Ramadan Articles - Laylat al-Qadr: The Night of Power

Let's analyze the significance of Laylat al-Qadr with commentary,
(tafseer) on chapter 97 of Al-Qur'an,Al-Qadr(the Night of Power).
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 thesight of Allah.
Occasion Of Revelation
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."
(Al-Qur`an 97:1)
There are several points pertaining to the meaning of this verse:
The meaning and the useof the pronoun "We" is a style in Al-Qur`an
that when the Creator (SWT) ismentioned as a pronoun,He is referred to
by "We" or "I," as is evidenced in this surah. Elsewhere He said,
"Behold, thy Lord said to the angels: `I will create a
vicegerent..."(Al-Qur`an, 2:30). There isno problem when Allah uses
the pronoun "I" to refer to His Exalted Self, but when he uses "We"
the explanation becomes warranted because it cannot be perceived to
indicate plural. There is unanimity among the scholars that "We"
indicates respect and exaltation for the Creatorand Cherisher of all
the worlds, whose greatness is incomprehensibly vast and beyond our
imagination.
Or, it is referring to Allah (SWT) and the angels who carry out his
words to one all, in every level of His dominion. It cannot mean
plural, or more than One Allah, for that would necessitate dropping in
ranks, the absoluteness, and the powers of each competing deity. If
each is capable of being absolute, each would have been independent
from the other and the idea that each deity can be independent from
theother, is evidence that none is absolute. This is inconceivable of
Allah (SWT) therefore, "We" cannot mean anything but respect and
exaltation of the One andOnly.
"...Have Indeed Revealed It In the Night of Power" (Al-Qur`an 97:1)
There is again unanimity among the commentators that "it" refers
toAl-Qur'an, meaning "We revealed"Al-Qur'anin the Night of Power. He
(SWT) did not mentionAl-Qur'anexplicitly because to refertoAl-Qur'anby
the pronoun implies a certain divine uniqueness of this book, as well
as greatness and honor that may not be attained if the
wordAl-Qur'anwas used instead. First, it ascribed the revelation
ofAl-Qur'anto Himself, and not to anyone else. Second, referring
toAl-Qur'anby pronoun is an indication that the revelation of this
book was not a secret that no one knew about. Its revelation was an
event widely known to all during the time of Muhammad (saas) and
after, guarding against anyone who may like to challenge it or claim
any honor of teaching Muhammad (saas)Al-Qur'an. Third, the statement
also meant to honor and memorialize the time period in
whichAl-Qur'anwas revealed.
By revealingAl-Qur'anin the Night of Power, Allah (SWT) inaugurated or
started its revelation for the beginning of the prophethood
('Bi'ethah),and the Prophet's mission ofAl-Islambegan in the month of
Ramadanon that Night.Al-Qur'anwas 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 courseof 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.
Qadrimplies having power over something, as in the case of the Creator
over the creation.Allah's (SWT) excellence isAl-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, assignor 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 ofAl-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'sdecision to act freely in good conscience or bad
conscience is all known to Allah (SWT), past, present and future.
Qadralso 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)
Why the name, the Night of Power?
As mentioned above, it is the night of Taqdeer, meaning the one in
which Allah (SWT) announces to the angels His already decreed
commands, rules, events, etc., for the coming calendar year, from the
present Night of Power to the next Night of Power. Allah (SWT) states:
"We sent it down during a blessed night; We forever wish to warn
(against evil). In that (night) is made distinct every affair of
wisdom."(Al-Qur`an, 44:3-4)
It should be known that most scholars believe Allah's commands and
rules are not made on that night. It has already been decreed in the
eternity what is known to Allah, but that knowledge is not known to
anyone, including the angels, until He announces it to the angels on
that night so that they will record it onthe protective slate.
This is also the night of honor and prestige which may be awarded to
the servant who devotes himself to specialdeeds, or to the deeds
themselves for the highervalue they contain on that night.
The Night Is Concealed
Allah (SWT) in His mercy, has concealed the Night of Power from us for
the following reasons: The problems pertaining to an exact night on
which the honors are attained are not unique with this Night. It seems
that Allah conceals many things. He conceals his pleasure from us in
all our good deeds so that we will strive in all of them. He conceals
His wrath from us in all of the sins we commit so that we will avoid
them. He conceals His most beloved servants('awliya) so that we will
respect all the believers. He has concealed the time of His acceptance
of our supplications so that we will strive in all our supplications.
He concealed his greatest name, so that we mention all His names.
Hehas concealed the time ofdeath so that we will be conscious of Him
and our deeds all the time.
He has concealed the exact date of the Night ofPower so that we would
double our the efforts in the whole month of Ramadan, or at least the
last ten days. He has concealed it also to test the serious and the
non-serious. The seriously interested person will search for thenight
late and in the early hours until he or she attains it, regardless of
the hardship.
Where Is The Night?
The majority of the scholars who agreed thatthe night occurs in the
month of Ramadan, disagreed on the exact night. Some said it comeson
the first day of Ramadan. Others said it ison the seventh; while
others say its on the 19th night. All these opinions are not built on
sound proof. There is evidence that the night comes on the last ten
days of Ramadan, specifically on the odd numbered nights. In a report
by Bukhari, the Messenger of Allah (saas) said: "Seek it on the odd
nights of the last ten days of Ramadan."
In a hadith by Ibn Umar (raa), some men among the companions saw the
night in a dream occurring in the last seven nights. Respondingto
this, the Messenger of Allah (saas) told them, "I see your dreams
coincideon the last seven, whoever wants to seek it should do so in
the last seven." (Agreed upon)
In Muslim's report, the Prophet (saas) said, "Seekthe night in the
last ten days, and if any of you is weak, or can't observe it, he
should not miss the remaining seven days." In Hadith by Ubayy bin
Ka'ab (raa), he said: "By Allah, I know which nightit is. It is the
night the Messenger commanded us to observe, the night of the 27th."
(Ahmed/Tirmidhi)
Analyzing all these citations indicates still noone knows for sure
which night is the Night of Power, at least in a given year. It seems
that the night shifts and rotates to different nights from one year to
another. It may occur on the 27th in one year, while the next year it
willbe on the 25th, while on the following year it will be occurring
on the 29th,etc. There is an indicationto this in hadith by Bukhari,
when the Messenger of Allah (saas) states: "Seek it on the
twenty-ninth; it may be on the twenty-seventh, or on the
twenty-fifth." Imam Ibn Hajr, in his book,"Fathul Bari", in the
commentary of the Book of Bukhari, said: ``I accept the ruling that
thenight occurs on the odd nights of the last ten daysof Ramadan,
namely the twenty-first, twenty-third, twenty-fifth, twenty-seventh
and or twenty-ninth.''
Seeking The Night
It is recommended to seek the night and spendit diligently in
devotion, including night Sunnah prayers (Tahajjud), recitation
ofAl-Qur'anand 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 ofPower is?; The Night
of Power is better than a thousand months." (Al-Qur`an 97:2-3)
Allah (SWT) 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 thenight. 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 mentionsthree honors in the
creditof the night: 1."The Nightis better than a thousand months. 2.
"Therein, come down the angels..."and 3. "Peace!"
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 actdone on other nights.
The rewards (thawaab) are being multiplied several-fold.
Imam Malik reported thatthe 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 theangels 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 angelsfirst 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 donot like it. They will even wash their hands,
clothesand 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
andthey 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, andworshipping 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", toindicate 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.
"...And the Spirit..." (Al-Qur`an 97:4)
There are several explanations for the meaning of the Spirit: (1) The
Spirit is comprised ofgroups of special angels who are seen only on
theNight of Power; (2) it is referring toAl-Qur`an, as Allah (SWT)
stated: "And thus have We, by Our command sent inspiration (spirit) to
thee..."(Al-Qur`an 42:52), (3) This is a reference to Angel Jibreel,
as this is a special honor to Jibreel who has been mentionedtwice
Surah 42 first with another angel, and separately as the spirit of
Allah (SWT) as the Qur`an says: "Verily this is a revelation from the
Lord of the Worlds. With it came down the spirit of faith and
truth."(Al-Qur`an, 26:192-193)Thus the correct explanation of the
spirit,Ruuh, is Jibreel in this verse to indicate the angels on one
side and Jibreel on the other, while they were descending.
"...By Allah`s permission..."
This indicates the angels extend a request to cometo meet the
believers; and to underscore the fact that angels are infallible; that
they do not make a move without explicit permission from their Lord.
Allah (SWT) states:"They speak not before He speaks, and they act (in
all things) by His command."(Al-Qur`an, 21:27)"(The angels say) We
descend not but by command of thy Lord..."(Al-Qur`an 19:64)
"(Their) Lord." It indicates honor for the angels. It is as if Allah
(SWT) is saying ``They arefor Me and I am for them''. Similarly, Allah
(SWT) said regarding us:"Verily your Lord is Allah Who created the
heavensand the earth in six days..."(Al-Qur`an, 10:3)And regarding
Prophet Muhammad (saas) Allah said: "Behold, your Lord said to the
angels..."(Al-Qur'an, 2:30)
It has been reported that when Prophet David was terminally ill, he
asked Allah to be for his son Solomon, as He was for him. Allah (SWT)
replied, saying: "Tell Solomon to be for Me as you are for
Me.(Al-Qur`an 2:30)
"...On every errand..."
This indicates the angels and the Spirit descend for different
purposes: some come down for prostration, some for bowing, and others
for supplications for the believers and salutations.Or they come down
carrying with them the proclamations of the coming year.
"Peace!..." (Al-Qur`an 97:5)
There are several explanations to this verse: (1) The whole Night of
Power, from sunset to the break of dawn, will be spent by the angeles
in salutation. (2) The purpose is to describe the night with peace
because of the salutation from the angels. That is very important,
because whenseven angels visited Prophet Ibrahim (saas) and saluted
him, he was very happy, and when Nimrod threw him in the fire, it
turned ice-cold when the angels saluted him. (3) This is a wish of
safety and peace from all evil and harmful things, or the angels will
only bring on this night, good things!
"...Until the rise of morn."(Al-Qur`an 97:5)
All the honor, blessings and peace of the Night ofPower will continue
in every second of the nightuntil Fajr. Allah (SWT) is the Best
Knower.