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97

Al-Qadr

The Decree

Verses

5

Revelation Period

Makkan

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Background Info

  • When & Where: Revealed in Mecca, likely in the early period.
  • The Situation: Establishing the foundations of Islam, including the immense significance of the Quran itself.
  • The Need: To highlight the sacredness and monumental importance of the night on which the Quran's revelation began.
  • Purpose of the Chapter: To glorify the "Night of Decree" (Laylat al-Qadr) in Ramadan, stating its superiority over a thousand months, and describing the descent of angels and the Spirit (Gabriel) during it, bringing peace until dawn.

Core Message

To highlight the immense significance, holiness, and blessings of Laylat al-Qadr, the night on which the Quran began to be revealed.

Summary

This very short yet profound Surah focuses entirely on Laylat al-Qadr (The Night of Decree/Power). It begins by stating that the Quran was sent down on this auspicious night . It emphasizes the night's extraordinary value, declaring it to be "better than a thousand months" of worship , highlighting the immense reward for devotion during this time.

The Surah describes the descent of angels and the Spirit (Ar-Ruh, widely understood to be Angel Jibril/Gabriel) during this night, acting by Allah's permission regarding all decreed matters . It concludes by characterizing the night as one of complete peace and security, lasting until the break of dawn .

Reason for the Name

Named after "Laylat al-Qadr" (The Night of Decree or Power), which is mentioned explicitly in the first verse and is the central theme of the chapter. It signifies the night of immense value when the Quran's revelation began.

Unique Features

  • One of the shortest Surahs in the Quran.
  • Entirely dedicated to describing Laylat al-Qadr.
  • Powerfully quantifies the value of the night ("better than a thousand months").
  • Explicitly mentions the descent of "The Spirit" (Jibril) along with other angels on this night.

Themes

  • Laylat al-Qadr (The Night of Decree/Power)
  • The Revelation of the Quran
  • Immense Blessings and Divine Mercy
  • Angels and the Spirit (Jibril)
  • Peace (Salam)
  • The Value of Worship

Key Verses

  • "Indeed, We sent the Quran down during the Night of Decree." - Significance: Directly links the Quran's divine origin and first revelation to this specific, blessed night.
  • "The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months." - Significance: Emphasizes the unparalleled value and reward of worship and righteous deeds performed during this single night, surpassing the equivalent of over 83 years of worship.
  • "The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter." - Significance: Describes the heightened spiritual atmosphere and divine activity, with angels, including Jibril, descending to carry out Allah's commands.
  • "Peace it is until the emergence of dawn." - Significance: Highlights the tranquility, safety, and spiritual serenity that pervades this night from sunset until sunrise.

Stories

The Surah does not contain a narrative story in the conventional sense. It focuses on describing the event and significance of Laylat al-Qadr and the initial sending down of the Quran.

Personalities

  • Allah (swt): Implied as the One who sent down the Quran and gives permission for the angels' descent.
  • The Spirit (Ar-Ruh): Mentioned in , overwhelmingly interpreted by scholars as Angel Jibril (Gabriel), the angel of revelation.

Practical Guidance

  • Emphasizes the divine origin and importance of the Quran.
  • Motivates Muslims to seek out Laylat al-Qadr, particularly in the last ten nights of Ramadan, through increased prayer, Quran recitation, remembrance of Allah (dhikr), and supplication (Dua).
  • Highlights the immense mercy and generosity of Allah in granting such a valuable opportunity for forgiveness and reward.
  • Encourages striving for peace and goodness, reflecting the peaceful nature of the night itself.
  • Instills hope in Allah's forgiveness and acceptance of deeds.

Points of Reflection

  • How can I best prepare myself spiritually to benefit from the immense blessings of Laylat al-Qadr when Ramadan arrives?
  • What does the concept of a single night being "better than a thousand months" teach me about Allah's generosity and the value He places on sincere devotion?
  • How does the knowledge that angels descend on this night affect my awareness and reverence during worship?

Connection to Chapters

  • Previous: Surah Al-Alaq (96) details the very first verses of the Quran revealed to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in the cave of Hira. Surah Al-Qadr (97) specifies the blessed night during which this momentous event began.
  • Next: Surah Al-Bayyinah (98) speaks about the arrival of the "Clear Proof" (the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) with the Quran) and how people, especially the People of the Book, reacted to it. Al-Qadr sets the stage by highlighting the divine inauguration of this message on a specific, powerful night.