The Night of DecreeThe Night of Decree

�ق�د�ر� ال �ة� �ل �ي �ق�د�ر� ل ال �ة� �ل �ي :Done by لShahzadEdited by: Momina

Which was revealed in MakkahWhich was revealed in Makkah [[ � ح�يم الر' ح�م�ـن� الر' 'ه� الل � م �س� � ب ح�يم الر' ح�م�ـن� الر' 'ه� الل � م �س� [[ ب In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the

Most Merciful.Most Merciful. �ق�د�ر� - - ]] ال �ة� �ل �ي ل م�ا اك� د�ر�

� أ و�م�آ �ق�د�ر� ال �ة� �ل �ي ل ف�ى ه� ـ� �ن ل �نز� أ 'ا �ن �ق�د�ر� - - إ ال �ة� �ل �ي ل م�ا اك� د�ر�� أ و�م�آ �ق�د�ر� ال �ة� �ل �ي ل ف�ى ه� ـ� �ن ل �نز� أ 'ا �ن إ

وح� - و�الر= �ة� �ك ئ ـ� �م�ل ال ل� �ز' �ن ت Bه�ر ش� �ل�ف� أ مFن� Gر� ي خ� �ق�د�ر� ال �ة� �ل �ي وح� - ل و�الر= �ة� �ك ئ ـ� �م�ل ال ل� �ز' �ن ت Bه�ر ش� �ل�ف� أ مFن� Gر� ي خ� �ق�د�ر� ال �ة� �ل �ي ل�ع� - م�ط�ل 'ى ح�ت ه�ى� Gم ـ� ل س� Bم�ر

� أ Fل� ك مFن Fه�م ب ر� �ذ�ن� �إ ب �ع� - ف�يه�ا م�ط�ل 'ى ح�ت ه�ى� Gم ـ� ل س� Bم�ر� أ Fل� ك مFن Fه�م ب ر� �ذ�ن� �إ ب ف�يه�ا

�ف�ج�ر� �ف�ج�ر�ال [[ ال (1. Verily, We have sent it down in the Night of (1. Verily, We have sent it down in the Night of

Al-Qadr.) (2. And what will make you know what Al-Qadr.) (2. And what will make you know what the Night of Al-Qadr is) (3. The Night of Al-Qadr the Night of Al-Qadr is) (3. The Night of Al-Qadr is better than a thousand months.) (4. Therein is better than a thousand months.) (4. Therein descend the angels and the Ruh by their Lord's descend the angels and the Ruh by their Lord's permission with every matter.) (5. There is permission with every matter.) (5. There is peace until the appearance of dawn.)peace until the appearance of dawn.)

The Virtues of the Night of The Virtues of the Night of Al-Qadr (the Decree)Al-Qadr (the Decree)

Allah informs that He sent the Qur'an down during the Night of Allah informs that He sent the Qur'an down during the Night of Al-Qadr, and it is a blessed night about which Allah says,Al-Qadr, and it is a blessed night about which Allah says,

[[ Bة� ك ر� ـ� م=ب Bة� �ل �ي ل ف�ى ه� ـ� �ن ل �نز� أ 'آ �ن �ةB إ ك ر� ـ� م=ب Bة� �ل �ي ل ف�ى ه� ـ� �ن ل �نز� أ 'آ �ن [[إ (We sent it down on a blessed night.) (44:3) This is the Night (We sent it down on a blessed night.) (44:3) This is the Night

of Al-Qadr and it occurs during the month of Ramadan. This is of Al-Qadr and it occurs during the month of Ramadan. This is as Allah says,as Allah says,

[[ آن� �ق�ر� ال ف�يه� �نز�ل� أ 'ذ�ى ال م�ض�ان� ر� ه�ر� آن� ش� �ق�ر� ال ف�يه� �نز�ل� أ 'ذ�ى ال م�ض�ان� ر� ه�ر� [[ش� (The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur'an.) (The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur'an.)

(2:185) Ibn `Abbas and others have said, "Allah sent the (2:185) Ibn `Abbas and others have said, "Allah sent the Qur'an down all at one time from the Preserved Tablet (Al-Qur'an down all at one time from the Preserved Tablet (Al-Lawh Al-Mahfuz) to the House of Might (Baytul-`Izzah), which Lawh Al-Mahfuz) to the House of Might (Baytul-`Izzah), which is in the heaven of this world. Then it came down in parts to is in the heaven of this world. Then it came down in parts to the Messenger of Allah based upon the incidents that the Messenger of Allah based upon the incidents that occurred over a period of twenty-three years.''occurred over a period of twenty-three years.''

