The Night of Power
Tajuddin Ibn Shu’aib
Tajuddin Ibn Shu’aib
In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful;
All the praise and Thanks are due to Allāh, the Lord of the al-ā’lamīn. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allāh, and that Muhammad, sallallāhu alayhi wa sallam, is His Messenger.
Al-Qadar
The Surah has been so designated after the word Al-Qadar [The Power] in the very first verse, revealed in Makkah. The surah's theme is about honoring the revelation of the Holy Qur’an; it also explains the significance of The Night of Power or The Honored Night.
The Night is a special gift only to the Muslim Ummah. The night is one which the angels in the heavens see as worthy of witnessing. The night is so significance with holiness, as the night when the good deeds are returned, it is equal to a thousand months in the sight of Allāh.
Allāh Subhānahu Wa Ta’ala says in Surah Al-Qadar:
1. “We have indeed revealed it, (the Qur'an) in the Night of Power [Honored Night]. 2. And what will explain to you what the Night of Power [Honored Night] is? 3. The Night of Power [Honored Night] is better than a thousand months. 4. In it, the angels descend as well as the Spirit (Gabriel) by the permission of their Lord, with all types of decrees. 5. ‘Peace’ it is until the rise of dawn.” (Surah Al-Qadar, 97: 1-5)
The Prophet (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) said: “Seek the Honoured Night in the last ten [days of Ramadhan].” (Sahih Al-Bukhari).
Occasion of Revelation
Abi Hatim and Al-Wahidi, by way of Mujahid reported that the Messenger (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) mentioned that there was a man among the Israelites who devoted his life to the cause of Allāh 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 Allāh Subhānahu Wa Ta’ala 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-Qurān) in the Night of Power [Honoured Night]." (Al-Qadr, 97:1)
There are several points pertaining to the meaning of this verse:
The meaning and the use of the pronoun "We" is a style in Al-Qurān that when the Creator (Allāh Subhānahu Wa Ta’ala) is mentioned 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-Baqarah, 2:30).
It is clear when Allāh uses the pronoun "I” referring 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 Creator and Cherisher of all the worlds, whose greatness is incomprehensibly vast and beyond our imagination.
Or, it is referring to Allāh Subhānahu Wa Ta’ala and the angels who carry out his words to all, in every level of His dominion. It cannot mean plural, or more than One Allāh, for that would necessitate dropping in 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 the other is evidence that none is absolute. This is inconceivable of Allāh Subhānahu Wa Ta’ala therefore, "We" cannot mean anything but respect and exaltation of the One and Only.
"...Have Indeed Revealed It in the Honoured Night [Night of Power]" (Al-Qadr, 97:1)
There is unanimity among the commentators that "it" refers to Al-Qurān, meaning "We revealed" Al-Qurān in the Night of Power. Allāh Subhānahu Wa Ta’ala did not mention Al-Qurān explicitly. By referring to Al-Qurān by the pronoun it implies a divine uniqueness of the book, as well as greatness and honor:
First, it ascribed the revelation of Al-Qurān to Himself, and not to anyone else.
Second, referring to Al-Qurān by 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 (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) and after, guarding against anyone who may like to challenge it or claim any honor of teaching Muhammad (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) Al-Qurān.
Third, the statements also meant to honor and memorialize the time period in which Al-Qurān was revealed.
By revealing Al-Qurān in the Night of Power, Allāh Subhānahu Wa Ta’ala inaugurated or started its revelation for the beginning of the prophethood ('Bi'ethah), and the Prophet's mission of Al-Islam began in the month of Ramadhan on that Night. Al-Qurān was not revealed in one night; it was revealed over the course of 23 years.
