The Night of Power

The Night of Power

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“We have revealed this (Message) in the Night of Power: and what will explain to thee what the Night of Power is? The Night of Power is better than a thousand months. Therein come down the angels and the Spirit by Allah’s permission, on every errand: Peace! – This until the rise of Morn!”

(Al-Qur’ān – 97:1-5)

These verses highlight the significance of Lailatul Qadr (the Night of Power). The verse 2:185 says the Qur’ān was sent down in the month of Ramadhan. Again, the verse 44:3 says, “We sent it down during a Blessed Night (Lailatul Mubarakah)”. These two verses along with Sūrah Qadr make it explicit that the Qur’ān was revealed in a Blessed Night of Ramadhan. Islamic exegists believe this even might have occurred in any one of the two ways: either the whole Book was revealed from the Tablet Preserved (Throne) unto the Archangel Jibrael or the revelation to the Last Messenger commenced in this Night.

There are about 40 different traditions, all tracing the exactness of the Night. However, a majority of Ulema believe the Night of Power is one of the last five odd numbered nights in Ramadhan. The reason for keeping it secret may be, that the Muslims should seek with utmost devotion Allah’s blessings in many nights of Ramadhan rather than confining themselves to one single night.

That the Night of Power is better than a thousand months means, as the Arabs would say, a very long period of time. It is because in this one Night alone work of such a great magnificence was done for the well-being and welfare of the entire humankind and the guidance was revealed for all time to come.

The Night, every year, brings immeasurable blessings and bounties to mankind. Angels and the Spirit descend with the Lord’s permission, pouring Peace upon the earth till the next morning.