Overview - Surah 97: al-Qadr (The Decree)
The Surah talks about the majesty and glory of the Qur'an and the time in which the Qur'an was revealed. It takes its name after the first Ayat, إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَاهُ فِي لَيْلَةِ الْقَدْرِ "Indeed, We sent the Qur'an down during the Night of (Qadr) Decree." (97:1)
There are 5 Ayat in this Surah.
Overview
Total Ayat | 5 |
Total Words * | 30 |
Root Words * | 17 |
Unique Root Words * | 0 |
Makki / Madani | Makki |
Chronological Order* | 25th (according to Ibn Abbas) |
Year of Revelation* | |
Events during/before this Surah*
N/A
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Events during/after still to occur*
N/A
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Names of Prophets Mentioned
No Prophets names are mentioned in this Surah
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Surah Index
Angels, Gabriel, Qur’an (bestowed on a blessed night)
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Its theme is to acquaint man with the value, worth and importance of the Qur’an. Its being placed just after Surah 96: al-‘Alaq (The Clinging Substance) in the arrangement of the Qur’an by itself explains that the Holy Book, the revelation of which began with the first five verses of Surah 96: al-‘Alaq was sent down in a destiny making night. It is a glorious Book and its revelation for mankind is full of blessings. At the outset, God says: “We have sent the Qur’an down.” That is, it is not a composition of Muhammad himself, but We Ourself have revealed it."
Then, it is said that “We sent it down in the Night of Destiny.” Night of Destiny has two meanings and both are implied here. First, that it is the night during which destinies are decided; or, in other words, it is not an ordinary night like the other nights, but a night in which destinies are made or marred. The revelation of this Book in this night is not merely the revelation of a book but an event which will change the destiny of not only the Quraysh, or of Arabia, but of, the entire world. The same thing has been said in Surah 44: ad-Dukhan (Smoke), (please see Introduction to that Surah). The other meaning is that this is a night of unique honour, dignity and glory; that it is better than a thousand months. Thus, the disbelievers of Makkah have been warned, “You on account of your ignorance regard this Book, which Muhammad has presented, as a calamity for yourselves and complain that a disaster has befallen you, whereas the night in which it was decreed to be sent down was such a blessed night that a task was accomplished in it for the well being of mankind, which had never been accomplished even during a thousand months of history." In conclusion, it has been stated that in this night the angels and Gabriel descend with every decree by the leave of their Lord, and it is all peace from evening till morning; that is, there is no interference of evil in it, for all decrees of God are intended to promote good and not evil. Even if a decision to destroy a nation is taken, it is taken for the sake of ultimate good, not evil.
The Surah as whole deals with the Night of Qadr.
Manuscripts / Inscriptions
1st Century Hijrah (7th Century CE)
1st Century Hijrah (7th Century CE)
- Surah al-Alaq [96] was the first revelation which occured on the 'Night of Power and Decree' in Ramadhan. Surah al-Qadr [97] is about the 'Night of Power.'
The Prophet is reported to have said, "Whoever stands [in prayer] the night of Qadr, with faith and seeking reward, shall have his previous sins forgiven." [Bukhari]
123 Total Word Count per Ayat (shows how many words per Ayat) * | ||
Whether it is a Makkan or a Madīnan revelation is disputed. Abu Hayyan in Al-Bahr al-Muhti has made the claim that the majority of scholars regard it as a Madīnan Surah. Ibn Mardayah has cited Ibn Abbas, Ibn Zubair and A’isha as saying that this Surah was revealed at Makkah. A study of the contents also shows that it should have been revealed at Makkah as we shall explain below.
- The night of Qadr in which The Qur'an was revealed is better than one thousand months.
