What is Laylatul Qadr - Information on Shab-e-Qadr

Information on Shab-e-Qadr

Let's to analyze this topic with commentary, (tafseer) on chapter 97 of Al-Qur'an, Al-Qadir (the Night of Power).

Watch Speech on Shab E Qadr and its importance




Al-Qadr

This chapter (surah) was revealed in Makkah, and its basic theme is honoring the revelation of this blessed book, the Holy Qur`an. The Night of Power or honor is a special gift only to the community (Ummah) of Islam. The night is one which even the angels in the heavens see as worthy of witnessing. The night is so rich with holiness, as the night when good deeds are returned, and is equal to a thousand months in the sight of Al­lah.

In a report by Abi Hatim and Al-Wahidi, by way of Mujahid, the Messenger (saas) mentioned that there was a man among the Israelites who devoted his life to the cause of Allah for a thousand months. The companions were amazed and im­pressed, but were saddened because they knew there would be no way that they could reach this status of devotion. So Allah (SWT) revealed this surah to inform them that He had just blessed this Ummah with the Night of Honor, which is equal to a thousand months.

“We have indeed revealed it, (Al-Qur`an) in the Night of Power.”

In surah Al-Qadr Allah (SWT) clearly states:
"Surely We revealed it (the Holy Quran) on the grand night. And what will make you comprehend what the grand night. The grand night is better than a thousand months. The angels and Gabriel descend in it by the permission of their Lord for every affair, Peace! It is till the break of the morning." Holy Quran (97:1-5)

By revealing Al-Qur'an in the Night of Power, Allah (SWT) inaugurated or started its revelation for the beginning of the prophethood ('Bi'ethah), and the Prophet's mission of Al-Islam began in the month of Ramadan on that Night. Al-Qur'an was not revealed in one night; it was revealed over the course of 23 years.

Ibn Abbas (raa) said: The whole Qur'an was revealed to the lower heavens from the protective slate (Lawhul Mahfuz) on the Night of Power, then from there to the earth in the course of 23 years.

The word power, Al-Qadr, has several implications and mean­ing, but we cover only those implications which are relevant to the issues here.

Qadr implies having power over something, as in the case of the Creator over the creation. Allah's (SWT) excellence is Al-Qadr, capable, omnipotent, almighty, all powerful. It also im­plies excellence and high esteem, and as for this Night of Power, it is highly esteemed and regarded.

For this night is equal to over 80 years in the sight of Allah (SWT).
It also implies to maintain, appoint, assign or decree an order. Thus, in the Night of Power, Allah (SWT) proclaims to the an­gels His commands and orders in regards to the affairs of the universe. From this meaning is derived the concept of Al-Qada Wa Qadar, the fifth article of faith, that Allah has decreed or preordained or, in other words, has full knowledge of all that the human being will do with his free will. A man's decision to act freely in good conscience or bad conscience is all known to Allah (SWT), past, present and future.

Qadr also implies measurement, that is all the events of the year will occur in accordance to the exact measurement of what is in the knowledge of Allah, Who states:
“Verily, all things have We created in propor­tion and measure.” (Al-Qur`an, 54:49)

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Salaat for Laylatul Qadr

Prayer for Laylatul Qadr

One who offers four raka’at Namaz in this night and in each raka’at he /she recites SUrah Fatiha and Surah Qadr once each and Surah Ikhlas 27 times, his/her all earlier sins are pardoned and he becomes like a child who is born the same day. Allah will also give him a thousand palaces in the paradise.

According to another narration, one who offers four rak’at Namaz on the 27th night of the month of Ramadan and in each raka’at he/she recites after Surah Fatiha, Surah Qadr three times and Surah Ikhlas fifty times and after Salaam again goes in Sajda (Prostration) and recites

“Subhaan Allahe Walhamdolillahe Walahelaha illallaho Wallahoakbar”

and then whatever Dua he/she makes that will be granted and the Almighty will pardon his/her sins and give him/her countless rewards.

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Essence of Obedience in Laylatul Qadr

From the outset, for an act or deed to be considered a proper worship, 'ebadah, it must contain two things:

(1) Sincerity (Ikhlas). It must be offered simply for the sole purpose of pleasing Allah (SWT) and seeking His pleasure.
Allah, said: “And they have been commanded no more than this, to worship Allah offering Him sincere devo­tion...” (Al-Qur`an 98:5).

