While the 27th night is the most likely to be Laylat al-Qadr according to many ahadith, it is not fixed to this night every year. The correct view is that it moves among the odd nights of the last ten days (21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, and 29th). Therefore, limiting worship only to the 27th carries the risk of missing this blessed night entirely. The Sunnah is to strive in worship during all of the last ten nights.
Praise be to Allah, and blessings and peace be upon the Messenger of Allah.
It is a common misconception among some Muslims to treat the 27th night of Ramadan as the definitive night of Laylat al-Qadr (The Night of Decree), engaging in worship solely on this night while neglecting the others. This approach contradicts the guidance of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and the understanding of the Salaf (pious predecessors).
There is strong evidence indicating that the 27th night is the most hopeful of nights.
It is recorded in Sahih Muslim that Ubayy ibn Ka’b (may Allah be pleased with him) swore by Allah that it was the twenty-seventh night. He stated:
Because of such narrations, many scholars hold that the 27th is the most probable night. However, "most probable" does not mean "certain" or "fixed."
The majority of scholars, including Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah and Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymin (may Allah have mercy on them), hold the view that Laylat al-Qadr moves and is not fixed to a single night every year. It can occur on the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th.
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:
Al-Bukhari and Muslim narrated from ‘Aishah (رضي الله عنها) that when the last ten days of Ramadan came, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ would "stay up at night, wake his family up, and tighten his waist wrapper" (indicating striving hard in worship and abstaining from marital relations).
Restricting worship to the 27th night is risky. If Laylat al-Qadr falls on the 21st, 23rd, or 25th in a given year, the one who only worshipped on the 27th has missed the night entirely.
Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allah have mercy on him) stated: "It moves among the last ten nights... Just as Allah concealed the hour of death, He concealed the Night of Decree so that people would strive in worship."
To ensure one catches Laylat al-Qadr, one must strive in all the last ten nights. The highest chance of attaining it is for those who observe I’tikaf (seclusion in the mosque), as this ensures the person is in a state of constant worship during these nights.
Recommended Acts of Worship:
Qiyam (Night Prayer): The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) 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).
Dua (Supplication): The best supplication is what the Prophet taught ‘Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her):
It is not permissible to invent celebrations, festivals, or specific rituals for the 27th night (or any other night) that have no basis in the Sunnah.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
The guidance of the Prophet was to pray, read Quran, and make dua—not to hold parties, distribute specific foods, or gather for innovations.
And Allah knows best.