Tafsir Zone
A Most Distinguished Night (Verses 1 - 5) This surah speaks about the promised great night which the whole universe marks with joy and prayer. It is the night of perfect communion between this world and the Supreme society. That night marked the beginning of the revelation of the Qur’an to Muhammad (peace be upon him), an event unparalleled in the history of mankind for its splendour and the significance it has for the life of mankind as a whole. Its greatness is far beyond human perception. “From on high have We bestowed it [i.e. the Qur’an] on the Night of Power. Would that you knew what the Night of Power is! The Night of Power is better than a thousand months.” (Verses 1-3) The Qur’anic statements which relate this great event radiate with God’s clear and shining light: “From on high We bestowed it on the Night of Power.” (Verse 1) There is also the light of the angels and the Spirit moving between the earth and the Supreme society. “On that night the angels and the Spirit by their Lord’s leave descend with all His decrees.” (Verse 4) In addition, there is also the light of dawn which the surah represents as perfectly harmonious with the light of the Qur’an and the angels as well as with their spirit of peace: “That night is peace, till the break of dawn.” (Verse 5) The night in question here is the same night referred to in Surah 44, Smoke: “From on high We bestowed it [i.e. the Qur’an] on a blessed night, for We would warn [mankind]; on a night when every precept was made plain as a commandment from Us. We have ever sent forth messengers as a blessing from your Lord. It is He alone who hears all and knows all.” (44: 3-6) It is clearly established that it is a night during the month of Ramadan, as stated in Surah 2, The Cow: “It was in the month of Ramadan that the Qur’an was revealed: a guidance for mankind and a self-evident proof of that guidance and a standard to distinguish right from wrong.” (2: 185) This means that the Night of Power marked the beginning of the revelation of the Qur’an to the Prophet and his mission of delivering it to mankind. Ibn Ishaq related that the first revelation, consisting of the opening of Sarah 96, The Germ-Cell, took place during the month of Ramadan, when God’s Messenger was at his devotion in the Cave of Hira’. A number of ahadith specifying this night have come down to us: some stress that it is on 27 Ramadan, others on 21; a few others say it is one of the last ten days and still some others do not go beyond saying that it is in Ramadan. Its name, Layalt al-Qadr, or the Night of Power, may be taken to mean deliberate planning, management and organization, or it may mean value, position and rank. Both meanings are relevant to the great, universal event of the revelation of the Qur’an and the assigning of the message to the Prophet. It is indeed the greatest and most significant event the universe has ever witnessed. It is the event which explains most clearly how human life benefits by God’s planning, management and organization. This night is better than a thousand months. The figure here and elsewhere in the Qur’an does not signify a precise number. It simply denotes something very high. Many thousands of months and many thousands of years have passed without leaving behind a fraction of the changes and results brought about during that blessed and happy night. This night is too sublime for proper human perception: “Would that you knew what the Night of Power is!” (Verse 2) There is no reason to attach any value to the legends circulated concerning this night. It is great because God chose it for the revelation of the Qur’an, so that its light may spread throughout the universe, and divine peace may spread in human life and conscience. That night is great because of what the Qur’an includes: an ideology, a basis for values and standards and a comprehensive code of moral and social behaviour, all of which promote peace within the human soul and in the world at large. It is great because of the descent of the angels, and Gabriel in particular, by their Lord’s leave, carrying the Qur’an. They fill all the space between heaven and earth in such a splendid, universal celebration, vividly portrayed in this surah. When we look today in retrospect, after the lapse of numerous generations, at that glorious and happy night, imagine the fascinating celebration the world then witnessed, and ponder over the essence of revelation and its far-reaching effects on human life and values, we appreciate how great this event was. We can then understand, to some extent, why the Qur’anic reference to that night is made in such an equivocal way: “Would that you knew what the Night of Power is!” (Verse 2) On that night every matter of significance was made plain and distinct; new values and standards were established; the fortunes of nations were determined; and values and standards were sorted out. Humanity, out of ignorance and to its misfortune, may overlook the value and importance of the Night of Power. When humanity does so ignore it, it loses the happiest and most beautiful sign of grace which God bestowed on it. It also suffers the loss of the real happiness and peace gifted to it by Islam, namely, the peace of conscience, family and society. What it has otherwise gained of material civilization is inadequate compensation for its loss. Humanity is miserable in spite of higher