Surah Al-Qadr (Arabic: القدر) chapter 97th of the Qur'an is a Meccan surah consisting of 5 verses. It is a short yet profoundly significant chapter that focuses on Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Decree or Power. It speaks of the unparalleled spiritual significance of Laylat al-Qadr.
Laylat al-Qadr is believed to be the night when the first verses of the Qur'an were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ by the Archangel Gabriel (Jibril). The revelation of Surah Al-Qadr served to remind the early Muslims of the guidance they had received in the Qur'an. It was an affirmation of the divine origin of the Qur'an, reinforcing the importance of studying its teachings and valuing the night when it began to be revealed.
Explaining Laylat Al Qadr:
Laylat al-Qadr is observed during the last ten nights of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting in Islam. While the exact date is not definitively known, it is most commonly believed to fall on one of the odd-numbered nights, particularly the 27th night, however, the exact moment of Laylat al-Qadr is unknown, encouraging continuous devotion.
It is noteworthy that Allah ﷻ chose Muhammad ﷺ from among mankind to be the Messenger for humanity, selected Ramadan from among the months, and chose Laylat al-Qadr from among the nights. This night has been described as one of great honor and blessing. Allah ﷻ says, "Indeed, We sent it down during a blessed night. Indeed, We were to warn [mankind]" (Qur'an 44:3).
On this night, the decrees for the year are made and are sent down from the Preserved Tablet (Al-Lawh Al-Mahfuz) to the records of the angels. These decrees include matters of life, death, sustenance, and other worldly affairs. Allah ﷻ says, "On that night every matter of wisdom is ordained" (Qur'an 44:4).
The gates of Hell are believed to be closed on the night of Laylat al-Qadr, as they are throughout the entire month of Ramadan, which is symbolic of the increased opportunities for forgiveness and spiritual growth during this sacred time. This is based on a well-known hadith of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which states:
"When the month of Ramadan begins, the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hellfire are closed, and the devils are chained." (Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim)
The most important aspect of Laylat al-Qadr however, is described in the verse which states that this night is "better than a thousand months [of worship]" (equivalent to over 83 years), indicating its immense spiritual value.
On Laylat al-Qadr, Muslims deeply engage in prayers (Salat), Qur'an recitation, and supplications (Dua), using this sacred night for reflection, gratitude, and seeking forgiveness from Allah ﷻ. It is believed that Allah's ﷻ gates of mercy are wide open, encouraging believers to ask for their sins to be erased and blessings for themselves and their families. Many also perform acts of charity, as the rewards for good deeds are greatly multiplied on this special night. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, "Whoever stands (in prayer) during Laylat al-Qadr with faith and hoping for its reward, will have all his previous sins forgiven" (Hadith).
Laylat al-Qadr is a night of peace. Allah ﷻ blesses the earth with the descent of angels, bringing goodness, peace, and mercy, making believers feel tranquility and safety. Allah ﷻ says, "Peace it is until the emergence of dawn" (Qur'an 97:5). It is described as a night of peace because the believers are safe from punishment due to their obedience to Allah ﷻ.
Translation and Reflections:
Verse 1: "Indeed, ˹it is˺ We ˹Who˺ sent this ˹Quran˺ down on the Night of Glory."
This verse highlights the momentous event of the Qur'an's revelation, which began on Laylat al-Qadr. It explains the significance of this night when Allah's ﷻ guidance was bestowed upon humanity.
Verse 2: "And what will make you realize what the Night of Glory is?"
Here, the verse draws attention to the extraordinary nature of Laylat al-Qadr, emphasizing that its importance is beyond human comprehension.
Verse 3: "The Night of Glory is better than a thousand months."
This verse conveys the immense spiritual value of Laylat al-Qadr. Worship and good deeds performed on this night are considered better in reward than those done over a thousand months (about 83 years).
Verse 4: "The angels and the Spirit [i.e., Gabriel] descend therein by permission of their Lord for every 'decreed' matter."
On Laylat al-Qadr, the angels, led by the Archangel Gabriel, descend to Earth with blessings, peace, and decrees from Allah ﷻ for the coming year.
Verse 5: "Peace it is until the emergence of dawn."
The surah concludes by describing Laylat al-Qadr as a night of peace that lasts until the break of dawn.
Signs of Laylat al Qadr:
Identifying Laylat al-Qadr is an important aspect of worship for Muslims during the last ten nights of Ramadan. Although the exact date is not known, several signs and traditions help believers seek out and identify this special night.
1. Timing Within Ramadan
- Last Ten Nights: Laylat al-Qadr is believed to fall within the last ten nights of Ramadan, with a stronger likelihood on the odd-numbered nights (21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th).
- 27th Night: Many Muslims believe that Laylat al-Qadr is most likely to occur on the 27th night of Ramadan, although it is not definitively confirmed. This is based on certain traditions and practices observed by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and his companions.
2. Spiritual Signs
- Peaceful Night: Laylat al-Qadr is described as a night of peace and tranquility. Some traditions indicate that the night is calm and serene, neither too hot nor too cold, and that the sky may appear unusually clear.
- Absence of Shooting Stars: Some Islamic scholars mention that on Laylat al-Qadr, there are fewer or no meteors (shooting stars), which are otherwise believed to be a sign of jinn being repelled.
- Unique Light and Illumination: There is a belief that on Laylat al-Qadr, the night is uniquely illuminated, even if the moon is not visible.
3. Sunrise
- Sun without Rays: Another sign mentioned in hadiths is that the sun rises the morning after Laylat al-Qadr without visible rays, appearing more like a disc, due to the intense peace and blessing of the night before. The sun usually has a silvery appearance, unlike other days where it's golden.
4. Spiritual Experience
- Personal Feeling: Many believers report a deep sense of peace, contentment, and spiritual closeness to Allah ﷻ on the night they feel might be Laylat al-Qadr. This subjective experience, combined with the other signs, often leads them to believe they have encountered the night.
5. Increased Worship
- I’tikaf (Spiritual Retreat): Some Muslims perform I’tikaf during the last ten nights of Ramadan, staying in the mosque for continuous worship. This practice is done to ensure that they are worshiping on Laylat al-Qadr, regardless of which night it falls on.
- Continuous Worship: Many Muslims increase their prayers, recitation of the Qur'an, supplications, and other acts of worship throughout the last ten nights of Ramadan, to maximize the chances of catching Laylat al-Qadr.
6. Prophetic Traditions
- Seeking the Night: The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ encouraged his followers to "Seek Laylat al-Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan" (Bukhari). This teaching motivates Muslims to be especially vigilant during these nights.
- Du’a (Supplication): The Prophet ﷺ taught his wife Aisha to make a specific supplication on Laylat al-Qadr: "O Allah ﷻ, You are Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness; so forgive me" (Tirmidhi).
Translation and Pronunciation:
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