Surah Al Qadr: Explanation and Benefits

By Eman Abdallah Kamel

Eman is a writer and engineer. She also studied at the ZAD Academy of Islamic Sciences (Shariah) (online course).

Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree) is a blessed night on which Allah Almighty revealed the Holy Quran. In this article, you will learn about the explanation of verses of Surah Al-Qadr and their benefits.

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Summary

Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree) is a blessed night in the month of Ramadan. It is a night of great significance and honor. It is the night on which Allah Almighty revealed the Holy Quran. Good deeds performed on Laylat al-Qadr are better than a thousand months. On this blessed night, the angels descend to Earth. Laylat al-Qadr is a night of peace until the break of dawn.

Did You Know?

The word ‘qadr’ in Arabic means ‘value’ or ‘status.’ It was named “the Night of Al-Qadr” due to its honor, making the addition of “night” an attribution of something to its quality, i.e., the noble night, signifying its immense status and grandeur. Also, it could be derived from “taqdīr” (decree); it is the night in which the decree for the year is determined.

Surah Al-Qadr is a Meccan surah: 97 – Number of verses: 5 – Number of words: 30.

Explanation

In the Name of Allah—the Entirely Merciful, Especially Merciful.

{1} Indeed, We sent the Quran down on the Night of Decree.

According to scholars, the Night of Decree is of great value and honor, and it is there that what will happen in that year, in terms of life, death, sustenance, and other matters, is decreed.

Meaning: According to scholars of Quranic exegesis, Allah Almighty sent the Quran all at once from the Preserved Tablet (Al-Lawh Al-Mahfuz) to the worldly heaven. Then it was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, in parts.

Al-Lawh Al-Mahfuz

The Mother of the Book is the Preserved Slate, in which is inscribed the original of every scripture revealed by Allah.

{2} And what will make you know what the Night of Decree is?

Meaning: What will make you realize the Night of al-Qadr (Decree), its significance, its honor, and its greatness? The Prophet Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said:

“Whoever stands (night prayer) in the Night of Decree, out of faith and in pursuit of reward (from Allah), his previous sins will be forgiven.”

Narrated by the companion Abu Hurairah [Authentic]—Sahih al-Bukhari—35

To learn more about the above hadith, visit Hadeethenc.com/hadith/4202.

Then Allah Almighty says,

{3} The Night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is better than a thousand months.

According to the interpreters of the Holy Quran, good deeds done on the Night of Decree are better than good deeds done in a thousand months in which there is no Night of Decree.

{4} Therein descend the angels and the Ruh (the Spirit) by their Lord’s permission for every matter. Meaning: Angels descend in great numbers on Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree) because of its immense blessings. The angels descend along with the blessings and mercy. Ruh (Spirit) is the angel Gabriel, peace be upon him. God Almighty singled him out for mention because of his honor and virtue. (For every matter) meaning every matter that Allah commands them to do.

{5} Peace it is until the break of dawn. Meaning: Laylat al-Qadr is all blessings; there is no evil in it until the break of dawn.

3. Indeed, We sent it (Qur’ân) down on a blessed night (Al-Qadr). Verily, We are ever warning (mankind that Our Torment will reach those who disbelieve in Our Oneness of Lordship and in Our Oneness of worship).

4. Therein (that night) every matter of wisdom is ordained.

Ad-Dukhan (The Smoke) 44:3, 4

Benefits

Laylat al-Qadr is a blessed night that starts at sunset and ends at dawn. It occurs in Ramadan, specifically in the last ten nights, particularly on the odd-numbered nights. The Prophet Mohammad (peace and blessings be upon him) used to observe i’tikaf (seclusion in the mosque) and increase his acts of worship during the last ten nights of the month of Ramadan. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Seek out the Night of Al-Qadr (Decree) in the odd nights of the last ten of Ramadan. ” Narrated by Ā’ishah (the wife of the Prophet Mohammad (may Allah be pleased with her)). [Authentic]—[Sahīh Al-Bukhāri—2017] To learn more about this hadith, visit hadeethenc.com/hadith/4540.
Out of Allah’s wisdom and mercy, Allah concealed this night so that people would be keen to perform acts of worship and seek this night, and their reward would be abundant.
The descent of angels to Earth is a sign of mercy and blessing.
It is recommended to increase supplication at all times, especially during the month of Ramadan and in the last ten days of it, and even more so on the odd-numbered nights of it. Supplicate from your heart and in your own language.

Sources

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