—for the coming year. These, then, are some of the tremendous distinctions of that night. The Prophet ﷺ would apply himself during the last ten nights of Ramadan with an effort unmatched at any other time, seeking Laylat al-Qadr. It is the very best of nights, for no other night has had such virtues narrated about it or its status so highly proclaimed. Because it combines all of these unparalleled merits, it truly stands above every other night—a manifestation of Allah’s mercy toward this ummah and His generosity in singling it out for so great a blessing.
As for comparing it with Laylat al-Isrāʾ, I have before me a question and answer from Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (may Allah have mercy on him). He was asked which of the two is superior: Laylat al-Qadr or the Prophet’s Night Journey (Laylat al-Isrāʾ)? He replied that Laylat al-Isrāʾ is superior in relation to the Prophet ﷺ himself, whereas Laylat al-Qadr is superior in relation to the Muslim community. The Prophet’s personal share of the Night of Ascension is greater than his share of Laylat al-Qadr, while the community’s share of Laylat al-Qadr is greater than its share of the Night of Ascension—though they do have a profound share in that night as well. Nonetheless, the supreme virtue, honor, and lofty rank obtained on Laylat al-Isrāʾ belong to the one who was taken on that journey, namely the Prophet ﷺ. Such was Ibn Taymiyyah’s answer on the issue.
The eminent scholar Imām Ibn al-Qayyim echoed his teacher’s position: Laylat al-Isrāʾ is superior with respect to the Prophet ﷺ, and Laylat al-Qadr is superior with respect to the ummah.
It must also be emphasized that Allah has legislated for us on Laylat al-Qadr forms of worship and acts of drawing near to Him that He did not legislate for Laylat al-Isrāʾ. The Prophet ﷺ never devoted that night to special prayer or remembrance; rather, he set apart Laylat al-Qadr in recognition of its virtue and standing.
Moreover, the precise timing of Laylat al-Isrāʾ has never been established—neither the month in which it occurred nor the specific night within that month.