Ibn Abbas (radiallāhu`anhu) said: The whole Qur'an was revealed to the lower heavens from the protective slate (Luh-Mahfuz) on the Night of Power, then from there to the earth in the course of 23 years. The word power, Al-Qadar, has several implications and meaning, but we cover only those implications which are relevant to the issues here. Qadar implies having power over something, as in the case of the Creator over the creation. Allāh’s Subhānahu Wa Ta’ala excellence is Al-Qadar, capable, omnipotent, almighty, and all powerful. It also implies excellence and high esteem, and as for this Night of Power, it is highly esteemed and regarded. The night is equal to over 80 years in the sight of Allāh Subhānahu Wa Ta’ala.
It also implies to maintain, appoint, assign or decree an order. Thus, in the Night of Power, Allāh Subhānahu Wa Ta’ala proclaims to the angels His commands and orders in regards to the affairs of the universe. From this meaning is derived the concept of Al-Qada Wa Qadar, the fifth article of faith, that Allāh 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's decision to act freely in good conscience or bad conscience is all known to Allāh Subhānahu Wa Ta’ala, past, present and future.
Qadar also 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 Allāh Subhānahu Wa Ta’ala, Who states:
"Verily, all things have We created in proportion and measure." (Al-Qamar, 54:49)
Why the name, the Night of Power?
As mentioned above, it is the night of Taqdir, meaning the one in which Allāh Subhānahu Wa Ta’ala 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. Allāh Subhānahu Wa Ta’ala states:
"We sent it down during a blessed night; We forever wish to warn (against evil). In that (night) it is made distinct every affair of wisdom." (Al-Dukhan, 44:3-4)
It should be known that most scholars believe Allāh's commands and rules are not made on that night. It has already been decreed in the eternity what is known to Allāh Subhānahu Wa Ta’ala, 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 on the protective slate.
This is also the night of honor and prestige which may be awarded to the servant who devotes himself to special deeds, or to the deeds themselves for the higher value they contain on that night.
The Night Is Concealed
Allāh Subhānahu Wa Ta’ala 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 Allāh Subhānahu Wa Ta’ala 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.
He has concealed the time of death so that we will be conscious of Him and our deeds all the time.
He has concealed the exact date of the Night of Power so that we would double our efforts in the whole month of Ramadhan, 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 the night late and in the early hours until he or she attains it, regardless of the hardship.
When is the Night?
The majority of the scholars said that the night occurs in the month of Ramadhan, but no agreement on the exact night. Some said it comes on the 27th day of Ramadhan. But there is evidence that the night comes on the last ten days of Ramadhan, specifically on the odd numbered nights. In a report by Bukhari, the Messenger of Allāh (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) said:
"Seek it on the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadhan."
In a Hadith by Ibn Umar (radiallāhu`anhu) , some men among the companions saw the night in a dream occurring in the last seven nights. Responding to this, the Messenger of Allāh (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) told them, "I see your dreams coincide on the last seven, whoever wants to seek it should do so in the last seven."
In the Sahih Muslim it was reported the Prophet (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) said, "Seek the 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 (radiallāhu`anhu), he said: "By Allāh, I know which night it is. It is the night the Messenger commanded us to observe, the night of the 27th."
(Ahmad ; al-Tirmidzi)
Analyzing all these citations indicate still no one 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 will be on the 25th, while on the following year it will be occurring on the 29th, etc. There is an indication to this in Hadith by Bukhari, when the Messenger of Allāh (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) states: "Seek it on the twenty-ninth; it may be on the twenty-seventh, or on the twenty-fifth."
Imam Ibn Hajr (rahimahullāh), in his book, "Fathul Bari", in the commentary of the Book of Bukhari, said: “I accept the ruling that the night occurs on the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadhan, namely the twenty-first, twenty-third, twenty-fifth, twenty-seventh and or twenty-ninth.''
Seeking the Night (Lailatul-Qadr)
It is recommended to seek the night and spend it diligently in devotion, including night Sunnah prayers (Tahajjud), recitation of Al-Qurān and supplications. In a hadith related by Abu Hurayrah (radiallāhu`anhu), the Messenger of Allāh (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) said:
The Surah has been so designated after the word Al-Qadar [The Power] in the very first verse, revealed in Makkah. The surah's theme is about honoring the revelation of the Holy Qur’an; it also explains the significance of The Night of Power or The Honored Night.
