SURAH AL-QADR (THE NIGHT OF POWER)

 

            Muslims, they all know the importance of the Quran in their lives. It is the word of Allah that guides them and helps them to lead a life that is pleasing to Him. Surah Al-Qadr is a chapter of the Quran that holds a great deal of significance for them as Muslims. The word “Qadr” may literally mean both destiny and power. It consists of five verses. Each verse illustrates Allah’s omnipotence and dominion over all things. The Surah is named after the Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr) which is mentioned in the Quran as being better than a thousand months (97:3).

Verily, We have sent it down in the Night of Al-Qadr
And What will make you know what the Night of Al-Qadr is? (Qur’an 97:1-2)

            Here, it emphasizes the importance of the Quran and how it was revealed on this blessed night. It highlights the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding the significance of this night. It is important for believers to educate themselves about the Night of Power and how they can make the most of it.

           The Night of Al-Qadr is better than a thousand months. (Qur’an 97:3)

            This verse implies the gigantic rewards that can be earned on this night. Muslims should strive to worship Allah as much as possible during this night, as the reward for their good deeds is multiplied. The night of al-Qadr is in the month of Ramadan in which Muslims fast for the whole month. Spirituality and practises of good deeds are maintained in the month of Ramadan, reaching their peek on this night.

That night the angels and the ˹holy˺ spirit1 descend, by the permission of their Lord, for  every ˹decreed˺ matter.
It is all peace until the break of dawn. (Quran 97:4-5)

            And these last two verses mention about the nature of this night as well as how Muslims can get benefit from this night.

So, what is the Night of Power, (Laylat al-Qadr)?  The answer is that it is a night of immense spiritual significance for Muslims in the month of Ramadan, commemorating the revelation of the Quran to their beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him). Allah Almighty sent the very first revelation on this night to the Prophet Muhammad, being the beginning of revelation which would continue for 23 years until the death of the prophet.  On this night, Allah Almighty also gives his final approval to all that has transpired over the year. According to Allah Almighty’s explanation in this surah, angels will descend to earth on this night to offer believers with peace that will remain till the break of morning. As a result, one night is more significant than a thousand months combined.

 

This is a time of great blessings and opportunities for forgiveness and spiritual growth. It is a time when the gates of heaven are opened and the mercy of Allah is multiplied. Furthermore, the exact time of Night of Power is not certain; it is believed that the Night of Power falls on one of the odd-numbered nights during the last ten nights of Ramadan. Scholars, who stand on the wisdom of not determining the night of power, have said that this situation is more suitable for taking advantage of the bounty of the night. Since if the night of Power was announced, Muslims could only be content with reviving that specific night. However, thanks to the partial uncertainty, it is possible for believers to spend all the nights of Ramadan in the consciousness of worship in the hope of the night of Power. In addition, by not reporting the night of Power, Muslims are prevented from intentionally showing disrespect to it or going overboard in condolence. Here, too, we can see that the religion of Islam follows the moderate path under all circumstances and protects people from extremism. Blessed are the Muslims who can understand.