Then Allah magnified the status of the Night of Al-Qadr, Then Allah magnified the status of the Night of Al-Qadr, which He chose for the revelation of the Mighty Qur'an, by which He chose for the revelation of the Mighty Qur'an, by His saying,His saying,

[[ - Bه�ر ش� �ل�ف� أ مFن� Gر� ي خ� �ق�د�ر� ال �ة� �ل �ي ل �ق�د�ر� ال �ة� �ل �ي ل م�ا اك� د�ر�� أ ه�رB - و�م�آ ش� �ل�ف� أ مFن� Gر� ي خ� �ق�د�ر� ال �ة� �ل �ي ل �ق�د�ر� ال �ة� �ل �ي ل م�ا اك� د�ر�� أ [[ و�م�آ

(And what will make you know what the Night of Al-Qadr is (And what will make you know what the Night of Al-Qadr is The Night of Al-Qadr is better than a thousand months.) The Night of Al-Qadr is better than a thousand months.) Imam Ahmad recorded that Abu Hurayrah "When Imam Ahmad recorded that Abu Hurayrah "When Ramadan would come, the Messenger of Allah would say,Ramadan would come, the Messenger of Allah would say,

�ام�ه�، »» ص�ي �م� �ك �ي ع�ل الله� �ر�ض� اف�ت ، Gك �ار� م�ب Gه�ر ش� ، م�ض�ان� ر� ه�ر� ش� �م� ج�اء�ك �ام�ه�، ق�د� ص�ي �م� �ك �ي ع�ل الله� �ر�ض� اف�ت ، Gك �ار� م�ب Gه�ر ش� ، م�ض�ان� ر� ه�ر� ش� �م� ج�اء�ك ق�د�ف�يه� �غ�ل= و�ت ،� �ج�ح�يم ال �و�اب� ب

� أ ف�يه� �غ�ل�ق� و�ت 'ة�، ن �ج� ال �و�اب� ب� أ ف�يه� �ح� �ف�ت ف�يه� ت �غ�ل= و�ت ،� �ج�ح�يم ال �و�اب� ب

� أ ف�يه� �غ�ل�ق� و�ت 'ة�، ن �ج� ال �و�اب� ب� أ ف�يه� �ح� �ف�ت ت

ح�ر�م ف�ق�د� ه�ا �ر� ي خ� ح�ر�م� م�ن� ،Bه�ر ش� �ل�ف� أ م�ن� Gر� ي خ� Gة� �ل �ي ل ف�يه� ، �اط�ين� ي ح�ر�م الش' ف�ق�د� ه�ا �ر� ي خ� ح�ر�م� م�ن� ،Bه�ر ش� �ل�ف� أ م�ن� Gر� ي خ� Gة� �ل �ي ل ف�يه� ، �اط�ين� ي ««الش' (Verily, the month of Ramadan has come to you all. It is a (Verily, the month of Ramadan has come to you all. It is a

blessed month, which Allah has obligated you all to fast. blessed month, which Allah has obligated you all to fast. During it the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of During it the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are shackled. In it there is a Hell are closed and the devils are shackled. In it there is a night that is better than one thousand months. Whoever is night that is better than one thousand months. Whoever is deprived of its good, then he has truly been deprived.)'' An-deprived of its good, then he has truly been deprived.)'' An-Nasa'i recorded this same Hadith. Nasa'i recorded this same Hadith.

Aside from the fact that worship Aside from the fact that worship during the Night of Al-Qadr is during the Night of Al-Qadr is equivalent to worship performed equivalent to worship performed for a period of one thousand for a period of one thousand months, it is also confirmed in the months, it is also confirmed in the Two Sahihs from Abu Hurayrah Two Sahihs from Abu Hurayrah that the Messenger of Allah said,that the Messenger of Allah said,

jا »» اب �س� ت و�اح� jا �يم�ان إ �ق�د�ر� ال �ة� �ل �ي ل ق�ام� jا م�ن� اب �س� ت و�اح� jا �يم�ان إ �ق�د�ر� ال �ة� �ل �ي ل ق�ام� م�ن��ه �ب ذ�ن م�ن� �ق�د'م� ت م�ا �ه� ل �ه غ�ف�ر� �ب ذ�ن م�ن� �ق�د'م� ت م�ا �ه� ل ««غ�ف�ر�

(Whoever stands (in prayer) (Whoever stands (in prayer) during the Night of Al-Qadr with during the Night of Al-Qadr with faith and expecting reward (from faith and expecting reward (from Allah), he will be forgiven for his Allah), he will be forgiven for his previous sins.)previous sins.)

