Its Blessed Name

• Night [Layl]: indicates the time from sunset till dawn
• Power [Al-Qadar]: This word carries a number of different meanings such as honor, serenity, judgment, and power. The scholars differed over the meaning of this word when used in relation to that special night that takes place during the month of Ramadan. Here are the most common interpretations:

1. Magnificence and Honor

This meaning is obvious because it is the night that the Qur’an was sent, Prophethood was announced and the angels descend. Other scholars held that the one who revived this night with worship would become honorable because Allah [the Exalted] would raise his/her ranks.

Practical lessons:

• As Muslims we should feel honored because Lailatal-Qadar was the night that the Qur’an was sent and the Prophet was chosen by Allah. However, this was also the night that witnessed the birth of new religious nation, the nation of the Prophet and we are blessed to belong to that nation. Do you feel humble? Do you feel blessed to be a part of that nation? Do you feel and share the greatness of this night? Do your actions reflect that humility?

• If one wants to be honored them let him do so by worshiping Allah

2. Something Restricted or Difficult to Attain.

That is because the night of its occurrence is restricted from the knowledge of men and the only way to find it is to put forth effort and seek it. It is also said that the earth becomes full with the presence of an infinite number of malaikah.

Practical lessons:

• When something is hidden it is a sign of its value. One who truly understands this will work to find the hidden treasure in this night.

3. Judgments and Decisions

This is because it is this night that the angels distribute what is destined for Allah’s servants with regards to those servants provisions and lifespan for the next year. Some scholars contended that the night which ones provisions and life were to be giving is during the middle of Sh’aban. However, the majority of scholars hold that it is this night, the Night of Power.

Its Signs

When Does it Occur ?

• It takes place in the last ten nights of Ramadan. The Prophet [may Allah be pleased with him] said, “I witnessed the Night of Power then I forgot it [which night it was]. It happens in the last ten nights [of Ramadan].” Related by Ibn Hiban

The Night:

• The night is mild [neither cold nor warm] as stated by the Prophet [may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him], “The night of power is a mild night neither hot nor cold.” Related by Ibn Khuzaymah and it is authentic.
• The number of angels out that night are toخ numerous to count: The Prophet [may Allah's peace and blessing be upon him] said, “The number of angels present that night on earth cannot be counted.” Related by Ibn Khuzaymah a good hadith.
• It is a clear night and its stars are visible: The Prophet [may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him] said, “The night of power is a clear night…..as though it’s moon uncovers the nights stars.” Related by Ibn Hibban

It’s morning:

• The Sun rises in the morning after the Night of Power“red and weak” [Ibn Khuzaimah/sahih]
• The Prophet said about it’s sunrise in another narration, “white having no rays” [Muslim]. Having no rays is explained by the narration above as being “weak”

Things to do:

• Pray
• Read Qur’an
• Make Dhikr
• Engage in worship in its strict sense
• Be kind to others
• If you’re in the Masjid, be clean

Things not to do:

• Talk and waste ones time hanging out or text messaging his/her buddies all night
• Sins
• Sleep the night away and lose out on its blessings
• Avoid being rude
• Making the Masjid untidy

What if I have to work, go to school, or take care of the little ones the next day?

Scholars noted that one does not have to stand the entire night to experience it. One could worship for a short while and still receive the blessings of the night. Thus, those who have to work, take care of the kids or other responsibilities need only worship for a short while. [see Fath al-Bari of Ibn Hajar].

Wisdom Behind Searching for It

Imam al-Razi stated, “Allah concealed this night like He did with many things: He concealed His pleasure with acts of obedience so one will strive towards them all, the answer to supplications so one will work towards making every supplication matter, His greatest name so people will magnify all of His names, His acceptance of repentance so one will repent for every sin, the time of one’s death so one will use his entire life for worship and he hide this night so people will worship Him every night [from the last 10 nights of Ramadan].” Tafsir al-Kabir

May Allah grant us guidance to experience this night.

Suhaib