# Laylatul Qadr: Last Ten Nights in Makkah or Madinah

Source: https://umrahgateway.co.uk/blog/laylatul-qadr-last-ten-nights/

Category: Umrah Guide. Published 2026-10-22, updated 2026-10-22.

How to seek Laylatul Qadr in the last ten nights of Ramadan in Makkah or Madinah: its virtues, the key dua, itikaf, and planning around crowds and hotels.

**Quick answer:** Laylatul Qadr, the Night of Decree, is better than a thousand months and falls in the last ten nights of Ramadan, most likely on an odd night. Spending those nights in Makkah or Madinah lets you pray Taraweeh and Qiyam in the two Holy Mosques, but they are the busiest nights of the year, so book early, stay close to the Haram and plan your rest. The key dua is _Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa'fu 'anni_.

For many British Muslims, spending the last ten nights of Ramadan in the Haram is a lifelong goal. It is also the most demanding time to travel, with record crowds, high hotel prices and long nights. This guide covers the virtues of these nights and the practical planning that helps you make the most of them.

## What is Laylatul Qadr?

Laylatul Qadr is the night on which the Qur'an was first sent down. Allah dedicated a whole surah to it, Surah al-Qadr, describing it as "better than a thousand months", a night when the angels and the Spirit descend, and a night of peace until the break of dawn.

A thousand months is more than 83 years. Worship on this one night is worth more than a lifetime of worship, which is why the Prophet ﷺ and his companions treated the last ten nights so seriously.

## Which night is Laylatul Qadr?

The exact night is not known. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Seek it in the odd nights of the last ten of Ramadan" (Bukhari). Those are the nights before the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th and 29th days. Many people focus on the 27th night, and some scholars considered it the most likely, but the safest approach is to give every one of the ten nights your best.

Remember that Islamic nights begin at sunset. The "27th night" is the night that starts at Maghrib at the end of the 26th fast. Ramadan dates also depend on moon sighting, and the start date in Saudi Arabia can differ from your local mosque in the UK, so count from the Saudi calendar while you are there.

The Prophet ﷺ described some signs, such as the sun rising the next morning without strong rays (Muslim). These are noticed afterwards, though, and are not a reason to slow down on any night.

## What are the virtues of the last ten nights?

- **Forgiveness:** "Whoever stands in prayer on Laylatul Qadr out of faith and hoping for reward will have his previous sins forgiven" (Bukhari and Muslim).
- **The Prophet's ﷺ own example:** Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, reported that when the last ten began, he would tighten his waist wrap, stay awake at night and wake his family (Bukhari).
- **Umrah in Ramadan:** the Prophet ﷺ said that Umrah in Ramadan is equal in reward to Hajj (Bukhari). It does not replace the obligation of Hajj, but it is a huge reward.

If this will be your first Ramadan abroad, our [Ramadan Umrah guide](https://umrahgateway.co.uk/blog/ramadan-umrah-guide/) covers fasting, Taraweeh and daily routines in Makkah and Madinah.

## What dua should I make on Laylatul Qadr?

Aisha asked the Prophet ﷺ what she should say if she knew which night was Laylatul Qadr. He taught her (Tirmidhi):

_Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa'fu 'anni._

Meaning: "O Allah, You are the One who pardons, You love to pardon, so pardon me."

Repeat it often, in sujood, during Qiyam and in the quiet hours before Fajr. Beyond this, make long personal duas in your own language: for your parents, your children, your health, your community and anyone who asked you to remember them. Many pilgrims write a list before they leave home. Our page on [Umrah duas](https://umrahgateway.co.uk/blog/umrah-duas-and-talbiyah/) has more supplications to prepare.

## Can I do itikaf in Masjid al-Haram or Masjid an-Nabawi?

Itikaf means staying in the mosque for worship, and the Prophet ﷺ performed it in the last ten days of Ramadan every year. Spending these days in itikaf in one of the Two Holy Mosques is a dream for many.

In recent years both mosques have run an official registration process for itikaf, with limited places, set areas and conditions. Arrangements change from year to year, so check the current process well before Ramadan and do not assume you can simply stay inside. Scholars also differ on the minimum length of itikaf, and many hold that even a short stay with the right intention counts, so ask a scholar if you cannot commit to all ten days.

If you are not doing formal itikaf, you can still follow its spirit: arrive early, stay between prayers, read Qur'an and limit phone use and shopping.