The Descent of the Angels and The Descent of the Angels and the Decree for Every Good the Decree for Every Good

during the Night of Al-Qadrduring the Night of Al-Qadr Allah says,Allah says,

[[ Bم�ر� أ Fل� ك مFن Fه�م ب ر� �ذ�ن� �إ ب ف�يه�ا وح� و�الر= �ة� �ك ئ ـ� �م�ل ال ل� �ز' �ن م�رB ت� أ Fل� ك مFن Fه�م ب ر� �ذ�ن� �إ ب ف�يه�ا وح� و�الر= �ة� �ك ئ ـ� �م�ل ال ل� �ز' �ن [[ ت

(Therein descend the angels and the Ruh by their Lord's (Therein descend the angels and the Ruh by their Lord's permission with every matter.) meaning, the angels permission with every matter.) meaning, the angels descend in abundance during the Night of Al-Qadr due to descend in abundance during the Night of Al-Qadr due to its abundant blessings. The angels descend with the its abundant blessings. The angels descend with the descending of blessings and mercy, just as they descend descending of blessings and mercy, just as they descend when the Qur'an is recited, they surround the circles of when the Qur'an is recited, they surround the circles of Dhikr (remembrance of Allah) and they lower their wings Dhikr (remembrance of Allah) and they lower their wings with true respect for the student of knowledge. In reference with true respect for the student of knowledge. In reference to Ar-Ruh, it is said that here it means the angel Jibril. to Ar-Ruh, it is said that here it means the angel Jibril. Therefore, the wording of the Ayah is a method of adding Therefore, the wording of the Ayah is a method of adding the name of the distinct object (in this case Jibril) separate the name of the distinct object (in this case Jibril) separate from the general group (in this case the angels).from the general group (in this case the angels).

Concerning Allah's statement,Concerning Allah's statement, [[ Bم�ر

� أ Fل� ك م�رB مFن� أ Fل� ك [[مFن

(with every matter.) Mujahid said, (with every matter.) Mujahid said, "Peace concerning every matter.'' "Peace concerning every matter.'' Sa`id bin Mansur said, `Isa bin Sa`id bin Mansur said, `Isa bin Yunus told us that Al-A`mash Yunus told us that Al-A`mash narrated to them that Mujahid said narrated to them that Mujahid said concerning Allah's statement,concerning Allah's statement,

[[ ه�ى� Gم ـ� ل ه�ى� س� Gم ـ� ل [[س� (There is peace) "It is security in (There is peace) "It is security in

which Shaytan cannot do any evil which Shaytan cannot do any evil or any harm.'' Qatadah and others or any harm.'' Qatadah and others have said, "The matters are have said, "The matters are determined during it, and the determined during it, and the times of death and provisions are times of death and provisions are measured out (i.e., decided) measured out (i.e., decided) during it.'' Allah says,during it.'' Allah says,

[[ B ح�ك�يم Bم�ر� أ �ل= ك ق� �ف�ر� ي B ف�يه�ا ح�ك�يم Bم�ر� أ �ل= ك ق� �ف�ر� ي [[ ف�يه�ا

(Therein is decreed every matter (Therein is decreed every matter of decree.) (44:4)of decree.) (44:4)

Then Allah says,Then Allah says, [[ �ف�ج�ر� ال �ع� م�ط�ل 'ى ح�ت ه�ى� Gم ـ� ل �ف�ج�ر� س� ال �ع� م�ط�ل 'ى ح�ت ه�ى� Gم ـ� ل [[ س� (There is peace until the appearance of dawn.) Sa`id bin (There is peace until the appearance of dawn.) Sa`id bin

Mansur said, "Hushaym narrated to us on the authority of Abu Mansur said, "Hushaym narrated to us on the authority of Abu Ishaq, who narrated that Ash-Sha`bi said concerning Allah's Ishaq, who narrated that Ash-Sha`bi said concerning Allah's statement,statement,

ح�ت'ى - ]] ه�ى� Gم ـ� ل س� Bم�ر� أ Fل� ك مFن Fه�م ب ر� �ذ�ن� �إ ب ف�يه�ا وح� و�الر= �ة� �ك ئ ـ� �م�ل ال ل� �ز' �ن ح�ت'ى - ت ه�ى� Gم ـ� ل س� Bم�ر� أ Fل� ك مFن Fه�م ب ر� �ذ�ن� �إ ب ف�يه�ا وح� و�الر= �ة� �ك ئ ـ� �م�ل ال ل� �ز' �ن ت

