Is the night of power (laylat al-qadr) fixed?
The question of whether Laylat al-Qadr, or the Night of Power, is fixed is addressed differently in Sunni and Shia traditions.
In Sunni sources, it is generally understood that Laylat al-Qadr occurs in the last ten nights of Ramadan, specifically on odd-numbered nights, although no precise date is definitively established. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ instructed: Seek it in the last seven nights.
Sahih al-Bukhari 91:10 This guidance suggests an emphasis on striving for worship during this period rather than focusing solely on a fixed date.
In Shia traditions, there is a belief that Laylat al-Qadr occurs every year. The Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (peace be upon him), stated: Indeed, Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power) occurs every year, and on that night the command for the year is sent down. For that command, there are authorities after the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him and his family).
Al-Kafi 4:970 This narration indicates a belief in its annual occurrence along with the notion that specific authorities are involved in the decrees issued on this night.
Thus, while Sunni traditions emphasize the search for the night within the last ten nights of Ramadan without a fixed date, Shia traditions assert an annual recurrence of Laylat al-Qadr.
Sources
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Sahih al-Bukhari 91:10
Sahih al-Bukhari · Book 91, Hadith 10 · Narrated by Ibn Umar
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said regarding the Night of Decree (Laylat al-Qadr): "Seek it in the last seven nights." Some people said they saw it in the last ten nights, while others said in the last seven. The Prophet directed to seek it specifically in the last seven nights.
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Al-Kafi 4:970
Al-Kafi · Book 4, Hadith 970 · Narrated by Abu Ja'far al-Sadiq (peace be upon him)
The Commander of the Faithful (peace be upon him) said to Ibn Abbas: "Indeed, Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power) occurs every year, and on that night the command for the year is sent down. For that command, there are authorities after the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him and his family)." Ibn Abbas asked, "Who are they?" He replied, "I am one of them, along with eleven Imams from my descendants, who are divinely inspired."
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