What is the 'Night of Power' in Ramadan and why is it important?

It is now well past the halfway point for those observing the holy month of Ramadan. Muslim households up and down Greater Manchester are now gearing up for the huge celebration to mark the end of the holy month known as Eid.

However, before the festival comes around, there is an important period of Ramadan that occurs in the last 10 days of the blessed month. It's known as Laylat al-Qadr, or the Night of Power or Night of Destiny and there are several beliefs as to why it's so special.

READ MORE: The dos and don'ts of fasting during Ramadan - from brushing teeth to taking medication

One belief is that that during the final 10 days of Ramadan, the holy Quran was revealed to prophet Muhammad. The exact day is not known, but it is referred to as the 'Night of Qadr' and is thought to come with a great deal of blessing and mercy from Allah (God).

It is also believed that the 'Night of Qadr' is when Allah sends down angels from heaven to decide what creations will take place for the following year. Great importance is placed on the 'Night of Qadr' in the Quran itself, with an excerpt proclaiming that 'the Night of Qadr is better than a thousand months'.

In those 10 days, prayer is heavily encouraged and it is a common belief that Muslims are able to change their fate on the Night of Qadr by praying in the evening and enacting good deeds.

In some sects of Islam, 'The Night of Qadr' is also used as a period to mourn the assassination of Ali (the prophet Muhammad's cousin and son-in-law) who is highly revered in many branches of Islam. Some worshippers will stay up all night until dawn and pray to mark the occasion in remembrance of Ali.