�ف�ج�ر� ال �ع� �ف�ج�ر� م�ط�ل ال �ع� [[ م�ط�ل (With every matter, there is a peace until the appearance of (With every matter, there is a peace until the appearance of

dawn.) `The angels giving the greetings of peace during the dawn.) `The angels giving the greetings of peace during the Night of Al-Qadr to the people in the Masjids until the coming Night of Al-Qadr to the people in the Masjids until the coming of Fajr (dawn).''' Qatadah and Ibn Zayd both said concerning of Fajr (dawn).''' Qatadah and Ibn Zayd both said concerning Allah's statement,Allah's statement,

[[ ه�ى� Gم ـ� ل ه�ى� س� Gم ـ� ل [[س� (There is peace.) "This means all of it is good and there is no (There is peace.) "This means all of it is good and there is no

evil in it until the coming of Fajr (dawn).''evil in it until the coming of Fajr (dawn).''

Specifying the Night of Specifying the Night of Decree and its SignsDecree and its Signs

This is supported by what Imam This is supported by what Imam Ahmad recorded from `Ubadah Ahmad recorded from `Ubadah bin As-Samit that the bin As-Samit that the Messenger of Allah said,Messenger of Allah said,

(The Night of Al-Qadr occurs (The Night of Al-Qadr occurs during the last ten (nights). during the last ten (nights). Whoever stands for them (in Whoever stands for them (in prayer) seeking their reward, prayer) seeking their reward, then indeed Allah will forgive then indeed Allah will forgive his previous sins and his latter his previous sins and his latter sins. It is an odd night: the sins. It is an odd night: the ninth, or the seventh, or the ninth, or the seventh, or the fifth, or the third or the last night fifth, or the third or the last night (of Ramadan).) The Messenger (of Ramadan).) The Messenger of Allah also said,of Allah also said,

Specifying the Night of Specifying the Night of Decree and its SignsDecree and its Signs

(Verily, the sign of the Night of (Verily, the sign of the Night of Al-Qadr is that it is pure and Al-Qadr is that it is pure and glowing as if there were a glowing as if there were a bright, tranquil, calm moon bright, tranquil, calm moon during it. It is not cold, nor is it during it. It is not cold, nor is it hot, and no shooting star is hot, and no shooting star is permitted until morning. Its sign permitted until morning. Its sign is that the sun appears on the is that the sun appears on the morning following it smooth morning following it smooth having no rays on it, just like having no rays on it, just like the moon on a full moon night. the moon on a full moon night. Shaytan is not allowed to come Shaytan is not allowed to come out with it (the sun) on that out with it (the sun) on that day.)day.)

Supplication during the Supplication during the Night Night

of Decreeof Decree It is recommended to supplicate often during all times, It is recommended to supplicate often during all times,

especially during the month of Ramadan, in the last ten especially during the month of Ramadan, in the last ten nights, and during the odd nights of it even more so. It is nights, and during the odd nights of it even more so. It is recommended that one say the following supplication a recommended that one say the following supplication a lot: "O Allah! Verily, You are the Oft-Pardoning, You love lot: "O Allah! Verily, You are the Oft-Pardoning, You love to pardon, so pardon me.'' This is due to what Imam to pardon, so pardon me.'' This is due to what Imam Ahmad recorded from `A'ishah, that she said, "O Ahmad recorded from `A'ishah, that she said, "O Messenger of Allah! If I find the Night of Al-Qadr what Messenger of Allah! If I find the Night of Al-Qadr what should I say'' He replied,should I say'' He replied,

«« ع�نFي: ف�اع�ف� �ع�ف�و� ال �ح�ب= ت qع�ف�و 'ك� �ن إ �ه�م' الل ع�نFي: ق�ول�ي ف�اع�ف� �ع�ف�و� ال �ح�ب= ت qع�ف�و 'ك� �ن إ �ه�م' الل ««ق�ول�ي (Say: "O Allah! Verily, You are the Oft-Pardoning, You (Say: "O Allah! Verily, You are the Oft-Pardoning, You

love to pardon, so pardon me.'') (Al-Bukhari and Muslim). love to pardon, so pardon me.'') (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).

All praise is due to Allah, and All praise is due to Allah, and from him proceeds all grace.from him proceeds all grace.

Ramadan MubarakRamadan Mubarak