: Prostrations where specific Duas (supplications) are recited repeatedly, often praising the attributes of Allah and seeking the intercession of the Ahl al-Bayt (the Prophet's family).
Start by offering the Maghrib prayer, followed by Iftar, according to Fatemi Dawat instructions .
I will cite sources such as the Bohra Corner, Times of India, Udaipur Times, Alchetron, Islamhelpline, and the official Dawoodi Bohra website.aylat al-Qadr, the "Night of Power" or "Night of Destiny," is the holiest night in the Islamic calendar. It commemorates the night the first verses of the Holy Qur’an were revealed to Prophet Muhammad (SAW) by the Angel Jibril. For Muslims worldwide, this is a night of immense blessings, mercy, and forgiveness, where worship is considered better than a thousand months of devotion. Within this broader Islamic framework, the Dawoodi Bohra community—a denomination of the Musta‘lī Ismaili Shia branch of Islam—observes this sacred night with its own unique and deeply profound traditions, prayers, and communal rituals. This article explores the Dawoodi Bohra observance of Laylatul Qadr, with a special focus on the specific "namaz" (prayers) and practices that define this blessed night for the community.
In Fatemi philosophy, Lailatul Qadr is a night of immense cosmic and spiritual grace. It marks the revelation of the Holy Qur'an and is symbolically linked to Maulatuna Fatema az-Zahra AS, the daughter of Prophet Muhammad SA.
📿 The night is spent in humility, weeping, and asking for maghfirah (forgiveness) and barakah – seeking closeness to Allah and the intercession of the Imam uz-Zaman .
A light pre-dawn meal ( Sehri ) is served to the congregants within the Masjid complex to prepare them for the upcoming day's fast.
The spiritual ambiance is complemented by a vibrant physical setting. Mosques ( masjid ) are beautifully decorated and brightly illuminated for the occasion. Members of the congregation sit together in the mosque, often in groups, reciting the Holy Qur'an and offering their prayers in a spirit of brotherhood and sisterhood.
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).
Between each set of two rakats, it is a unique Bohra tradition to perform a
For Dawoodi Bohras, Lailatul Qadr is the most sacred night of Ramadan, dedicated to intensive prayer ( Ibadat ), supplication, and seeking forgiveness. The night's observance typically begins after Maghrib and Isha prayers and continues until the break of dawn. Recommended Lailatul Qadr Prayers
The community gathers in local masjids (mosques) or community centers ( markaz ) to spend the entire night in worship, a practice known as ihya (keeping vigil). The Structure of Lailatul Qadr Namaz
Seeking Allah's pardon for all sins.
In recent years, particularly during global disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic, the community adapted. When mosques were closed, families celebrated Lailatul Qadr at home using online videos and recorded prayers. Senior community members guided families to use televisions and mobile devices to access recorded sermons and religious videos to ensure they could still take advantage of the holy teachings.
The Lailatul Qadr night is enriched by the recitation of profound duas from the Sahifat-e-Kamilah (prayers of Imam Zainul Abideen) or those specific to the Fatemi tradition.