production levels and better means of existence. The splendid light which once illuminated its soul has been put out; the happiness which carried it high up to the Supreme society has been destroyed; the peace which overflowed in people’s hearts and minds has disappeared. Nothing can compensate for the happiness of the human soul, the heavenly light and elevation to the loftiest ranks. We, the believers in Islam, are commanded not to forget or neglect this event. The Prophet has taught us an easy and enjoyable way to commemorate it, so that our souls may always be in close communion with it and with the universal event which it witnessed. He has urged us to spend this night of each year in devotion. He said: “Seek the Night of Power in the last ten nights of Ramadan.” [Related by al-Bukhari and Muslim.] He also said: “Whoever spends the Night of Power in worship, with a pure motive of faith and devotion, will have all his past sins forgiven.” [Related by al-Bukhari and Muslim.] Islam is not mere formalities. Hence, the Prophet specifies that the consecration of that night must be motivated by faith and devotion. This would make its consecration by any individual an indication of his or her full awareness of the farreaching effects of what took place on that night. The Islamic method of education and character building links worship with faith and establishes truth in our hearts and consciences. By this method, worship is considered a means for maintaining full awareness of this truth, its clarification and firm establishment in our minds, hearts and souls. This method has been proved to be the best for the revival of this truth so that it has an unfailing influence on people’s behaviour. The theoretical understanding of this truth cannot, on its own and without worship, establish it or give it the necessary impetus for its operation in the life of the individual or society. This link between the anniversary of the Night of Power and its consecration in faith and devotion is a part of the successful and straightforward method of Islam. |
Ibn Kathir (English)
Sayyid Qutb
Sha'rawi
Al Jalalain
Mawdudi
الطبري - جامع البيان
ابن كثير - تفسير القرآن العظيم
القرطبي - الجامع لأحكام
البغوي - معالم التنزيل
ابن أبي حاتم الرازي - تفسير القرآن
ابن عاشور - التحرير والتنوير
ابن القيم - تفسير ابن قيّم
السيوطي - الدر المنثور
الشنقيطي - أضواء البيان
ابن الجوزي - زاد المسير
الآلوسي - روح المعاني
ابن عطية - المحرر الوجيز
الرازي - مفاتيح الغيب
أبو السعود - إرشاد العقل السليم
الزمخشري - الكشاف
البقاعي - نظم الدرر
الهداية إلى بلوغ النهاية — مكي ابن أبي طالب
القاسمي - محاسن التأويل
الماوردي - النكت والعيون
السعدي - تيسير الكريم الرحمن
عبد الرحمن الثعالبي - الجواهر الحسان
السمرقندي - بحر العلوم
أبو إسحاق الثعلبي - الكشف والبيان
الشوكاني - فتح القدير
النيسابوري - التفسير البسيط
أبو حيان - البحر المحيط
البيضاوي - أنوار التنزيل
النسفي - مدارك التنزيل
ابن جُزَيّ - التسهيل لعلوم التنزيل
علي الواحدي النيسابوري - الوجيز
السيوطي - تفسير الجلالين
المختصر في التفسير — مركز تفسير
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A Most Distinguished Night (Verses 1 - 5) This surah speaks about the promised great night which the whole universe marks with joy and prayer. It is the night of perfect communion between this world and the Supreme society. That night marked the beginning of the revelation of the Qur’an to Muhammad (peace be upon him), an event unparalleled in the history of mankind for its splendour and the significance it has for the life of mankind as a whole. Its greatness is far beyond human perception. “From on high have We bestowed it [i.e. the Qur’an] on the Night of Power. Would that you knew what the Night of Power is! The Night of Power is better than a thousand months.” (Verses 1-3) The Qur’anic statements which relate this great event radiate with God’s clear and shining light: “From on high We bestowed it on the Night of Power.” (Verse 1) There is also the light of the angels and the Spirit moving between the earth and the Supreme society. “On that night the angels and the Spirit by their Lord’s leave descend with all His decrees.” (Verse 4) In addition, there is also the light of dawn which the surah represents as perfectly harmonious with the light of the Qur’an and the angels as well as with their spirit of peace: “That night is peace, till the break of dawn.” (Verse 5) The night in question here is the same night referred to in Surah 44, Smoke: “From on high We bestowed it [i.e. the Qur’an] on a blessed night, for We would warn [mankind]; on a night when every precept was made plain as a commandment from Us. We have ever sent forth messengers as a blessing from your Lord. It is He alone who hears all and knows all.” (44: 3-6) It is clearly established that it is a night during the month of Ramadan, as stated in Surah 2, The Cow: “It was in the month of Ramadan that the Qur’an was revealed: a guidance for mankind and a self-evident proof of that guidance and a standard to distinguish right from wrong.” (2: 185) This means that the Night of Power marked the beginning of the revelation of the Qur’an to the Prophet and his mission of delivering it to mankind. Ibn Ishaq related that the first revelation, consisting of the opening of Sarah 96, The Germ-Cell, took place during the month of Ramadan, when God’s Messenger was at his devotion in the Cave of Hira’. A number of ahadith specifying this night have come down to us: some