For Dawoodi Bohras, Lailatul Qadr (the 23rd night of Ramadan) is the pinnacle of the holy month, observed with intensive worship called that lasts from sunset until dawn 1. Niyat (Intention) for the Main Namaz The night begins with the 20-rakat Lailatul Qadr namaz, performed in sets of two. The Niyat:
"Usalli salaata haazihil laylatil mubaarakatis shareefati Lailatil Qadri ishreena rak'atan lillahi Azza wa Jalla adaa'an mustaqbilal Ka'batil Haraame Allahu Akbar" Gaal Lotaawanu (Offering):
Between each set of two rakats, it is a unique Bohra tradition to perform a
40 times on the right and 40 times on the left to "gift" the prayer to Rasulullah SA and Maulatuna Fatema SA 2. Core Nightly Prayers (Amal) After the main 20 rakats, the
includes specific sets of prayers (nawafil) with varied benefits: Wasila & Waaz: Believers listen to the (intercession) and
(sermon) by the Syedna or his representative, reflecting on the martyrdom of Imam Ali SA and the virtues of the night Tahajjud & Bihori: In the later part of the night, special prayers are offered, which include specific for seeking forgiveness, health, and prosperity Heartfelt poetic supplications (
) are recited, often broadcast live for the community to join in 3. Recommended Recitations & Dhikr Throughout the night, the following are emphasized:
For the Dawoodi Bohra community, Lailatul Qadr (the 23rd night of Ramadan) is not just a night of prayer, but the spiritual peak of the year where the fate of the world for the coming year is written misbah.info . It is deeply associated with Maulatuna Fatema
, symbolizing the "Night" mentioned in the Quran as being "greater than a thousand months" Fatemi Dawat Spiritual Significance & Timing
While many traditions seek the night throughout the last ten days, Dawoodi Bohras specifically observe it on the 23rd night of Ramadan The Destiny Night: It is believed that on this night, angels and the
descend to earth to decree matters of life, provision, and death for the following year MeeM Academia Maulatuna Fatema:
The night is spiritually linked to Maulatuna Fatema; just as she is the source of the Imams, the night is the source of all blessings Fatemi Dawat The Night's Amal (Rituals) The night is spent in continuous (worship) from Maghrib until the break of dawn Fatemi Dawat Lailatul Qadr Namaz (20 Rakats): A central part of the night is the performance of of voluntary prayer Fatemi Dawat Niyyah (Intention):
"I pray the namaz of this blessed and noble night, Lailatul Qadr, 20 rakats for Allah, facing the Kaaba" Fatemi Dawat Gaal Lotaawanu (Gift to the Prophet): After these prayers, a specific
is performed 40 times on the right and 40 times on the left to "gift" the prayers to Rasulullah and Maulatuna Fatema, beseeching their acceptance Fatemi Dawat Washeq Namaz:
Additional prayers, often totaling 24 rakats (Bihori prayers), are performed alongside specific Fatemi Dawat Nisful-Layl: dawoodi bohra lailatul qadr namaz
This refers to the midnight prayer and supplication. It is critical to perform this before its time lapses, even if other prayers or are still in progress Fatemi Dawat Key Components of Worship Listening to the
(intercession) by the Dai-al-Mutlaq or his representatives is a core communal experience Fatemi Dawat
Heartfelt, poetic supplications that express deep repentance and hope for mercy Fatemi Dawat Quran Recitation:
Reflecting on the revelation of the Quran, specifically Surah Al-Qadr and Surah Al-Alaq MeeM Academia Charity & Roza:
Giving charity is highly encouraged, and it is a tradition for many, including children, to fast the following day Fatemi Dawat For more specific guides on the prayers, you can visit the Official Fatemi Dawat website for detailed Lailatul Qadr Amal instructions Fatemi Dawat full Arabic text and translation for the Lailatul Qadr Niyyah or specific Bihori Tasbeehs? Lailatul Qadr - Fatemi Dawat
For members of the Dawoodi Bohra community, Lailatul Qadr (the Night of Power) is the pinnacle of spiritual exertion during the holy month of Ramadan. Falling specifically on the 23rd night of Ramadan, this night is considered better than a thousand months of worship. In 2026, the 23rd night is expected to begin on the evening of Wednesday, March 11, 2026. The Spiritual Significance of the 23rd Night
While many Muslim traditions seek Lailatul Qadr across the last ten odd nights, Dawoodi Bohras, following the Fatimi tradition, observe it with certainty on the 23rd night. It is believed that on the 19th night, the destiny for the coming year is prioritized; on the 21st, it is further separated; and on the 23rd night, it is signed and made certain. Dawoodi Bohra Lailatul Qadr Namaz Procedure
The night is marked by Ihya ul-Layl (staying awake for worship), which involves a structured sequence of prayers (Washeq) and supplications. 1. Obligatory & Preliminary Prayers
The night begins with the Maghrib and Isha prayers, typically followed by the Sunnat and Naafelat. A specific prayer called Daf’il Aafaat (to ward off calamities) is also commonly performed at this time. 2. Washeq Namaz
The most distinct feature of the night is the Washeq—voluntary (Nafila) prayers performed in sets of two rak'ats (one salaam).
