Night of Power and Excellence

Night of Power and Excellence

Definition and Significance

The Night of Power and Excellence, also known as Lailat al-Qadr (Arabic: ليلة القدر), commemorates the night when the Prophet Muhammad received the first revelation of the Quran through the angel Gabriel. This event is detailed in the Quran in Surah Al-Alaq (96:1–5):

<p>&ldquo;Recite in the name of your Lord who created—created man from a clinging substance. Recite, and your Lord is the Most Generous—who taught by the pen—taught man that which he knew not.&rdquo;</p>

Date and Observance

• When?: Annually, during the last ten nights of Ramadan, with particular emphasis on the 27th night.
• How?: Muslims observe Lailat al-Qadr through various forms of worship including prayer (Salat), recitation of the Quran, and supplication (Dua).

Etymology

• Arabic: ليلة القدر (Lailat al-Qadr).
  • Lailat means ’night'.
  • Al-Qadr means ‘power, destiny, or decree’.
• Turkish: Kadir Gecesi.

Qur’anic Mention and Theological Import

Surah Al-Qadr (97:1-5) states:

<p>&ldquo;Indeed, We sent the Qur&rsquo;an down during the Night of Decree. And what can make you know what is the Night of Decree? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter. Peace it is until the emergence of dawn.&rdquo;</p>

Interpretation and Traditions

• The night represents profound spiritual excellence and grace. Some traditions hold that prayers offered during this night are multiplied in merit, bestowing great spiritual rewards.
• Theologians link the event to divine decree where God’s decisions for the future year are believed to be communicated to the angels.

Recommended Books for Further Study

1. “The Study Qur’an: A New Translation and Commentary” by Seyyed Hossein Nasr et al.
2. “In the Shadow of the Qur’an” by Sayyid Qutb.
3. “The Quran: An Encyclopedia” edited by Oliver Leaman.
4. “The History of the Qur’anic Text” by Muhammad Mustafa Al-A’zami.
5. “The Qur’an: A New Translation” by M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.

Takeaways

• Lailat al-Qadr is key to Islamic spiritual practice, offering Muslims an opportunity for intense worship and reflection.
• Observance of this night underscores the significance of the Quran and sustains the Muslim collective memory of its revelation.

Conclusion

Recognized as a pinnacle of inner devotion and divine connection, The Night of Power and Excellence remains one of the most revered nights in the Islamic calendar. His importance continues to endow Muslim spiritual life with profound meaning and engagement with the Quranic revelations.

Remember:

<p>&ldquo;The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months&rdquo; (Quran 97:3).</p>

References

• Quran 96:1–5
• Quran 97:1–5