Laylat al-Jaiza

Laylat al-Jaiza or Night of Rewards is the night preceding the Eid al-Fitr. It has particular significance with the month of Ramadan and is to earn rewards for all the fasts and good deeds in this month. It is considered as a blessed night for Muslims. Muslims believe that on this night, the gates of heaven are open and the blessings of God are abundant. As such, they engage in various acts of worship such as performing additional voluntary prayers, reciting the Quran, seeking forgiveness from God, and making supplications for blessings and mercy.

It is believed that Laylat al-Jaiza is one of the five nights during which prayers and supplications are not rejected. ^[1] This is why Muslims make the most of this night by engaging in acts of worship, hoping to earn rewards from God for their efforts during the month of Ramadan. To benefit from this night muslim should spend it performing good acts of worships and making prayer to God.^[2] The Islamic prophet Muhammad set an example for Muslims by spending this night in prayer and supplication. He would perform nafl prayers, which are optional prayers, recite the Quran, and seek forgiveness from God. He would also perform the Tahajjud prayers, which are optional prayers recommended to be performed in the later hours of the night.^[3] Laylat al-Jaiza is a significant night and it is an opportunity for them to gain rewards and blessings from God for their efforts during the month of Ramadan. It is a time for reflection, self-improvement, and seeking forgiveness from God, and Muslims strive to make the most of this night through acts of worship and supplication.^[4][5]

Imam Sadiq is of the view that forgiveness and salvation descends on the fasting person on this night and not on the night of power. ^[6]

Muhammad is reported to have said in a hadith in Sunan ibn Maja:^[7]

Whoever stands up (in worship) in the nights preceding the two Eids expecting rewards from his Lord, his heart will not die when the other hearts will die.