Surah Qadr

Surah Al-Qadr, the 97th chapter of the Quran, was revealed during the Makkan period. It commemorates Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree), when the first Quranic revelation descended to the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). The surah emphasizes that this blessed night is better than a thousand months of worship, highlighting the immense mercy and blessings of Allah (SWT). 

Meaning of Surah Qadr

The name of this chapter, ‘Qadr or Al-Qadr’, appears in the first verse. The word ‘Qadr’ has different meanings. Scholars have interpreted it in several ways. It is interpreted as power, fate, glory, and honour. In this context, Lailatul Qadr refers to the ‘Night of Power,’ or ‘destiny’. 

Basic Information About Surat ul Qadr

Chapter 97 is among the shortest chapters of the Quran. The basic information about Al Qadr Surah is given below

Surah al Qadr in Arabic

The Holy Quran is revealed in Arabic, and it is obligatory to read and memorize it in Arabic. The Arabic text of Lailatul Qadr Surah is written as;

Surah Qadr Transliteration

Surah al Qadr transliteration helps you write and read this chapter in your own script. It assists those struggling with reading and writing Arabic. We provide you with Surah al-Qadr transliteration in Roman English. 

Innaa Anzalnaahu Fee Laylatil Qadr, Wa Maa Adraaka Ma Laylatul Qadr, Laylatul Qadri Khairoom-Min Alfee Shahr, Ta-naz-za-lul Malaa-ikatu War-roohu Feeha bi izni-rab-bi-him min kulli Amr, Salaamoon He-ya Hat-taa Mat la'il Fajr.

Surah Al Qadr Translation

The translation of the Laylatul Qadr Surah helps the readers to understand the meaning and message of this chapter. This surah is translated into several languages. We provide you with the Laylatul Qadr Surah in English translation. 

‘We have sent it (the Quran) down in the Night of Qadr. And what may let you know what the Night of Qadr is? The Night of Qadr is much better than one thousand months. The angels and the Spirit descend in it, with the leave of your Lord, along with every command. Peace it is till the debut of dawn.’

Context of Revelation of Surah e Qadr

The Timing and Circumstances: Surah Al-Qadr was revealed in Makkah during the early years of Islam. This period was marked by intense hardship for the Muslim community. The believers faced brutal persecution from the Quraysh tribe, including physical torture, economic boycotts, and social ostracism. In these dire circumstances, this short five-verse surah arrived as divine reassurance.

The Core Message: The surah introduces and celebrates Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree), described as being better than a thousand months. This means that worship performed on this single night offers believers the spiritual reward of a lifetime in just one night.

Why This Mattered to Early Muslims: For the persecuted believers, this revelation was transformative:

• Hope amid suffering: While they had little control over their worldly circumstances, they had access to immense spiritual opportunity
• Equality before Allah: Regardless of their social status or material poverty, every believer could attain extraordinary blessings
• Purpose in perseverance: The surah gave them a concrete reason to remain patient and continue their worship despite persecution

Connection to Ramadan: According to Hazrat Aisha (RA) and other scholars, Lailat ul Qadr occurs within the last ten nights of Ramadan, particularly on one of the odd nights (21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th). This teaching encouraged believers to intensify their worship during these nights, seeking forgiveness, guidance, and Allah's mercy through prayer, Quran recitation, and supplication.

Theme and Subject Matter of Surah Al Qadr

Surah e Qadr encompasses several important and spiritual aspects. Its central themes are the immense honor and spiritual value of Laylat al-Qadr, the revelation of the Quran on this sacred night, and the divine decree and peace that characterize it.

The Revelation of the Quran

The first verse of the Lailatul Qadr Surah underlines the revelation of the Quran. The verse states that the Quran was revealed on Laylatul Qadr.    

اِنَّاۤ اَنْزَلْنٰهُ فِیْ لَیْلَةِ الْقَدْرِ

“Indeed, We sent it (the Quran) down during the Night of Decree” (97:1)

This ayat highlights the sacred connection between Lailat ul Qadr and the Quran. 

The Worth of Laylat al-Qadr

The following verses of Surah e Qadr emphasize the value of Laylat ul Qadr. 

وَ مَاۤ اَدْرٰىكَ مَا لَیْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ(2) لَیْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ  خَیْرٌ مِّنْ اَلْفِ شَهْرٍ(3) 

And what may let you know what the Night of Qadr is? The Night of Qadr is much better than one thousand months. (97:2-3)

These verses show that the value of this night is beyond human imagination. Worship on this night is much worthier than thousands of nights. It is the night of devotion, remembrance, and prayers. Therefore, muslims should carry out prayers throughout the night. 

The Descending of Angels

Verse 4 of Surah Laylat al Qadr mentions that angels descend to earth on this night.     