The Night is a special gift only to the Muslim Ummah. The night is one which the angels in the heavens see as worthy of witnessing. The night is so significance with holiness, as the night when the good deeds are returned, it is equal to a thousand months in the sight of Allāh.
Allāh Subhānahu Wa Ta’ala says in Surah Al-Qadar:
1. “We have indeed revealed it, (the Qur'an) in the Night of Power [Honored Night]. 2. And what will explain to you what the Night of Power [Honored Night] is? 3. The Night of Power [Honored Night] is better than a thousand months. 4. In it, the angels descend as well as the Spirit (Gabriel) by the permission of their Lord, with all types of decrees. 5. ‘Peace’ it is until the rise of dawn.” (Surah Al-Qadar, 97: 1-5)
The Prophet (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) said: “Seek the Honoured Night in the last ten [days of Ramadhan].” (Sahih Al-Bukhari).
Occasion of Revelation
Abi Hatim and Al-Wahidi, by way of Mujahid reported that the Messenger (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) mentioned that there was a man among the Israelites who devoted his life to the cause of Allāh 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 Allāh Subhānahu Wa Ta’ala 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-Qurān) in the Night of Power [Honoured Night]." (Al-Qadr, 97:1)
There are several points pertaining to the meaning of this verse:
The meaning and the use of the pronoun "We" is a style in Al-Qurān that when the Creator (Allāh Subhānahu Wa Ta’ala) is mentioned 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-Baqarah, 2:30).
It is clear when Allāh uses the pronoun "I” referring 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 Creator and Cherisher of all the worlds, whose greatness is incomprehensibly vast and beyond our imagination.
Or, it is referring to Allāh Subhānahu Wa Ta’ala and the angels who carry out his words to all, in every level of His dominion. It cannot mean plural, or more than One Allāh, for that would necessitate dropping in 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 the other is evidence that none is absolute. This is inconceivable of Allāh Subhānahu Wa Ta’ala therefore, "We" cannot mean anything but respect and exaltation of the One and Only.
"...Have Indeed Revealed It in the Honoured Night [Night of Power]" (Al-Qadr, 97:1)
There is unanimity among the commentators that "it" refers to Al-Qurān, meaning "We revealed" Al-Qurān in the Night of Power. Allāh Subhānahu Wa Ta’ala did not mention Al-Qurān explicitly. By referring to Al-Qurān by the pronoun it implies a divine uniqueness of the book, as well as greatness and honor:
First, it ascribed the revelation of Al-Qurān to Himself, and not to anyone else.
Second, referring to Al-Qurān by 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 (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) and after, guarding against anyone who may like to challenge it or claim any honor of teaching Muhammad (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) Al-Qurān.
Third, the statements also meant to honor and memorialize the time period in which Al-Qurān was revealed.
By revealing Al-Qurān in the Night of Power, Allāh Subhānahu Wa Ta’ala inaugurated or started its revelation for the beginning of the prophethood ('Bi'ethah), and the Prophet's mission of Al-Islam began in the month of Ramadhan on that Night. Al-Qurān was not revealed in one night; it was revealed over the course of 23 years.
Ibn Abbas (radiallāhu`anhu) said: The whole Qur'an was revealed to the lower heavens from the protective slate (Luh-Mahfuz) on the Night of Power, then from there to the earth in the course of 23 years. The word power, Al-Qadar, has several implications and meaning, but we cover only those implications which are relevant to the issues here. Qadar implies having power over something, as in the case of the Creator over the creation. Allāh’s Subhānahu Wa Ta’ala excellence is Al-Qadar, capable, omnipotent, almighty, and all powerful. It also implies excellence and high esteem, and as for this Night of Power, it is highly esteemed and regarded. The night is equal to over 80 years in the sight of Allāh Subhānahu Wa Ta’ala.