Structure: On the 23rd night, the community often performs 24 rak’ats (12 salaams) of washeq.
Recitation: These are often prayed with "charhti surat" (ascending order), such as starting with shorter surahs like Al-Nas or Al-Falaq.
Purpose: These prayers are a means of seeking forgiveness and requesting Hasanat (goodness) in both this world and the hereafter. 3. Sajada Wajhi & Doas
Following the washeq, specialized supplications are recited, including the Sajada Wajhi Doa. The night also includes the recitation of Surah al-Ankabut, Surah al-Rum, and Surah al-Dukhan, as practiced in the wider Shi'a tradition. Lailatul Qadr - Fatemi Dawat For Dawoodi Bohras, Lailatul Qadr (the 23rd night
For Dawoodi Bohras, Lailatul Qadr is a night of profound spiritual intensity, marked by congregational worship (Amal) that lasts from sunset until the break of dawn. This "Night of Power" is observed with specific rituals and prayers aimed at seeking forgiveness and divine blessings. Lailatul Qadr Namaz & Rituals
The night’s worship is highly structured and typically includes the following sequences:
Maghrib & Isha Prayers: The evening begins with the standard Maghrib Faraz and Sunnat prayers. After a break for iftaar and dinner (jaman), the community gathers again for the Isha prayer and associated Sunnat and Nafilat.
Washeq Namaz: A central feature of the night is the 20 rak’at Washeq namaz. In each rak'at, worshippers recite Surah Al-Hamd followed by Surah Inna Anzalnaho (Al-Qadr). Specific Surahs
: During these lengthy prayers, it is common to recite specific chapters from the Quran, particularly Surah Al-Qadr , which describes the night’s significance.
Heartfelt Supplications (Munajaat): The spiritual head of the community, the Dai-al-Mutlaq, often writes a special Munajaat (paternal prayer of supplication) to commemorate the night, which is recited by the congregation.
Amal & Dua: Throughout the night, various Duas (supplications) are recited. A prominent prayer is the seek for forgiveness: "Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibbul ‘afwa fa’fu ‘anni" (O Allah, You are the Forgiver and You like forgiving, so forgive me). Observance and Guidance
The community relies on resources like the Fatemi Dawat website and dedicated apps (e.g., the N&D App) for precise prayer times and the specific order of the night's Amal. These prayers are often led by the community's leadership at major sites like the Mazaar-e-Qutbi Complex. Lailatul Qadr Munajaat 1445H Fehwa Bayaan - Live Broadcast
Lailatul Qadr, often referred to as the "Night of Power," holds immense spiritual weight within the Dawoodi Bohra community. Described in the Quran as being "better than a thousand months," this night is believed to be when the first verses of the Holy Quran were revealed to Prophet Muhammad. For Dawoodi Bohras, the night is also deeply associated with Maulatuna Fatema SA, and it is a time for intense devotion, repentance, and seeking divine blessings.
