Question about Laylat al-Qadr

In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

Response Explanation

Praise be to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and peace and blessings be upon the final Prophet, his family, and his pure companions.

As for what follows, peace and blessings upon you.

The exact night of Laylat al-Qadr is not explicitly stated in the numerous narrations, even though there are many accounts. What is mentioned in the narrations provides a general indication, but the specific night is not determined. However, these narrations help guide the seeker toward identifying the night. Here is a brief overview of what has been narrated regarding it.

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The Virtue of Laylat al-Qadr

It is sufficient to glorify Laylat al-Qadr that a chapter of the Qur'an is named after it, Surah al-Qadr. It is said to be the heart of the month of Ramadan. Additionally, it has been narrated from Imam al-Sadiq (a.s.) that the beginning of the months is(( the month of Allah, Almighty is His remembrance, which is the month of Ramadan, and the heart of the month of Ramadan is Laylat al-Qadr...)) 1 .

The reward for one who prays voluntarily on this night is multiplied compared to other nights. Among the sayings of the Messenger of Allah regarding the description of the month of Ramadan is:

((And He made the standing (prayer) on one night in it, as if it were the standing (prayer) of seventy nights in other months.)) 2 .

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The Determination of Laylat al-Qadr in General and Specific Terms

There are various opinions from the Ahl al-Bayt regarding the determination of Laylat al-Qadr. Some are general (ijmal), where it is simply stated to fall within the last ten nights of the month, while others are more specific (tafsil), where certain nights are identified and preferred over others, even though Laylat al-Qadr is considered superior to all nights of the month in general.

The general view is that it falls within the last ten nights of Ramadan.

This is supported by narrations from the Messenger of Allah, Amir al-Mu’minin (Ali) (a.s.), and Imam al-Jawad, stating:(( It is in the last ten (nights). ))3 .  

Another narration says:(( Seek it in the last ten (nights). )) 4 .  

Imam al-Baqir (a.s.) is reported to have said: ((Every year in the month of Ramadan, it is in the last ten (nights).)) 5 .  

Additionally, there are reports from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) mentioning the seven final nights, such as in Sahih al-Bukhari: ((Seek it in the last seven (nights). )) 6 .

In Imam Ahmad's Musnad, it is reported: ((Seek it in the last ten (nights), whether it is the last nine, or seven, or five, or three, or the very last night.)) 7 .

And in his Musnad, it is mentioned that it is:

• The night of the twenty-first. 8
• The night of the twenty-third.  9
• The night of the twenty-fourth.  10
• The night of the twenty-seventh.   11

And what was narrated regarding the approximation of its determination, that Zurara asked Imam al-Baqir (a.s.) about Laylat al-Qadr:

The Imam (a.s.) said: It is the night of the twenty-first, or the twenty-third.

Zurara said: Is it not just one night?

The Imam (a.s.) said:: Yes.Zurara then said: So inform me about it.

The Imam (a.s.) replied: What harm is there in doing good deeds on two nights!  12

And in further details, regarding four nights, it was narrated from Amir al-Mu’minin (a.s.) :

(( Ask Allah for the Hajj on the night of the seventeenth of Ramadan, and on the nineteenth, and the twenty-first, and the twenty-third of it, for the delegations are written every year on Laylat al-Qadr, and in it, as Allah Almighty said: 'In it, every matter of wisdom is decreed.')). 13

And in further details, regarding three nights, the estimation, decree, and execution occur, as narrated from Imam al-Sadiq (a.s.) :

(( On the night of the nineteenth of Ramadan: the estimation, and on the night of the twenty-first: the decree, and on the night of the twenty-third: the execution of what will occur in the year until its like, for Allah, Glorified and Exalted, does whatever He wills with His creation.)) 14 .