It also implies to maintain, appoint, assign or decree an order. Thus, in the Night of Power, Allāh Subhānahu Wa Ta’ala proclaims to the angels His commands and orders in regards to the affairs of the universe. From this meaning is derived the concept of Al-Qada Wa Qadar, the fifth article of faith, that Allāh 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's decision to act freely in good conscience or bad conscience is all known to Allāh Subhānahu Wa Ta’ala, past, present and future.
Qadar also 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 Allāh Subhānahu Wa Ta’ala, Who states:
"Verily, all things have We created in proportion and measure." (Al-Qamar, 54:49)
Why the name, the Night of Power?
As mentioned above, it is the night of Taqdir, meaning the one in which Allāh Subhānahu Wa Ta’ala 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. Allāh Subhānahu Wa Ta’ala states:
"We sent it down during a blessed night; We forever wish to warn (against evil). In that (night) it is made distinct every affair of wisdom." (Al-Dukhan, 44:3-4)
It should be known that most scholars believe Allāh's commands and rules are not made on that night. It has already been decreed in the eternity what is known to Allāh Subhānahu Wa Ta’ala, 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 on the protective slate.
This is also the night of honor and prestige which may be awarded to the servant who devotes himself to special deeds, or to the deeds themselves for the higher value they contain on that night.
The Night Is Concealed
Allāh Subhānahu Wa Ta’ala 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 Allāh Subhānahu Wa Ta’ala 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.
He has concealed the time of death so that we will be conscious of Him and our deeds all the time.
He has concealed the exact date of the Night of Power so that we would double our efforts in the whole month of Ramadhan, 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 the night late and in the early hours until he or she attains it, regardless of the hardship.
When is the Night?
The majority of the scholars said that the night occurs in the month of Ramadhan, but no agreement on the exact night. Some said it comes on the 27th day of Ramadhan. But there is evidence that the night comes on the last ten days of Ramadhan, specifically on the odd numbered nights. In a report by Bukhari, the Messenger of Allāh (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) said:
"Seek it on the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadhan."
In a Hadith by Ibn Umar (radiallāhu`anhu) , some men among the companions saw the night in a dream occurring in the last seven nights. Responding to this, the Messenger of Allāh (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) told them, "I see your dreams coincide on the last seven, whoever wants to seek it should do so in the last seven."
In the Sahih Muslim it was reported the Prophet (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) said, "Seek the 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 (radiallāhu`anhu), he said: "By Allāh, I know which night it is. It is the night the Messenger commanded us to observe, the night of the 27th."
(Ahmad ; al-Tirmidzi)
Analyzing all these citations indicate still no one 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 will be on the 25th, while on the following year it will be occurring on the 29th, etc. There is an indication to this in Hadith by Bukhari, when the Messenger of Allāh (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) states: "Seek it on the twenty-ninth; it may be on the twenty-seventh, or on the twenty-fifth."
Imam Ibn Hajr (rahimahullāh), in his book, "Fathul Bari", in the commentary of the Book of Bukhari, said: “I accept the ruling that the night occurs on the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadhan, namely the twenty-first, twenty-third, twenty-fifth, twenty-seventh and or twenty-ninth.''
Seeking the Night (Lailatul-Qadr)
It is recommended to seek the night and spend it diligently in devotion, including night Sunnah prayers (Tahajjud), recitation of Al-Qurān and supplications. In a hadith related by Abu Hurayrah (radiallāhu`anhu), the Messenger of Allāh (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) said:
"He who spends the night in prayer on the Night of Power, as a sign of His faith, and seeking rewards from Allāh, his previous sins will be forgiven."
(Bukhāri; Muslim)
This citation indicates that regardless of whether a person knows the night or not, Allāh will grant him forgiveness for previous shortcomings.