stress that it is on 27 Ramadan, others on 21; a few others say it is one of the last ten days and still some others do not go beyond saying that it is in Ramadan. Its name, Layalt al-Qadr, or the Night of Power, may be taken to mean deliberate planning, management and organization, or it may mean value, position and rank. Both meanings are relevant to the great, universal event of the revelation of the Qur’an and the assigning of the message to the Prophet. It is indeed the greatest and most significant event the universe has ever witnessed. It is the event which explains most clearly how human life benefits by God’s planning, management and organization. This night is better than a thousand months. The figure here and elsewhere in the Qur’an does not signify a precise number. It simply denotes something very high. Many thousands of months and many thousands of years have passed without leaving behind a fraction of the changes and results brought about during that blessed and happy night. This night is too sublime for proper human perception: “Would that you knew what the Night of Power is!” (Verse 2) There is no reason to attach any value to the legends circulated concerning this night. It is great because God chose it for the revelation of the Qur’an, so that its light may spread throughout the universe, and divine peace may spread in human life and conscience. That night is great because of what the Qur’an includes: an ideology, a basis for values and standards and a comprehensive code of moral and social behaviour, all of which promote peace within the human soul and in the world at large. It is great because of the descent of the angels, and Gabriel in particular, by their Lord’s leave, carrying the Qur’an. They fill all the space between heaven and earth in such a splendid, universal celebration, vividly portrayed in this surah. When we look today in retrospect, after the lapse of numerous generations, at that glorious and happy night, imagine the fascinating celebration the world then witnessed, and ponder over the essence of revelation and its far-reaching effects on human life and values, we appreciate how great this event was. We can then understand, to some extent, why the Qur’anic reference to that night is made in such an equivocal way: “Would that you knew what the Night of Power is!” (Verse 2) On that night every matter of significance was made plain and distinct; new values and standards were established; the fortunes of nations were determined; and values and standards were sorted out. Humanity, out of ignorance and to its misfortune, may overlook the value and importance of the Night of Power. When humanity does so ignore it, it loses the happiest and most beautiful sign of grace which God bestowed on it. It also suffers the loss of the real happiness and peace gifted to it by Islam, namely, the peace of conscience, family and society. What it has otherwise gained of material civilization is inadequate compensation for its loss. Humanity is miserable in spite of higher production levels and better means of existence. The splendid light which once illuminated its soul has been put out; the happiness which carried it high up to the Supreme society has been destroyed; the peace which overflowed in people’s hearts and minds has disappeared. Nothing can compensate for the happiness of the human soul, the heavenly light and elevation to the loftiest ranks. We, the believers in Islam, are commanded not to forget or neglect this event. The Prophet has taught us an easy and enjoyable way to commemorate it, so that our souls may always be in close communion with it and with the universal event which it witnessed. He has urged us to spend this night of each year in devotion. He said: “Seek the Night of Power in the last ten nights of Ramadan.” [Related by al-Bukhari and Muslim.] He also said: “Whoever spends the Night of Power in worship, with a pure motive of faith and devotion, will have all his past sins forgiven.” [Related by al-Bukhari and Muslim.] Islam is not mere formalities. Hence, the Prophet specifies that the consecration of that night must be motivated by faith and devotion. This would make its consecration by any individual an indication of his or her full awareness of the farreaching effects of what took place on that night. The Islamic method of education and character building links worship with faith and establishes truth in our hearts and consciences. By this method, worship is considered a means for maintaining full awareness of this truth, its clarification and firm establishment in our minds, hearts and souls. This method has been proved to be the best for the revival of this truth so that it has an unfailing influence on people’s behaviour. The theoretical understanding of this truth cannot, on its own and without worship, establish it or give it the necessary impetus for its operation in the life of the individual or society. This link between the anniversary of the Night of Power and its consecration in faith and devotion is a part of the successful and straightforward method of Islam. |
Laylat-ul-Qadr is an honorable night which Allah gave great characteristics to show its virtue and status, of which:
1- It is the night in which the Qur'an was revealed. as Allah (may He be Exalted) says: "Verily, We have sent it (this Qur'ân) down in the night of Al-Qadr (Decree)." [Surat Al Qadr: 1].