And in further details, regarding two nights:

(( ...From Humran, he said: I asked Abu Abdullah about Laylat al-Qadr.
He said: It is the night of the twenty-third or the twenty-fourth.
I said: Could you specify one of them for me? He said: What harm is there in working on two nights? It is one of them.)) 15

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The Sign of Laylat al-Qadr

In the branches of Al-Kafi:

((Its sign is that its scent is pleasant, and if it is in cold weather, it becomes warm, and if it is in hot weather, it becomes cool, and it becomes pleasant...)) 16

And in the Musnad of Imam Ahmad: The sun the next morning from that night rises with no rays. 17  

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Ghusl and Reviving the Night

It is recommended to perform Ghusl (ritual purification) during these nights as reported from the Ahl al-Bayt (a.s.).18

The Ghusl, between being a Sunnah (traditional practice) and Mustahabb (recommended), has different views, one of which is from Imam al-Sadiq (a.s.) :

(( The Ghusl for the first night of Ramadan is recommended, and the Ghusl for the night of the 21st, and the Ghusl for the night of the 23rd is a Sunnah you should not neglect, for it is hoped that on one of these nights is the Night of Qadr. And the Ghusl for the Day of Fitr and the Day of Eid al-Adha is a Sunnah that I do not like to neglect...))19

Regarding the ability to do so, Imam al-Hasan al-Askari (a.s.) said:

((If you are able to perform Ghusl on the 17th night, the 19th night, the 21st night, and the 23rd night, do so, for on these nights the Night of Qadr is hoped for. If you are not able to revive them, do not miss out on reviving the 23rd night, and pray 100 Rak'ahs in it, reciting Al-Fatiha once and Surat Al-Ikhlas ten times in each Rak'ah. ))20

As for the timing of the Ghusl, there are two opinions based on choice: one of them, from Imam al-Baqir(a.s.), is just before sunset, and the other, from Imam al-Sadiq (a.s.), is at the beginning of the night, or if you wish, at any time during the night.21

Reviving the 21st night and the 23rd night is based on the report from Abu Basir, who asked Imam al-Sadiq (a.s.) about the determination of the Night of Qadr, and his response was: "Seek it on the 21st night and the 23rd night, and pray 100 Rak'ahs in each of them, and revive them if you can with light, and perform Ghusl during them."
Abu Basir then asked: "If I am unable to do that, while I am standing?"
Imam al-Sadiq (a.s.) responded: "Then pray while sitting."
Abu Basir asked again: "What if I cannot even do that?"
Imam al-Sadiq (a.s.) said: "Then on your bed."
Abu Basir asked: "What if I still cannot do that?"
Imam al-Sadiq (a.s.) replied: "It is not upon you to do anything other than to take a small nap at the beginning of the night." 22

Also, Imam al-Sadiq (a.s.) said regarding the Night of Qadr: "When it is the night in which the special blessings are hoped for, pray 100 Rak'ahs, reciting Surat Al-Ikhlas ten times in each Rak'ah."
Abu Basir asked: "What if I am unable to stand?"
Imam al-Sadiq (a.s.) replied: "Then pray while sitting."
Abu Basir asked again: "What if I am unable to sit?"
Imam al-Sadiq (a.s.) said: "Then pray while lying on your bed." 23

On the 23rd night, it is recommended to read Surat Al-Ankabut and Surat Ar-Rum, as reported from Imam al-Sadiq (a.s.), who said: "Whoever reads them will be in Paradise, and I do not make any exceptions for him." It was also narrated from him that reading Surat Al-Qadr a thousand times on this night is recommended.24

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The reason for not specifying it.

The reason why the Night of Qadr was not specified is to prevent the neglect of other nights in the month of Ramadan, and for the fasting person to strive during most of them, hoping for God's mercy.

