Night of Power or Lailah al-Qadr in China

Night of Power, also known as Lailah al-Qadr (盖德尔夜), is one of the most sacred nights in Islam. Known as the “Night of Decree” or the “Honorable Night”, it occurs during Ramadan (斋月) and marks the first revelation of the Qur’an (古兰经) to the Prophet Muhammad (穆罕默德). In China, this night holds special significance among the Hui (回族), Dongxiang (东乡族), Salar (撒拉族), and Bonan (保安族) communities.

The Night of Power is characterized by solemn worship, Qur’anic recitation, and acts of charity. Unlike festive holidays, there is no celebration or entertainment; the night emphasizes spiritual devotion, prayer, and forgiveness.

Origins and Religious Significance

Qur’anic Basis

The Qur’an (古兰经), in Chapter 97 (Al-Qadr, 盖德尔章), states that this night surpasses one thousand months in spiritual reward. According to Islamic tradition:

• This is the night Allah (真主) began revealing the Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad (穆罕默德) through the angel Gabriel (天使哲布勒伊) in 610 CE in Mecca (麦加).
• The night represents the beginning of the Islamic faith, spiritual purification, and divine forgiveness.
• Actions performed on this night, including prayer, recitation, and charity, are believed to receive rewards a thousand times greater than usual.

Local Significance for the Hui Community

In China, the Hui (回族) have integrated the Night of Power deeply into their cultural and spiritual life, emphasizing four main principles:

1. Gratitude for the Qur’an – Remembering divine guidance and strengthening faith.
2. Intense Repentance – Seeking forgiveness for past sins and protection for the year ahead.
3. Enhanced Worship – Performing overnight prayers, Qur’an recitation, and charity to maximize blessings.
4. Community Cohesion – Gathering at mosques (清真寺) strengthens religious unity and preserves cultural traditions.

Typical Observances in China

Nationwide Core Rituals

Purification and Fasting

On the 27th night of Ramadan, worshippers:

• Perform a full-body ritual purification (沐浴大净).
• Wear clean white garments or traditional attire.
• Observe a full-day fast and, for some, an extra voluntary fast (副斋) to show devotion.

Mosque Gatherings

The mosque (清真寺) is the center of celebration:

• Lights adorn mosques, creating a majestic and illuminated atmosphere.
• Worshippers perform Isha (晚礼) and Taraweeh (特拉威哈拜) prayers, followed by special Lailah al-Qadr prayers lasting far longer than typical worship.
• Qur’an recitation is central, with emphasis on Chapter 97 (Al-Qadr, 盖德尔章), often recited continuously overnight.
• Imams deliver sermons highlighting the spiritual significance of the night, encouraging repentance, charity, and devotion.

Overnight Vigil

Known locally as “Sitting Night” (坐夜), worshippers:

• Spend the night at the mosque or at home praying, reciting the Qur’an, and meditating.
• The environment is solemn, quiet, and free from entertainment.
• Families unable to attend mosques gather at home, led by elders, to continue prayers and recitation.

Acts of Charity

• The Night of Power is a peak moment for giving.
• Mosques distribute dates, sweets, nuts, and money to the poor, orphans, and migrants.
• Individuals contribute to charity and support community welfare projects.

Family Gatherings

• Families share clean and simple night meals.
• Younger members seek blessings from elders, ask for forgiveness, and pray for peace and prosperity.

Regional Variations

Northwest China

In Ningxia (宁夏), Linxia (临夏), Hualong (化隆), Xunhua (循化), and Changji (昌吉):

• Gatherings can involve thousands of worshippers, continuous Qur’an recitation, and elaborate night meals.
• Some mosques organize relay Qur’an reading, completing the entire text overnight.
• Families prepare large amounts of oil pastries (油香) and fried dough twists (馓子) for distribution.

North & East China

In Beijing Niujie (北京牛街), Henan (河南), Shandong (山东), and Hebei Cangzhou (河北沧州):

• Observances are smaller but retain core rituals.
• Emphasis on home-based worship and neighborhood sharing of oil pastries.

Southwest China

In Weishan (巍山) and Xundian (寻甸):

• Rituals integrate multi-ethnic customs, emphasizing charity and community support.
• Nighttime Qur’an recitation and prayer are strictly observed, alongside local culinary traditions.

Major Celebratory Regions in China

• Core Regions: Ningxia (银川, 吴忠, 固原, 石嘴山), Linxia & Zhangjiachuan (甘肃临夏州, 张家川), Hualong & Xunhua (青海化隆, 循化), Changji & Urumqi (新疆昌吉, 乌鲁木齐), Weishan & Xundian (云南巍山, 寻甸).
• Secondary Regions: Xi’an (西安莲湖区), Beijing (牛街, 常营, 西红门, 沙河), Zhoukou & Kaifeng (河南周口, 开封), Dezhou & Jinan (山东德州, 济南), Cangzhou & Baoding (河北沧州, 保定).
• General Observance: Scattered Hui villages and communities nationwide, with mosque-centered worship, recitation, and charity.

Key Clarifications

• Not a festival: Unlike Eid, Lailah al-Qadr is a sacred night of worship, not a public holiday.
• Celebrated by all Chinese Muslims: Includes Hui, Dongxiang, Salar, Bonan, and other Muslim groups.
• Solemnity over celebration: No entertainment, music, or dance; focus remains on prayer, recitation, repentance, and charity.

The Spiritual Value of Lailah al-Qadr

Qur’anic Teachings

Chapter 97 (Al-Qadr, 盖德尔章) explains:

1. Revelation of the Qur’an – Marks the beginning of Islamic scripture.
2. Exponential Rewards – Worship on this night surpasses a thousand months of ordinary deeds.
3. Heavenly Presence – Angels descend, spreading peace and blessings.
4. Night of Mercy – All sins are forgiven for sincere worshippers, and no evil is inflicted.

Expert Interpretations

• Scholars note that Lailah al-Qadr occurs in the last ten nights of Ramadan, commonly on the 27th night in Sunni practice and the 23rd night in Shia practice.
• Prof. Mansur Mohammadi emphasizes that even though the exact night is not specified in the Qur’an, all nights observed with devotion during the last ten nights receive divine reward.

Suggested Visitor Experience

Tourists visiting China’s Muslim regions during Lailah al-Qadr can:

• Witness grand mosque gatherings in Ningxia, Linxia, and Xunhua.
• Experience traditional Hui cuisine, such as oil pastries (油香) and fried dough twists (馓子).
• Learn about the spiritual significance of the night and multi-ethnic Islamic traditions.
• Observe acts of charity and communal prayer, offering a rare glimpse into the devotional life of Chinese Muslims.