“And what will explain to thee what the Night of Power is; The Night of Power is better than a thousand months." (Al-Qadar, 97:2-3)
Allāh Subhānahu Wa Ta’ala 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 the night. As if to say whatever merits Allāh informs you about the night is just nothing compared to the things you have no idea about. Nonetheless, He mentions three honors in the credit of the night: 1."The Night is 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 act done on other nights. The rewards (thawāb) are being multiplied several-fold.
Imam Malik said that the Messenger of Allāh (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) 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, Allāh 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 Allāh Subhānahu Wa Ta’ala 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 (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam). 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 the angels and the Spirit by Allāh's permission, on every errand." (Al-Qadr, 97:4)
This is far from the earlier cry of the angels who, when Allāh Subhānahu Wa Ta’ala 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-Baqarah, 2:30)
When the angels first 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 do not like it. They will even wash their hands, clothes and 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 and they 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, and worshipping Allāh 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. Allāh Subhānahu Wa Ta’ala states:
"...And they implore forgiveness for those who believe..." (Ghafir, 40:7)
He used the form (tanazzal) "They come", to indicate 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 Allāh Subhānahu Wa Ta’ala, and
2. To show their deep love for the believers. This is why they seek permission from Allāh Subhānahu Wa Ta’ala to come and meet us. This is a once-a-year opportunity they do not like to miss.
3. Allāh Subhānahu Wa Ta’ala 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-Ra’d, 13:23-24)
Now, if you preoccupy yourself with worship of Allāh, the angels will descend on you with salutations.
4. Allāh Subhānahu Wa Ta’ala 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-Qadr, 97:4)
The Meaning of the Spirit.
1. The Spirit is comprised of groups of special angels who are seen only on the Night of Power;
2. It is referring to Al-Qurān, as Allāh Subhānahu Wa Ta’ala stated:
"And thus have We, by Our command sent inspiration (spirit) to thee..." (Ash-Shura, 42:52),
3. This is a reference to Angel Jibril, as this is a special honor to Jibril who has been mentioned twice Surah 42, first with another angel, and separately as the spirit of Allāh Subhānahu Wa Ta’ala 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." (Ash-Shuara, 26:192-193)
Thus the correct explanation of the spirit, Ruh, is Jibril in this verse to indicate the angels on one side and Jibreel on the other, while they were descending.
"...By Allāh’s permission..."
This indicates the angels extend a request to come to 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. Allāh Subhānahu Wa Ta’ala states:
"They speak not before He speaks, and they act (in all things) by His command." (Al-Anbiya’ 21:27)"(The angels say) we descend not but by command of thy Lord..." (Maryam, 19:64)"(Thy) Lord." It indicates honor for the angels. It is as if Allāh Subhānahu Wa Ta’ala is saying “They are for Me and I am for them''. Similarly, Allāh Subhānahu Wa Ta’ala said regarding us: "Verily your Lord is Allāh Who created the heavens and the earth in six days..." (Yunus, 10:3) And regarding Prophet Muhammad (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) Allāh said: "Behold, your Lord said to the angels..." (Al-Baqarah, 2:30)
It has been reported that when Prophet David (‘alaihissalam) was terminally ill, he asked Allāh to be for his son Solomon, as He was for him. Allāh Subhānahu Wa Ta’ala replied, saying:
"Tell Solomon to be for Me as you are for Me. (Al-Baqarah, 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-Qadr, 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 angels in salutation.
2. The purpose is to describe the night with peace because of the salutation from the angels. That is very important, because when seven angels visited Prophet Ibrahim (‘alaihissalam) 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 dawn." (Al-Qadr, 97:5)
All the honor, blessings and peace of the Night of Power will continue in every second of the night until Fajar. Allāh Subhānahu Wa Ta’ala is the Best Knower.
(Bukhāri; Muslim)
This citation indicates that regardless of whether a person knows the night or not, Allāh will grant him forgiveness for previous shortcomings.
