar (the traditional white clothing worn by Dawoodi Bohras) to maintain uniformity, purity, and humility in the mosque.
: A central theme is seeking Maghfirat (pardon) for sins. The community focuses on the powerful supplication: "Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul-'afwa fa'fu 'anni" (O Allah, You are All-Forgiving, You love to forgive, so forgive me). Community & Family Traditions
Lailatul Qadr is a night in the last ten days of Ramadan, which is believed to be the night when the Holy Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) by the Angel Jibrael. This event marks the beginning of the prophethood of Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the revelation of the Quran. The exact date of Lailatul Qadr is not known, but it is believed to occur on one of the odd-numbered nights in the last ten days of Ramadan, i.e., 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th.
In the days leading up to Lailatul Qadr, Dawoodi Bohras prepare themselves spiritually and physically for the special prayer. They engage in various acts of worship, such as:
