Laylatul Qadr and the revelation of the Holy Qur’an

​What does Laylatul Qadr mean? The meaning is vast and encompasses its literal translation (“the night of Power" or "Night of Decree") as well as being the night in which the Holy Qur’an was first revealed.

Muslims believe that this auspicious night takes place on one of the odd nights in the last 10 ten days of Ramadan. This is mentioned in an authentic hadith:
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Narrated by Aisha (RA): Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Search for the night of Qadr in the odd ten nights of the last ten days of Ramadan.”
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​The Significance of Layaltul Qadr

​During the month of Ramadan, it is well known that blessings and rewards are increased. As Muslims, practicing Islam has been made easy for us as we can worship Allah (SWT) in a variety of ways and in a variety of places on this Dunya. Whether it be from the comfort of our own homes, in transit to our destination, out in nature, through our work; there are many ways in which we can attain closeness to Allah (SWT). 

​With that being said, some periods of time and locations have special and unique blessings associated with them. One of the most important time periods in the lives of Muslims where there are unique blessings associated with it is engaging in Acts of Ibadat during Laylatul Qadr. An entire surah in the Holy Qur’an is dedicated to this night and the virtues have been expressed in various Hadith. Laylatul Qadr is known as being better than a thousand months.
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1. 1. We have indeed revealed This (Message) In the Night of Power:
2. 2. And what will explain To thee what the Night Of Power is?
3. 3. The Night of Power Is better than A thousand Months.
4. 4. Therein come down The angels and the Spirit By God’s permission, on every   
5.           errand:
6. 5. Peace! … This Until the rise of Morn!

Surah Qadr

The title of this Surah is called “Qadr” which can have two meanings. Firstly, it can mean “destiny” in which everyone’s fate is decreed. The fact that the Holy Qur’an was revealed on Laylatul “Qadr” means that it is a night in which the entire destiny was decreed. Many scholars interpret this night as being the night in which a person’s sustenance, lifespan, and other critical matters would be sealed for the coming year. The second meaning is that “Qadr” means “power” and that this night of “power” is better than a thousand months. This is further qualified by the Hadith that this night is so special that our beloved Prophet Muhamamd (PBUH) told us to seek forgiveness during this period.

​It was narrated by Aisha (RA): “Oh Messenger of Allah, what do you think I should say in my supplication, if I come across Laylatul Qadr?” he said: “Say, 'Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul-'afwa, fa'fu 'anni (O Allah, You are Forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me).'

​The theme of the Surah Layaltul Qadr is to acquaint humans with the value, worth and importance of the Qur’an.

​The Revelation of the Holy Qur’an

The Holy Qur’an was first revealed during Laylatul Qadr in the month of Ramadan. The Qur'an contains 114 Surahs (chapters), each divided into Ayahs. Muslims cite the revelation of the Qur'an as the most important miracle in Islam. The Qur’an was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) while he was in the Cave of Hira. The Angel responsible for revealing the Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was Jibra’eel (AS). The first word revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was “Iqra” which means “read/recite.”
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​The Quran is the foundational book of Muslims and it is the complete and authentic record of the original revelations. The month of Ramadan is the ideal time to spend more time reciting and reflecting on verses of the Qur’an. It is not only the time in which the Qur’an was revealed, but the month of Ramadan is also a period in which rewards are increased.
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​I heard Allah's Messenger saying regarding Ramadan, "Whoever prayed at night in it (the month of Ramadan) out of sincere Faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven." Narrated by Abu Huraira

None of us knows our fate. Only Allah (SWT) knows. We don’t know whether we will reach next Ramadan and be blessed with an auspicious night like Laylatul Qadr again, which is why it is always important to make the most of the time we have.
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May Allah (SWT) forgive us and guide us on the straight path.

Written by: Zaghra Savahl