Surah Al-Qadr Meaning & Significance
Occasion of Revelation
Surah Al-Qadr was revealed when Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was told about a warrior from the Children of Israel. This warrior fought for a thousand months without stopping. The Prophet’s Companions were amazed by this. Then, Allah revealed this Surah. It showed that worship on Laylatul Qadr, given to Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ Ummah, is better than a thousand months of struggle. This was a special blessing for this Ummah. Worship on this night is more valuable than years of fighting in the path of Allah.
Greatness and Honor
One meaning of “Qadr” is greatness or honor. The Night of Qadr is important and revered. Worship, repentance, and seeking forgiveness on this night raises a person’s status in the eyes of Allah.
Predestination
Another meaning of “Qadr” is predestination. On this night, Allah decides the destiny of individuals and nations. He gives these decrees to the angels, who then carry out the commands. These details include life spans, sustenance, and other matters for the coming year. This is supported by Surah Ad-Dukhan (44:3-5), which says that every wise matter is decided on this blessed night.
Read more: Surah Al-Qadar with Urdu Translation
Key Lessons from Surah Al-Qadr
The Importance of the Night of Qadr
The Night of Qadr is the night when the Quran was revealed. Acts of worship on this night surpass those of a thousand months. This night holds immense value, and believers should seek Allah’s blessings and mercy on this night.
When is the Night of Qadr?
The exact date of Laylatul Qadr is unknown. It is believed to fall in the last ten nights of Ramadan, usually on odd nights. The Prophet ﷺ advised seeking it on the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, and 29th nights. This uncertainty encourages Muslims to be more devoted during the last ten days of Ramadan.
Worship on the Night of Qadr
Worship on the Night of Qadr is better than a thousand months of worship. According to Hadith, anyone who prays on this night will have all past sins forgiven. The night is peaceful, and angels, led by Jibril (Gabriel), descend to pray for the believers.
Revelation of the Quran
The Quran was revealed on Laylatul Qadr.This night marks a pivotal moment in Islamic history. It may mean that the entire Quran was sent down from the Preserved Tablet on this night. The first revelation to the Prophet ﷺ also happened on this night, while he was in the cave of Hira.
Benefits of Reciting Surah Al-Qadr
Great Rewards
Reciting Surah Al-Qadr reminds believers of the Night of Qadr’s significance. Worship on this night brings blessings equal to more than a thousand months of worship.
Seeking Forgiveness
A key supplication for Laylatul Qadr is: “O Allah, You are the Most Forgiving, You love to forgive, so forgive me.” This shows the importance of seeking Allah’s pardon during this blessed night.
Protection from Evil
The Night of Qadr is a night of peace and security. It protects from all forms of evil, harm, and calamity. The angels descend with Allah’s commands, ensuring the night is filled with peace.
Verses of Surah Al-Qadr in Arabic, Translation, and Tafseer
Arabic Text of Surah Al-Qadr
- إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَاهُ فِي لَيْلَةِ الْقَدْرِ
- وَمَا أَدْرَاكَ مَا لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ
- لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ خَيْرٌ مِّنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍ
- سَلَامٌ هِيَ حَتَّىٰ مَطْلَعِ الْفَجْرِ
Translation
- Surely, We revealed the Qur’an on the Night of Power.”
- “And what will make you understand what the Night of Power is?”
- “”The Night of Power is more valuable than a thousand months.”
- “On this night, the angels and the Spirit come down by their Lord’s command, carrying out all decrees.”
- “It is a night of peace until the break of dawn.”
Tafseer of the Verses Surah Al-Qadr
The first verse shows the significance of Laylatul Qadr, the night when the Quran was revealed. It marks the start of divine revelation to the Prophet ﷺ, making it a night of great blessing.
In the second verse, Allah asks a rhetorical question to highlight that the true value of Laylatul Qadr is beyond human understanding. This encourages believers to appreciate its importance.
The third verse tells us that worship on Laylatul Qadr is more valuable than worship spread over a thousand months. This verse highlights the spiritual rewards of this night.
The fourth verse explains that on Laylatul Qadr, angels, including Jibril (Gabriel), descend to earth by Allah’s command. They bring peace, blessings, and the decrees for the coming year.
The final verse describes the night as one of peace and tranquility, lasting until dawn. It is a time of divine mercy, free from harm, with Allah’s blessings continuing throughout the night.
Frequently Asked Questions About Surah Al-Qadr
What is the Night of Qadr?
It is the night when the Quran was sent down. Acts of worship on this night surpass those of a thousand months
When does the Night of Qadr occur?
The exact date is unknown, but it is believed to fall in the last ten nights of Ramadan, usually on odd nights.
What should one do on the Night of Qadr?
Muslims should pray, seek forgiveness, recite the Quran, and make supplications on the Night of Qadr. The Prophet ﷺ advised reciting: “O Allah, You are the Most Forgiving, You love to forgive, so forgive me.”
Why is the Night of Qadr special?
It is special because it is the night when the Quran was revealed. Worship on this night is better than a thousand months, and it is a night of peace, with angels descending to bring blessings and mercy.
How can one attain the blessings of the Night of Qadr?
One can attain blessings by praying the Isha and Fajr prayers in congregation, engaging in worship, and seeking Allah’s forgiveness throughout the night.