In this regard, it is narrated that Amir al-Mu’minin (a.s.) was asked:

"About the Night of Qadr?" He said: "I am not free from knowing it, so I conceal its knowledge. I have no doubt that Allah hides it from you for your sake. If He had made it known to you, you would have acted on it and neglected other nights. I hope that it will not escape you, if Allah wills." 25

It is also supported by what is narrated from the Messenger of Allah (pbbh), who was asked about it:

"As for what comes next: You have asked me about the Night of Qadr, and I did not conceal it from you, for I was not aware of it. Know, O people, that whoever experiences the month of Ramadan while in good health and integrity, fasts during the day, performs part of the night in prayer, maintains their prayers, attends the Friday prayers, and goes to the Eid prayer, then they have reached the Night of Qadr and have received the reward from the Lord, Almighty."  26

Thus, the recognition of the Night of Qadr is not limited to a specific night in the month of Ramadan, but rather to the soundness of the fast, the performance of part of the night in prayer, the preservation of prayers, the Friday prayers during Ramadan, and the Eid prayer. The statement refers to the greatness of the month of Ramadan and the excellence of worship in it.

What has been mentioned in general about it being in the last ten days, and the detail that has been stated regarding the nights of the month, is to allow the fasting person to make up for what they may have missed in striving in worship, supplication, and striving against the soul in fasting.

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Some of the justifications

Some of the justifications for this view were presented by Sayyid al-Abbas al-Husayni in his book Minhaj al-Jinan on the actions of the month of Ramadan, and from him:

"Some of the narrations indicate that the reason for not specifying the Night of Qadr is to preserve the whole month... This is similar to how Allah concealed the middle prayer among the five prayers, His greatest name among the best names, the hour of response among the hours of Friday, and other examples. Our scholars have agreed that it is not outside of these three nights: the night of the nineteenth, the night of the twenty-first, and the night of the twenty-third." 27

Some have justified this by pointing out the Prophet's desire for his Ummah to attain the greatest happiness, which is why he said: "It is in every Ramadan," and the companions feared that someone might miss one of the nights of Ramadan, and that is why they asked about its specification. 28

Some have explained it by referring to the words of Amir al-Mu’minin (a.s.), that one should strive during many nights, hoping to attain it during the nights they observe. If it had been specified, people would have only focused on it and neglected the others. 29

Others have explained it as Allah’s intention for His servants to always be prepared, so their faith would be completed, just as the reason for the occultation of the Mahdi is for people's faith in his command to be complete. It is said that there are similarities between the Night of Qadr and the Imamate, for just as the Night of Qadr is the best of nights due to its connection with the Qur'an, the Imam is also connected to the Qur'an through the Hadith of the Two Precious Things, and is preferred over humanity. The concealment of the night is a symbol of the occultation, just as the Imam’s concealment is. The night belongs to a month, which is the best of months, just as the Imam belongs to the pure family. 30

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The Determination According to the Calendar

Among the contemporary scholars who have written on this matter based on both calendars is Dr. Ahmad Dawood, and a summary of his words is:

"Among the contemporary scholars who have written on this matter based on both calendars is Dr. Ahmad Dawood, and a summary of his words is:

"The night that the early Syrians used to observe when the two calendars align every eight years, believing that the solar and lunar calendars would match on that night, is the night in which the divine child was born, or the first human, and it marks the beginning of creation. It was later called the Night of Qadr, which signifies the night of the renewal of divine power.

Since the creation of humanity occurred at the end of the ninth month in the solar calendar, and the Syrian New Year holidays begin on March 24 and reach their peak between April 1–4, it is clear that the end of the ninth month corresponds to the night of December 24–25. Since Ramadan is the ninth month in the lunar calendar, its end is the last night that separates it from the first of Shawwal, which is the night of Eid al-Fitr, or creation.

Therefore, the Eid of Fitr in Ramadan must align with the solar Eid of Fitr on the night of December 24–25.

Considering that the number of days in the solar year is approximately 365.25 days, and the difference between the solar and lunar years is 11.25 days, the alignment of the two Eids happens approximately every 32 years. Does this mean that it occurs every 32 years?

The Qur'an confirms that the spirit or the angels descend every day from the days of the Lord, which is like a thousand years of what you count (Surah Al-Hajj 47).

And in Surah Al-Qadr: 'The Night of Qadr is better than a thousand months. The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter.' (Surah Al-Qadr 3-4)

This means that every thousand years, the angels and the Spirit descend once. So, every thousand Ramadans, the Night of Qadr comes once.

