Al-Qadr (ٱلْقَدْر)

Al Qadr means "The Night of Decree” or “The Night of Power.” It is the 97th Surah in the Quran, found in the 30th Juz, the last Juz of the Holy Book. It is a small Surah with only 5 verses and 1 Ruku, yet it delivers a message that can align our worldly and hereafter lives on the right path. Surah Al Qadr was revealed in Makkah to inform the believers about the most sacred night of the year. 

It highlights the significance of this night known as Layla tul Qadr, in which the Qur’an was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). It defines the greatness of the Night of Decree, stating that it is better than a thousand months. Let’s learn about the details of Surah Al-Qadr and what message it brings to the believers.

Theme and Subject Matter of Surah Al-Qadr

Surah Al Qadr focuses on the significance and virtues of Laylat Al-Qadr, which is the biggest night of the entire year. This night holds the highest status and is better than a thousand months. The Surah begins by stating that the Quran was revealed during the night of Laylat al-Qadr as guidance to humanity from their Lord and an ultimate source of spiritual and moral guidance.  

The second verse states a question for mankind stating:

“How will you know what the Night of Determination is?” (Quran 97:2)

This question is made to showcase the extraordinarily high status of Laylat al-Qadr, encouraging the believers to give their 100% on this night to achieve all the blessings and virtues of this world and hereafter. And in the third Surah Allah tells us that:

“Better is the Night of Determination than a thousand months.” (Quran 97:3)

Allah claims in this verse that the ibadah done on this night is better than the ibadah of a thousand months. The acts of worship, prayers, and seeking forgiveness from the Almighty on this blessed night carry the reward equivalent to those performed over eighty-three years.

Allah tells us that He sends down his angels, including Jibrail عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ, to this earth, bringing peace and blessings to the people who are involved and busy in the worship of Allah. The night continues till dawn, and until dawn, the mercy and blessings of Allah are distributed in abundance.

Virtues and Benefits of Surah Al-Qadr

Allah reveals the night of Laylat al-Qadr in Surah Al-Qadr and its importance while Hadith tells us when is the Night of Decree. According to Hadith, Lailat al-Qadr can be found on the odd nights of the last 10 days of Ramadan. It is narrated by Ibn Umar (R.A):

“The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) as saying: Seek Lailat Al-Qadr in the last seven days.” (Sunan Abi Dawud 1385, Book 6, Hadith 15)

In another Hadith, narrated by Ubada bin As-Samit (R.A);

“Allah’s Apostle went out to inform the people about the (date of the) night of decree (Al-Qadr) but there happened a quarrel between two Muslim men. The Prophet said, “I came out to inform you about (the date of) the night of Al-Qadr, but as so and so and so and so quarreled, its knowledge was taken away (I forgot it) and maybe it was better for you. Now look for it in the 7th, the 9th, and the 5th (of the last 10 nights of the month of Ramadan).” (Sahih al-Bukhari 49, Book 2, hadith 42)

The recitation of Surah Al-Qadr, especially on the nights of Ramadan, encourages us to increase our worship and seek forgiveness from Allah. Those who worship and stand before Allah on the nights of Ramadan, especially Laylat al-Qadr, their sins will be forgiven. It is narrated by Abu Hurairah (R.A):

“The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Whoever stands (in the voluntary night prayer of) Ramadan out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven. And whoever spends the night of Lailat Al-Qadr in prayer out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.” (Sunan an-Nasai 5027, Book 47, Hadith 43)

Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) also tells us the best dua for forgiveness that should be recited on the night of Laylat Al-Qadr to seek forgiveness from Allah. It is narrated by Ayesha (R.A):

I asked: “O Messenger of Allah! If I realize Lailat-ul-Qadr (Night of Decree), what should I supplicate in it?” He (ﷺ) replied: “You should supplicate: Allahumma innaka afuwwun, tuhibbul-afwa, fa’fu anni (O Allah, You are the Most forgiving, and You Love forgiveness, so forgive me)” (Riyad as-Salihin 1195, Book 8, Hadith 205)