The revelation of the Qur'an therein is a proof to its status and virtue where Allah, the Glorious, revealed therein the greatest type of Dhikr and the most honorable book. By reciting the Qur'an, you shall gain one of the greatest reasons of guidance and piety.
2- Allah (may He be Exalted) described it as a blessed night by his saying: "We sent it (this Qur'ân) down on a blessed night [(i.e. the night of Al-Qadr, Sûrah No. 97) in the month of Ramadân - the 9th month of the Islâmic calendar]. Verily, We are ever warning [mankind that Our Torment will reach those who disbelieve in Our Oneness of Lordship and in Our Oneness of worship]." [Surat Ad-Dukhan: 3]. So, it is blessed because of its abundant goodness, great virtue, and the great rewards which Allah gives to those who perform Qiyam (Voluntary Night Salah) out of faith and hoping for Allah's Reward.
3- Allah (may He be Exalted) mentioned in His Book: "Therein (that night) is decreed every matter of ordainments." [Surat Ad-Dukhan: 4]. i.e., Precise commands relating to the livings of people and their deaths are separated from Al Lawh-ul-Mahfuzh (the Preserved Tablet) to the sheets of angels —who record all matters of people, such as: sustenance, actions, events, and ages— up to the next year by Allah's Knowledge, Wisdom, and Ability; and that indicates the status of that night.
4- Allah's Saying: "The night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is better than a thousand months (i.e. worshipping Allâh in that night is better than worshipping Him a thousand months, i.e. 83 years and 4 months)." [Surat Al Qadr: 3].
This Ayah shows the virtue of performing Qiyam and the great reward for actions in that night. The reward of worshipping Allah in that night equals the reward of worshipping Him for one thousand months which means several and eighty years.
If the rewards of good actions are doubled in Ramadan, how about performing these actions in Laylat-ul-Qadr?! None but Allah knows the reward that is given to the person who performs Qiyam in that night out of faith and hoping for the reward of Allah.
5- Angels come down to the earth with goodness, blessing, and mercy for the believers. Allah (may He be Exalted) says: "Therein descend the angels and the Rûh [Jibrîl (Gabriel)] by Allâh's Permission with all Decrees. * (All that night), there is Peace (and Goodness from Allâh to His believing slaves) until the appearance of dawn." [Surat Al Qadr: 4 - 5].
Therefore, it is a reassuring night, in which many people are freed of torment, and many people are helped to obey their Forgiving Lord who accepts repentance.
6- The Hadith that was authentically reported in Sahih Al Bukhari and Sahih Muslim from the Prophet (peace be upon him) that he said: "Whoever establishes Salah on the night of Qadr out of sincere faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, all his previous sins will be forgiven." Proves that it is a night in which sins are forgiven, gates of goodness are opened, rewards are multiplied, and matters are facilitated.
For these great virtues and others, authentic Hadiths were reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him) to exhort people to seek that night in the last ten days of Ramadan, show its virtues, and explain the Sunnah of (peace be upon him) in performing Qiyam during that night as well as the practice of his Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) in exerting efforts to seek it.
All these narrations incite the determinations of those who seek the Hereafter, forgiveness of their sins, and reward to follow their example righteously in order to gain the pleasure of the Most Gracious and win His vast Paradise.
- Surah 97. Al-Qadr - Saad al Ghamidi https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7sMK-ePa6cI&list=PLhM2xiAUdw2cAqW_o3zZkbhJNw0bnaBZN&index=97
- Surah 97. Al-Qadr Mahmoud Khalil Al Hussary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbOX01KlHC8&list=PLxpAkjlGauHfMFWX22VZWOKpzjr-vH_BM&index=97
- Surah 97. Al-Qadr Muhammad Al Luhaydan https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtsfBO4UOBk&list=PLxpAkjlGauHfKAYuQLRNAZomoezhfhRZe&index=97
- Surah 97. Al-Qadr Idris Akbar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5d-3lJQP9IY&index=67&list=PLZH6sOiOuaDZFls6OaNna68fGgDtm-tOO
- Surah 97. Al-Qadr Muhammad Minshawi https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFGU7Q-ZlQQ&index=97&list=PLxpAkjlGauHdUcO_uc-8F8J2NUQRDZjPG