Since the beginning of creation is on the Night of Qadr, that is, after completing the ninth month, which is the month of Ramadan, the night in question is the one that separates the last day of Ramadan from the first of Shawwal. Therefore, it is the 29th or 31st night, as it is the final odd night of the month.

For this reason, the noble Prophet commanded that the Night of Qadr be sought in the last ten odd nights of the month of Ramadan." 31

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A Brief Explanation of the Interpretation

Ibn Arabi said in his interpretation:

"Laylat al-Qadr is the Muhammadan structure when He is hidden in the station of the heart after the subjective witnessing, for the descent can only occur in this structure, in this state, and Qadr is its danger and its honour." 32

In the explanation of Al-Saadah by Al-Janabidhi:

"Human ranks are expressed by the descent through the nights and the ascent through the days, for the one ascending emerges from the darkness of the lower ranks to the light of the higher ranks, and the one descending enters from the light of the higher ranks into the darkness of the lower ranks... Thus, there have been various narrations and differing opinions expressed ambiguously and with doubt: that Laylat al-Qadr is the night of the middle of Sha'ban, or the nineteenth, or the twenty-first, or the twenty-third, or the twenty-seventh, or the last night of Ramadan, and other nights." 33

And in its interpretation, there are other sayings, but the scope here does not allow for their full explanation and commentary on them, as well as the previous interpretations.

This is a summary of what has been mentioned on this matter, though if it were detailed, it would have many more aspects, including the explanation of the lifting of the Qur'an by the lifting of Laylat al-Qadr, even though it was revealed in it in the past, and the explanation of how it exists every year in this sense, according to what has been narrated. Among them is the narration where Imam Al-Sadiq (a.s.) was asked:

"Is Laylat al-Qadr in every year or not?"

He said: "If Laylat al-Qadr were to be lifted, the Qur'an would be lifted." 34

 

And above every knowledgeable person is an even more knowledgeable one. [Quran, Surah Yusuf, 76]

Then, praise is for Allah, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah, his family, and his companions.

Written by: Tamaam Ahmad 8/7/2015

 

