Laylat al-Qadr marks the anniversary of this date Mohammad traveled to the Cave of Hira, a small cave in the hills near Mecca, now in Saudi Arabia. It is believed that here, at some point (probably in 610 CE), where he received the Koran's first verses from God. Muslims believe that on this night the blessings and mercy of Allah are abundant, sins are forgiven, supplications are accepted, and that the annual decree is revealed to the angels who also descend to earth.
For Shia Muslims, Lailatul Qadr' is observed in the last ten odd nights of Ramadan, specifically the 19th, 21st or 23rd of Ramadan. For Sunni Muslims, Laylat al-Qadr is observed in the last five odd nights, during the final 10 days of Ramadan. Mahdavi Muslims observe Laylat al-Qadar on 27th night of Ramadan.
As on the other days of Ramadan, many Muslims do not eat, drink or indulge in sexual relations during the hours of daylight.