(2) It must be done in accordance with the commands of Allah (SWT) and the practice of the Messenger of Allah (saas); that is what is called obedience (mutaaba'ah).
Allah (SWT) states: “Say: if you do love Allah, follow me, Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. For Allah is oft Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Al-Qur`an 3:31)

This verse indicates whoever claims to love Allah without fol­lowing the commands of the Messenger, his claims are lies. To be a true lover of Allah one has to obey, and his deeds must mirror those of the Messenger of Allah (saas). This is why many scholars call this verse the verse of trial, because we have been tried to see whether we will obey or not.
The Messenger said: “Whoever does a deed without our command, it will be rejected.” (Muslim/Bukhari)

To achieve the essence of obedience, six points must be con­sidered. I call them the essence of obedience.
(1) REASON( SABABB),

(2) METHOD (KAYFIYYAH),

(3) KIND (JINS),

(4) AMOUNT (QADAR),

(5) PLACE (MAKAAN), and

(6) TIME (ZAMAAN).

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Laylatul Qadr is better than a thousand months

“The Night of Power is better than a thousand months.”

This indicates that acts of worship such as prayer, charity, and recitation done on this night are better in reward than the same act done on other nights. The rewards (thawaab) are being multiplied several-fold.

Imam Malik reported that the Messenger of Allah (saas) was shown the long life span of people of previous nations, so the Prophet bemoaned the shortness of the life span of the Ummah, fearing that they might not be able to save many good deeds for the Hereafter. Therefore, Allah gave him the Night of Power to compensate for their lack of longevity. Hence, the devoted be­liever has as chance of adding 80 something years of worship to his life on the Night of Power. You see, for instance, if you worship Allah on this night every year for 65 years, by multi­plying 65 by 80, you would have lived for 5,200 years, or achieved the reward of a person who lived that long.

You can see why the devotions were highly encouraged by the Prophet. Indeed, you can achieve the honor of the Night of Power if you so wish by spending the odd nights of the last ten days in acts of worship.

“Therein, come down the angels and the Spirit by Allah's permission, on every errand.”
(Al-Qur`an 97:4)

This is far from the earlier cry of the angels who, when Allah told them,
“...I will create a vicegerent on earth,” they said, “Will you place therein one who will make mis­chief therein and shed blood?...” (Al-Qur`an, 2:30)

You see, when the angels first looked at our spirit with its traits of mischief, vanity and desires, and the rages of anger, they, the embodiment of all that is good, did not like us at all. That explains their response in the above verse. So is the case with parents, when they first conceptualize the shape of the off­spring, semen and congealed blood; they do not like it. They will even wash their hands, clothes and everything that this substance touches, a gruesome thing. They may even think about aborting the baby in the beginning. But after the baby is being fashioned in the most beautiful shape and they feel the movement of life, they change from dislike to caring love. That is seemingly what happened to the angels. When they saw in us this beautiful spirit of knowing the Creator, and worship­ping Allah alone, they changed from dislike to complete love, and cannot wait for another Night of Power to come down so they can pray for us.

Allah states: “...And they implore forgiveness for those who believe...” (Al-Qur`an, 40:7)

He used the form (tanazzal) “They come”, to indicate that the angels descend on the Night of Power, group after group; some coming down to earth while others ascend into the heaven. This heavenly, angelic organized traffic of good will continues until the break of dawn.

As for the reasons why they come, there are several explana­tions including:
(1) they descend to witness how we worship and obey Allah, and

(2) to show their deep love for the believers. This is why they seek permission from Allah to come and meet us. This is a once-a-year opportunity they do not like to miss.

(3) Allah promised the believers that in the hereafter, angels will approach on them with greetings:
“...And the angels shall enter into them from every gate (with the salutation): Peace be unto you for that you persevered in patience...” (Al-Qur`an, 13:23-24)

Now, if you preoccupy yourself with worship of Allah, the an­gels will descend on you with salutations.

(4) Allah (SWT) singles out this night with honors on the earth so the angels can come down and increase their rewards, and as a means to encourage the human race to worship.

(5) Realization that the angels are around is encouragement for the servants to devote more time to good deeds as a man will work harder when a foreman is present.

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Seeking The Night

It is recommended to seek the night and spend it diligently in devotion, including night Sunnah prayers (Tahajjud), recitation of Al-Qur'an and supplications.

In a hadith related by Abu Hurairah (raa), the Messenger of Allah (saas) said:
“He who spends the night in prayer on the Night of Power, as a sign of His faith, and seeking rewards from Allah, his previous sins will be forgiven.” (Buk­hari/Muslim)

This citation indicates that regardless of whether a person knows the night or not, Allah will grant him forgiveness for previous shortcomings.

“ And what will explain to thee what the Night of Power is?; The Night of Power is better than a thousand months.” (Al-Qur`an 97:2-3)

Allah is emphasizing by putting the second verse in question form. The answer being no one knows, or compre­hends, the awesomeness and the depth of honor of the night. As if to say whatever merits Allah informs you about the night is just nothing compared to the things you have no idea about.

Nonetheless, He mentions three honors in the credit of the night:

1. “The Night is better than a thousand months.”

2. “Therein, come down the angels...”, and

3. “Peace!”

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