• 1 Al-Kafi, Volume 2, Page 66 – (45) Chapter on the Virtue of the Month of Ramadan, Hadith (1). Man La Yahduruhu al-Faqih, Volume 2, Page 62 – (28) Chapter on the Virtue of the Month of Ramadan, Hadith 267/13. Tahdhib al-Ahkam, Volume 4, Page 165 – (47) Chapter on the Virtue of the Month of Ramadan, Hadith 547/2. Tafseel Wasail al-Shia, Volume 10, Page 305 – (18) Chapter on the Strong Recommendation to Strive in Worship, Hadith 13482/8. Bihar al-Anwar, Volume 39, Page 243 – Book of Fasting, (53) Chapter on Laylat al-Qadr and its Virtue, Hadith (13). These are references from various Islamic texts that discuss the virtues of Ramadan and Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree), as well as the importance of striving in worship during this blessed time.
• 2 Al-Kafi, Volume 2, Page 67 – (45) Chapter on the Virtue of the Month of Ramadan, Hadith (4). Tahdhib al-Ahkam, Volume 3, Page 57 – (4) Chapter on the Virtue of the Month of Ramadan and Prayers in It, Hadith 198/1. Tafseel Wasail al-Shia, Volume 10, Page 307 – (18) Chapter on the Strong Recommendation to Strive in Worship, Hadith 13484/10. Bihar al-Anwar, Volume 39, Page 218 – Book of Fasting, (46) Chapter on the Obligation of Fasting in the Month of Ramadan, Hadith (26). These references discuss the virtues and the obligations related to the month of Ramadan, as well as the importance of striving in worship during this blessed time. They emphasize the significance of fasting and performing prayers during this holy month.
• 3Da'aim al-Islam 1/342. Bahr al-Anwar, Vol. 39/242. (53) Chapter on Laylat al-Qadr and its Virtues, Hadith (12).
• 4Da'aim al-Islam 1/342. Bahr al-Anwar, Vol. 39/242. (53) Chapter on Laylat al-Qadr and its Virtues, Hadith (12).
• 5Furu' al-Kafi 2/160. (112) Chapter on Laylat al-Qadr, Hadith (6). Man La Yahduruhu al-Faqih 2/103. (53) Chapter on Washing in the Special Nights of Ramadan, Hadith 455/10. Tafseel Wasail al-Shi'a 10/351. (31) Chapter on the Recommendability of Diligence and Effort in Worship, Hadith 13584/3. Bahr al-Anwar, Vol. 39/248. Book of Fasting, (53) Chapter on Laylat al-Qadr and its Virtues, Hadith (41).
• 6Sahih al-Bukhari 4/298. Book of Interpretation (8), Chapter on Mutual Agreement on Dreams, Hadith 6991.
• 7Musnad of Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal 34/11. Hadith 20376. Dar Al-Risala / Beirut, edited by Sheikh Shu'ayb Al-Arna'out. 2nd Edition, 2008.
• 8Musnad of Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal 17/281. Hadith 11186.
• 9Musnad of Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal 4/150. Hadith 2302.
• 10Musnad of Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal 39/323. Hadith 23890.
• 11Musnad of Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal 35/124. Hadith 21195.
• 12Tehzib al-Ahkam 3/58. (4) Chapter on the Virtue of the Month of Ramadan and the Prayer in It (Additional). Hadith 200/3. Detailed Wasail al-Shia 10/359. (32) Chapter on Specifying the Night of Al-Qadr and That It Occurs Every Year. Hadith 13603/14. Bihar al-Anwar Vol. 39/238. Book of Fasting. (53) Chapter on the Night of Al-Qadr and Its Virtue. Hadith (4).
• 13Da'aim al-Islam 1/341. Bihar al-Anwar Vol. 39/242. (53) Chapter on the Night of Al-Qadr and Its Virtue. Hadith (12).
• 14Al-Kafi, Vol. 2, p. 162, (112) Chapter on the Night of Al-Qadr, Hadith (12). Man La Yahduruhu al-Faqih, Vol. 2, p. 102, (53) Chapter on Ghusl (ritual washing) during the special nights of Ramadan, Hadith 451/6. Tafseel Wasail al-Shi'a, Vol. 10, p. 357, (32) Chapter on the Determination of the Night of Al-Qadr, Hadith 13596/7.
• 15Tafseel Wasail al-Shi'a, Vol. 10, p. 360, (32) Chapter on the Determination of the Night of Al-Qadr, Hadith 13608/19. Bihar al-Anwar, Vol. 39, p. 251, (53) Chapter on the Night of Al-Qadr and its Virtue, Hadith (58).
