Section: How should we observe Laylat al-Qadr and when is it?

Firstly: The Messenger of Allaah (ﷺ) used to strive hard in worship during the last ten days of Ramadaan as he never did at any other time, praying, reading Qur’aan and making dua. Al-Bukhaari and Muslim narrated from ‘Aa’ishah (RA) that when the last ten days of Ramadaan came, the Prophet (ﷺ) would stay up at night and would wake his family up, and would abstain from marital relations. Ahmad and Muslim narrated that he used to used to strive hard in worship during the last ten days of Ramadaan as he never did at any other time.Secondly:The Prophet (ﷺ) enjoined staying up and praying on Laylat al-Qadr out of faith and in the hope of reward. It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (RA) that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Whoever stays up and prays on Laylat al-Qadr out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.” Agreed upon. This hadeeth indicates that it is prescribed to observe Laylat al-Qadr by spending the night in prayer.Thirdly: One of the best duas that may be recited on Laylat al-Qadr is that which the Prophet (ﷺ) taught to ‘Aa’ishah (RA). Al-Tirmidhi narrated, and classed the report as saheeh, that ‘Aa’ishah said: “I said, ‘O Messenger of Allaah, if I know which night is Laylat al-Qadr, what should I say on that night?’ He said, ‘Say:اَللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّيTransliteration: Allaahumma innaka `Afuwwun, tu'hibbul-`afwa fa`fu `annī.Translation: O Allah, indeed You are Pardoning [Generous], You love pardon, so pardon me. [Sahih (Albani). Tirmidhi: 3513]Fourthly:With regard to specifying which night of Ramadaan is Laylat al-Qadr, this needs specific evidence, but the odd-numbered nights during the last ten nights are more likely than others, and the night of the twenty-seventh is the most likely to be Laylat al-Qadr, because that is mentioned in the ahaadeeth.Fifthly:With regard to innovations, they are not permissible during Ramadaan or at other times. It was proven that the Messenger of Allaah (ﷺ) said: “Whoever innovates anything in this matter of ours that is not part of it will have it rejected.” According to another report, “Whoever does any action that is not part of this matter of ours will have it rejected.”We know of no basis for the celebrations that are held during some nights of Ramadaan. The best of guidance is the guidance of Muhammad (ﷺ) and the worst of matters are those which are innovated (bid’ah). And Allaah is the Source of strength. May Allaah send blessings and peace upon our Prophet Muhammad and his family and companions.