“And what will explain to thee what the Night of Power is; The Night of Power is better than a thousand months." (Al-Qadar, 97:2-3)
Allāh Subhānahu Wa Ta’ala 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 the night. As if to say whatever merits Allāh informs you about the night is just nothing compared to the things you have no idea about. Nonetheless, He mentions three honors in the credit of the night: 1."The Night is 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 act done on other nights. The rewards (thawāb) are being multiplied several-fold.
Imam Malik said that the Messenger of Allāh (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) 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, Allāh 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 Allāh Subhānahu Wa Ta’ala 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 (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam). 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 the angels and the Spirit by Allāh's permission, on every errand." (Al-Qadr, 97:4)
This is far from the earlier cry of the angels who, when Allāh Subhānahu Wa Ta’ala 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-Baqarah, 2:30)
When the angels first 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 do not like it. They will even wash their hands, clothes and 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 and they 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, and worshipping Allāh 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. Allāh Subhānahu Wa Ta’ala states:
"...And they implore forgiveness for those who believe..." (Ghafir, 40:7)
He used the form (tanazzal) "They come", to indicate 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 Allāh Subhānahu Wa Ta’ala, and
2. To show their deep love for the believers. This is why they seek permission from Allāh Subhānahu Wa Ta’ala to come and meet us. This is a once-a-year opportunity they do not like to miss.
3. Allāh Subhānahu Wa Ta’ala 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-Ra’d, 13:23-24)
Now, if you preoccupy yourself with worship of Allāh, the angels will descend on you with salutations.
4. Allāh Subhānahu Wa Ta’ala 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-Qadr, 97:4)
The Meaning of the Spirit.
1. The Spirit is comprised of groups of special angels who are seen only on the Night of Power;
2. It is referring to Al-Qurān, as Allāh Subhānahu Wa Ta’ala stated:
"And thus have We, by Our command sent inspiration (spirit) to thee..." (Ash-Shura, 42:52),
3. This is a reference to Angel Jibril, as this is a special honor to Jibril who has been mentioned twice Surah 42, first with another angel, and separately as the spirit of Allāh Subhānahu Wa Ta’ala 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." (Ash-Shuara, 26:192-193)
Thus the correct explanation of the spirit, Ruh, is Jibril in this verse to indicate the angels on one side and Jibreel on the other, while they were descending.
"...By Allāh’s permission..."
This indicates the angels extend a request to come to 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. Allāh Subhānahu Wa Ta’ala states:
"They speak not before He speaks, and they act (in all things) by His command." (Al-Anbiya’ 21:27)"(The angels say) we descend not but by command of thy Lord..." (Maryam, 19:64)"(Thy) Lord." It indicates honor for the angels. It is as if Allāh Subhānahu Wa Ta’ala is saying “They are for Me and I am for them''. Similarly, Allāh Subhānahu Wa Ta’ala said regarding us: "Verily your Lord is Allāh Who created the heavens and the earth in six days..." (Yunus, 10:3) And regarding Prophet Muhammad (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) Allāh said: "Behold, your Lord said to the angels..." (Al-Baqarah, 2:30)
It has been reported that when Prophet David (‘alaihissalam) was terminally ill, he asked Allāh to be for his son Solomon, as He was for him. Allāh Subhānahu Wa Ta’ala replied, saying:
"Tell Solomon to be for Me as you are for Me. (Al-Baqarah, 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-Qadr, 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 angels in salutation.
2. The purpose is to describe the night with peace because of the salutation from the angels. That is very important, because when seven angels visited Prophet Ibrahim (‘alaihissalam) 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 dawn." (Al-Qadr, 97:5)
All the honor, blessings and peace of the Night of Power will continue in every second of the night until Fajar. Allāh Subhānahu Wa Ta’ala is the Best Knower.
[Via MSA]
No comments:
Post a Comment