 تَنَزَّلُ الْمَلٰٓىٕكَةُ وَ الرُّوْحُ فِیْهَا بِاِذْنِ رَبِّهِمْۚ-مِنْ كُلِّ اَمْرٍ

The angels and the Spirit descend in it, with the leave of your Lord, along with every command. (97:4)

The descent of angels, under the leadership of Jibreel (Gabriel), amplifies the holiness of Laylat al-Qadr. They come down bearing peace and divine commands, executing Allah's ordained decrees for the year ahead. This creates a profound spiritual atmosphere permeated with serenity, divine grace, and abundant opportunities for believers to seek Allah's mercy and forgiveness.

Peace Until Dawn Breaks 

 The last verse of Al-Qadr Surah mentions that Allah showers peace and serenity till dawn on this night. 

سَلٰمٌ ﱡ هِیَ حَتّٰى مَطْلَعِ الْفَجْرِ

Peace it is till the debut of dawn.

It highlights that this night is enveloped in peace from start to last. This verse signifies that Laylat al-Qadr is a night completely protected from evil and harm, wrapped in divine peace from dusk until dawn. It also represents the profound inner tranquility that Muslims can achieve by drawing closer to Allah through sincere worship during this blessed time.

Significance of Surah Al Qadr

Surah Laylat al Qadr commemorates the most pivotal moment in Islamic history, the descent of the Quran. It reminds Muslims of the immense blessing of having direct divine instruction.
By revealing that Laylat al-Qadr is better than a thousand months, Allah offers believers an extraordinary opportunity to earn a lifetime's worth of spiritual rewards in a single night.
The night provides unparalleled access to Allah's forgiveness, mercy, and acceptance of prayers. It is a time when sincere supplications are answered and sins are wiped away.
The surah motivates Muslims to seek this night through increased prayer, Quran recitation, dhikr (remembrance), and dua (supplication), especially during the last ten nights of Ramadan. It offers believers a yearly opportunity to reset spiritually, seek forgiveness for past mistakes, and set intentions for righteous living.

Surah Qadr Benefits

Quran recitation has unimaginable benefits. Reciting Surah Al-Qadr is associated with numerous spiritual benefits, including divine mercy, forgiveness of sins, increased rewards, strengthened faith, and peace of mind.

Spiritual Elevation

Reciting Surah Al-Qadr serves as a spiritual ladder that elevates the believer's soul closer to Allah. Each recitation is an act of worship that purifies the heart, increases consciousness of Allah (taqwa), and strengthens the spiritual bond between the servant and the Creator. The surah's profound message about divine revelation reminds believers of their higher purpose beyond worldly concerns.

Forgiving Sins

One of the most powerful benefits is the opportunity for forgiveness. When recited with sincerity, especially on Laylat al-Qadr, this surah opens the doors to Allah's mercy. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said that whoever stands in prayer on Laylat al-Qadr with faith and seeking reward will have their past sins forgiven. The surah itself serves as a reminder of this opportunity, encouraging genuine repentance and seeking Allah's pardon.

Guidance and Wisdom

The verses provide deep insights into Allah's divine decree (qadr) and how He orchestrates affairs. This understanding helps believers navigate life's uncertainties with wisdom, trusting that everything happens according to Allah's perfect plan. The surah teaches that just as the Quran was decreed to descend on this night, all matters of life are determined by divine wisdom, bringing clarity and purpose to existence.

Protection from Evil

The surah describes Laylat al-Qadr as "peace until the emergence of dawn," indicating complete safety from harm and evil. By regularly reciting this surah, believers invoke this divine protection into their lives. It acts as a spiritual shield against negative forces, harmful influences, and the whispers of Shaytan, creating a protective barrier of peace around the believer.

Healing Properties

Many Muslims experience both physical and spiritual healing through the recitation of Surah Al-Qadr. Spiritually, it heals hearts burdened by guilt, anxiety, or despair by reminding them of Allah's mercy and the opportunity for renewal. Physically, the tranquility and peace it brings can reduce stress and promote overall well-being. The Quran itself is described as "a healing and mercy for the believers" (17:82).

Strengthening of Faith

Regular engagement with this surah reinforces belief in fundamental Islamic concepts: divine revelation, Allah's power, His mercy, and the reality of divine decree. During trials and tribulations, remembering that one night's worship can equal 83+ years provides immense motivation to remain steadfast. It reminds believers that Allah's rewards far exceed human comprehension, strengthening trust (tawakkul) in Him.

Conclusion 

Surah Al-Qadr is the 97th chapter of the Quran, celebrating the Night of Decree (Laylat al-Qadr), when the first revelation of the Quran was sent down to Prophet Muhammad. This short Makki surah emphasizes the night's immense honor, dignity, and spiritual significance, stating it is better than a thousand months. It also describes the descent of angels and the peaceful, blessed nature of this extraordinary night.