## What is it like in the Haram on the last ten nights?

Expect the most crowded nights of the year. A typical night looks like this:

- **Iftar** at Maghrib, often on dates and Zamzam laid out in the mosque.
- **Isha and Taraweeh**, with the imams reciting through the Qur'an across the month.
- **A break** to rest or eat.
- **Qiyam (Tahajjud)** in the later part of the night, often with long, moving recitation and qunut.
- **Suhoor**, then Fajr.

On the busiest nights, especially the 27th and the night of the Khatm (the completion of the Qur'an), the mosque and surrounding streets fill hours before Isha. Gates close once areas are full, and many people end up praying in the plazas and roads outside. Roads near the Haram are often closed to traffic, so taxis may drop you some distance away.

## How do I plan the last ten nights in Makkah or Madinah?

### Book early

Hotels near the Haram sell out early and prices are at their highest of the year. Some hotels also require a minimum stay covering the whole of the last ten days. Booking several months ahead gives you a real choice of hotels and flights. Our [last 10 days of Ramadan Umrah packages](https://umrahgateway.co.uk/last-10-days-ramadan-umrah-packages/) are designed around these dates, and prices are confirmed in your quote.

### Stay as close as you can afford

This is the one time of year when distance matters most. Being able to walk back to your room to rest between Taraweeh and Qiyam makes the difference between ten strong nights and exhaustion by the 25th. Read our guide to [Makkah Clock Tower hotels](https://umrahgateway.co.uk/blog/makkah-clock-tower-hotels/) if you are weighing up the closest options.

### Decide between Makkah and Madinah

Many pilgrims spend the last ten nights in Makkah for the Haram, then travel to Madinah for Eid or the days after. Others prefer Madinah's calmer atmosphere for itikaf and Qiyam. Both are beautiful; choose based on your energy and who you are travelling with.

### Look after your body

- Sleep in two blocks: after Fajr and after Dhuhr.
- Eat a proper meal at suhoor and drink Zamzam steadily between Maghrib and Fajr.
- Carry a small prayer mat, a light jacket for the air conditioning, and a pouch for your phone and hotel key card.
- Agree a meeting gate with family, as phone signal can drop in the crowds.

Our [Umrah health tips](https://umrahgateway.co.uk/blog/umrah-health-tips/) explain how to avoid the coughs and exhaustion that are common in these weeks.

### Check permits and entry rules

Performing Umrah currently requires a permit booked through the official Nusuk app, and slots fill fast in Ramadan. Visits to the Rawdah in Madinah are booked the same way and are hard to get in Ramadan. Rules change, so check the latest on [nusuk.sa](https://www.nusuk.sa/) or ask us when you book.

If you are hoping to spend the last ten nights in the Haram, it pays to start planning months ahead. You can browse our [Ramadan Umrah packages](https://umrahgateway.co.uk/ramadan-umrah-packages/) or speak to our team about dates, hotels and flights that suit your family.

**Related guides:** [Umrah Shopping Guide: What to Buy in Makkah and Madinah](https://umrahgateway.co.uk/blog/umrah-shopping-gift-guide/) · [Ziyarat Places in Makkah and Madinah: A Guide](https://umrahgateway.co.uk/blog/ziyarat-places-makkah-madinah/) · [How to Choose Umrah Hotels in Makkah and Madinah](https://umrahgateway.co.uk/blog/choosing-umrah-hotels-makkah-madinah/)

## Frequently asked questions

### Is Laylatul Qadr always on the 27th night?

No, the exact night is hidden. The Prophet ﷺ told us to seek it in the odd nights of the last ten, so it is best to worship hard on all ten nights and not rely on one.

### Can women seek Laylatul Qadr if they are not praying?

Yes. A woman on her period can still make dua, dhikr and istighfar, and gain the blessing of the night. Scholars differ on reading the Qur'an from memory in this state, so ask a scholar if you are unsure.

### Can I perform Umrah during the last ten nights?

Yes, and it carries the reward of Umrah in Ramadan. Expect very heavy crowds and plan it for a time of day when the Mataf is less full, such as late morning, and check the permit requirements first.

### When are the last ten nights of Ramadan in 2027?

Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin in early February, so the last ten nights would fall around late February to early March. Exact dates depend on the moon sighting in Saudi Arabia.

### Are prices higher for the last ten days of Ramadan?

Yes, this is the most expensive period of the year for Umrah. Hotels near the Haram charge peak rates and often require minimum stays, so booking early gives you better choice.

## Contact Umrah Gateway

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