• 16Al-Kafi, Volume 2, Page 160, (112) Chapter on Laylat al-Qadr, Hadith (3).
• 17Musnad of Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal 35\119. Hadith 21190.
• 18From "Man La Yahduruhu al-Faqih" 2/105. (53) Chapter on the Ghusl in Specific Nights of Ramadan. Hadith 461/16. "Tahdhib al-Ahkam" 4/169. (49) Chapter on the Sunnahs of the Month of Ramadan. Hadith 561/2. "Tafseel Wasail al-Shi'a" 3/307. Chapters on Recommended Ritual Baths. (1) Chapter on the Classification and Types of Ritual Baths. Hadith 3720/13.
• 19From "Furu' al-Kafi" 1/48. (26) Chapter on the Types of Ghusl. Hadith (2). "Man La Yahduruhu al-Faqih" 1/117. (18) Chapter on Ritual Baths. Hadith 176/5. "Tafseel Wasail al-Shi'a" 3/304. Chapters on Recommended Ritual Baths. (1) Chapter on the Classification of Types. Hadith 3710/3.
• 20"Fadhail al-Ashhur al-Thalatha" by al-Saduq. Hadith (91). "Tafseel Wasail al-Shi'a" 10/358. (32) Chapter on the Determination of Laylat al-Qadr. Hadith 13598/9.
• 21"Al-Kafi" 2/156. (110) Chapter on Ghusl in the Month of Ramadan. Hadith (1, 3). "Man La Yahduruhu al-Faqih" 2/102. (53) Ghusl in the Special Nights of Ramadan. Hadith 446/1, 448/3. "Tafseel Wasail al-Shi'a" 3/324. (13) Chapter on the Timing of Ghusl. Hadith 3767/1, 3769/3.
• 22"Man La Yahduruhu al-Faqih" 2/104. (53) Chapter on Ghusl in the Special Nights of Ramadan. Hadith 459/14. "Al-Kafi" 2/159. (112) Chapter on the Night of Qadr. Hadith (2). "Tafseel Wasail al-Shi'a" 10/355. (32) Chapter on Determining the Night of Qadr. Hadith 13592/3. "Bihar al-Anwar" Vol. 39/328. (53) Chapter on the Night of Qadr and its Virtue. Hadith (4).
• 23"Tahdhib al-Ahkam" 3/64. (4) Chapter on the Virtue of the Month of Ramadan and Prayers in It. Hadith 216/19.
• 24"Tahdhib al-Ahkam" 3/92. (5) Chapter on the Supplication Between the Rak'ahs. Hadith 261/34, 262/34. "Tafseel Wasail al-Shi'a" 10/361. (33) Chapter on the Recommendation to Read Surah Al-Ankabut and Surah Ar-Rum on the Night of the Twenty-Third. Hadith 13611/1, 13612/2. "Bihar al-Anwar" Volume 39/248. (53) Chapter on the Night of Qadr and Its Virtue. Hadith (42).
• 25Bihar al-Anwar Vol. 39, p. 239. (53) Chapter on Laylat al-Qadr and its virtues. Hadith (6).
• 26Man La Yahduruhu al-Faqih 2\61. (28) Chapter on the Virtues of the Month of Ramadan and the Reward for Fasting. Hadith 258\4. Bihar al-Anwar Vol. 39, p. 248. (53) Chapter on Laylat al-Qadr and its virtues. Hadith (40). Tafseel Wasail al-Shi'a 10\303. (18) Chapter on the Emphasis of the Recommendation for Striving in Worship. Hadith 13475\1.
• 27Minhaj al-Jinan fi A'mal Shahra Ramadan, p. 363. Al-Abbas al-Husayni al-Kashani, Publications of Dhawi al-Qurba, 3rd Edition, 1421 AH.
• 28Afaq al-Siyam fi al-Islam, p. 66. Sheikh Abdul Rahman Khalif, Zitouna for Media and Publishing, Tunisia/Algeria, 1st Edition, 1990. With modifications.
• 29Al-Sawm: Fiqhuhu Asraruhu, p. 130. Muhyiddin Mesto, Dar al-Qalam/Damascus, Beirut, 4th Edition, 1979. With modifications.
• 30Asrar al-Sawm fi al-Madrasa al-Qur'aniyya, pp. 188-192. Muhammad al-Fadhli, Dar al-Nada/Beirut, 1st Edition, 2011.
• 31The Ancient Civilizational History of Syria, Al-Markaz, Dar Al-Safadi, Damascus, 3rd Edition, 2004. (Modified)
• 32Tafseer Ibn Arabi 2\693. Dar Sader\Beirut\1st edition\2002.
• 33Bayan al-Sa'ada fi Maqamāt al-Ibadah, Sultan Muhammad al-Janabidhi 4\267. Al-‘Alami Foundation\Beirut\2nd edition\1988.
• 34Furu' al-Kafi 2\161. (112) Chapter on the Night of Qadr. Hadith (7). Man La Yahduruhu al-Faqih 2\103. (53) Chapter on Ghusl during the Special Nights of Ramadan. Hadith 454\9. 448\3. Tafseel Wasail al-Shi'a 10\356. (32) Chapter on Determining the Night of Qadr. Hadith 13954\5.