Points to keep in mind about Laylatul-Qadr
1 – The Meaning of Qadr
Ibn Hajar said in ‘Fath al-Bari’ (4/323-324):
“There are various explanations of the meaning of the qadr that this night is ascribed to.
It was said that it means veneration, as in the verse: {“…and they didn’t venerate (qadar) Allah as He deserved…”} [al-An’am; 91] This refers to it being a night of veneration due to the revelation of the Qur’an taking place in it, or due to the descent of the Angels in it, or due to the blessing and mercy and forgiveness that descend in it, or that those who stay up that night in worship are venerated.
It was also said that qadr here means constriction, as in the verse: {“…and who is constricted (qadara) in his provision…”} [at-Talaq; 7] This refers to it being a night of constriction due to the exact night being hidden, or because the Earth is constricted due to the presence of such a large number of Angels.
It was also said that it is qadar, derived from the word for judgment. This refers to the fact that all the judgments of that year are made on this night…”
2 – Better than a Thousand Months
Ibn Kathir mentioned in ‘Tafsir al-Qur’an al-‘Adhim’ (4/686) that Mujahid said:
“There was a man from the Children of Israel who would pray all night and then fight Jihad against the enemy all day, and he did this for a thousand months. Allah then revealed the verse: {“The Night of Qadr is better than a thousand months…”} So, praying on this night is better than the actions of that man.”
3 – The 27th Word
Ibn Kathir mentioned (4/690):
“…And it was reported that some of the Salaf used the Qur’an to conclude that it is on the 27th night because the word ‘هي’ (it is) is the 27th word in the chapter, and Allah Knows best.”
4 – Why the Exact Day Was Hidden
Ibn Hajar said (4/328):
“…This might have a benefit linked to legislation…or exertion in worship, because if the Night of Qadr was specified to be on an exact night, people would limit themselves to that night and miss out on the worship on other nights. It is as if this is what the Prophet meant when he said: “…this might be better for you.””
5 – Heavy for the Hypocrite
Ibn Kathir mentioned (4/692) that Ka’b al-Ahbar said:
“By the One in Whose Hand my soul is, the Night of Qadr is so heavy on the disbeliever and hypocrite that it feels like a mountain on his back.”
6 – What to Supplicate on the Night of Qadr
In ‘as-Silsilah as-Sahihah’ (3337), it’s reported that ‘A’ishah asked the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم): “If I happen to catch the Night of Qadr, how should I supplicate?”
He replied: “You should say:
اللهم إنك عفو تحب العفو فاعف عني
O Allah, You Pardon and Love pardoning. So, Pardon me.”
7 – In the Shade of the Night of Qadr
It was said:
“…This night is better than thousands of months in the lives of human beings. How many thousands of months and years have passed by without leaving in our lives the changes that this single blessed, joyous night leaves us? The might of this night is such that its reality transcends the limits of human comprehension: {“And what will make you understand what the Night of Qadr is?”}
On that night, every wise judgment was made. Values, principles, and scales were laid down. Ordainments were made that surpassed that of individuals: ordainments for nations, countries, and peoples. In fact, it is even greater and mightier than this: ordainment of realities and hearts!
Humankind has become heedless – due to its ignorance and disconnection – of the value of the Night of Qadr and the reality and significance of this event. Since the time that it became heedless of this, it has been deprived of the most joyous and beautiful gifts from Allah. It lost the true happiness and peace – the peace of mind, and peace in the home and society – that Islam granted it. This cannot be replaced by the material bounty, civilization, and power that it has been given. It is in a bad state despite the outpouring of production and high standards of living it possesses!
This direct connection between the memory of the Night of Qadr and praying at night out of faith and expectation of reward is just one aspect of this sound and successful Islamic method…”
8- The Signs of the Night of Qadr.
The Messenger of Allah, may Allah praise him, described the morning of the night of Qadr so that we would have an idea as to what this night actually is.
Ubayy, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “On the morning of the night of Qadr the sun would rise without any beams; (it is like) a wash basin until it raises.” [Muslim]
Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “We mentioned the night of Qadr to the Messenger of Allah, may Allah praise him, and he said: “Which of you remembers when the moon rises and it is like half a bowl.” [Muslim]
Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, said that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah praise him, said: “The night of Qadr is a night of generosity and happiness, it is not hot and neither is it cold. The sun comes up in its morning weak, reddish.” [Tabaranee, Ibn Khuzaimah and Bazzaar]
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Abdurrahmann Murad
Imam/Director of Dar al-Madinah Islamic Society