The community observes Lailatul Qadr primarily on the 23rd night of Ramadan, spending the entire duration from sunset to dawn in congregational and individual prayers. The Core Rituals of Lailatul Qadr Namaz
The observation of Lailatul Qadr is structured around a series of specific prayers (namaz) and supplications (amal) designed to maximize spiritual gain. 1. Evening Prayers (Maghrib and Isha)
The night begins with the Maghrib Faraz and Sunnat prayers. After breaking the fast with iftaar, believers return for the Isha prayers. In Dawoodi Bohra masjids, this is often followed by the Nafila (voluntary) prayers, which set the tone for the night's extended worship. 2. Special Lailatul Qadr Nafilat
A central part of the night is the performance of numerous sets of two-rakat nafilat prayers. While the exact number of rakats can vary based on individual capability, the focus is on sincerity and devotion.
Recitations: In these prayers, it is common to recite Surah Al-Fatiha followed by Surah Al-Qadr or other specific chapters from the Quran. Theological Context: Why the 23rd Night
Purpose: These prayers are a means of seeking forgiveness and drawing closer to Allah during the hours when His mercy is most abundant. 3. Bihori Namaz (Late Night Prayers) Lailatul Qadr - Fatemi Dawat
Here is generated text related to Dawoodi Bohra Lailatul Qadr Namaz, organized into a guide format suitable for community newsletters, informational brochures, or personal reference.
Before the Namaz, one must understand the date. While many Muslims focus on the 27th night of Ramadan, the Dawoodi Bohra tradition (following the Fatimi Ismaili Imamate) firmly anchors Lailatul Qadr to the 23rd night of Ramadan.
This isn't arbitrary. The tradition traces back to the Ahl al-Bayt (the family of the Prophet Muhammad SAW). Bohras believe that the exact night was disclosed by the Imams (specifically Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq AS) as the 23rd. Consequently, the Namaz performed on this night holds the reward of "more than a thousand months" (Quran, Surah Al-Qadr: 3).
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.
A highlight of the night is the Waqeelo Bayaan or the early morning sermon delivered by a Shahzada (prince) or a high-ranking Amil. This discourse connects the community to the teachings of the 52nd Dai, Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin, and the current 53rd Dai, Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin. The sermon reinforces the importance of allegiance (Walayat) and the esoteric meanings of the Quran.
Unlike the optional Taraweeh prayers found in Sunni traditions or the silent personal prayers of other sects, the Dawoodi Bohra Lailatul Qadr Namaz is specific, lengthy, and communal. It is broken into three distinct segments.
Google data shows many searchers confuse the Bohra practice with general Islamic advice. Here are three pitfalls:
As the crescent moon of Ramadan wanes and the final ten nights descend upon the Ummah, a specific spiritual frenzy grips believers worldwide. For the Dawoodi Bohra community—a sect of Fatimi Ismaili Tayyabi Muslims—the search for Lailatul Qadr (The Night of Power) is not merely a recommendation but the culmination of a year’s worth of spiritual striving. However, the way a Dawoodi Bohra observes this night, particularly the Namaz (Salaat), carries unique theological weight, specific physical rituals, and a distinct philosophical framework that separates it from mainstream Sunni or other Shia practices.
If you have ever walked through the bustling lanes of Mumbai’s Bhendi Bazaar, Surat, or Karachi’s Bohra quarters during the 21st or 23rd night of Ramadan, you have witnessed the silent, disciplined procession of men in white kurta-pajamas and women in colorful rida heading to the Masjid or Markaz. They are not just going to pray; they are going to perform the Qiyam-ul-Lail—a specific, structured night vigil.
This article dissects the Dawoodi Bohra Lailatul Qadr Namaz, exploring its timing, its unique niyyat (intention), the specific Surahs recited, and the historical secret behind the number 100.
This prayer is performed exactly like a standard Nafil prayer, but with specific recommendations for Surahs and Qunoot.
First Rak’at:
Second Rak’at:
Repeat: Repeat this cycle to complete 4 sets (8 Rak'ats total) or as many as you are able.