Ibn Azaan:
In the sacred month of Ramadan, one night stands unparalleled in its majesty and mercy — Shab-e-Qadr, also known as Laylatul Qadr or the Night of Power. In Urdu and Persian-speaking regions, including Kashmir, it is affectionately called Shabi Qader or Shab-e-Qadr, evoking the profound sense of destiny and divine intervention. This is the night when the Holy Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) through Angel Jibril. Muslims believe it falls on one of the odd-numbered nights in the last ten days of Ramadan — most commonly the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th. The Prophet (PBUH) urged believers to seek it earnestly, saying, “Search for the Night of Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan” (Sahih Bukhari).
The significance of Shab-e-Qadr is etched eternally in the Quran itself. Surah Al-Qadr (Chapter 97) is dedicated entirely to this night, underscoring its supremacy over ordinary time. In the eloquent translation by renowned international scholar Abdullah Yusuf Ali:
“We have indeed 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!”
This surah paints a vivid picture: angels descend in throngs, carrying decrees of mercy, and the night remains peaceful until dawn. One single night of sincere worship here equals more than 83 years of continuous devotion — a lifetime of reward compressed into hours of prayer and reflection.
Complementing this is Surah Ad-Dukhan (44:3-4): “We sent it down during a blessed night. Indeed, We were to warn [mankind]. On that night is made distinct every precise matter.” Here, Allah decrees the destinies for the coming year — life and death, sustenance, success, and trials. Every matter of wisdom is clarified, making Shab-e-Qadr not just a night of revelation but of cosmic decision-making.
Examples from the Prophet’s (PBUH) life illustrate its pursuit with urgency. Hazrat Aisha (RA) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) would intensify worship in the last ten nights: he would tighten his waistband (symbolizing seclusion), stay awake all night, and wake his family for prayer (Sahih Bukhari). When companions dreamt of the night falling in the last seven nights, the Prophet encouraged searching across odd nights to ensure none missed it. He once announced its date but later said it was concealed “so that you may seek it in all the last ten nights,” teaching perseverance and humility.
A striking Hadith example comes from Sahih Muslim: “Whoever stands in prayer on Laylatul Qadr out of faith and seeking reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.” This promise of complete absolution motivated the Sahaba to spend nights in devotion. Another authentic narration from Sunan Ibn Majah warns: “Whosoever is deprived of its good is deprived of all good; and none is deprived of its good except a totally unfortunate person.” These examples underscore urgency — missing Shab-e-Qadr means forfeiting unparalleled blessings.
Practical examples of worship abound in Islamic tradition. The Prophet (PBUH) taught a simple yet powerful dua when Aisha (RA) asked what to say if she knew it was the night: “Allahumma innaka afuwwun tuhibbul afwa fa’fu anni” — “O Allah, You are the Pardoner, You love to pardon, so pardon me” (Sunan Tirmidhi). This dua is recited millions of times worldwide on these nights. Specific acts include offering four rak’ats of nafl prayer where Surah Al-Fatiha and Al-Qadr are recited once each, and Surah Ikhlas 27 times per rak’at — a practice said to erase past sins entirely, making the worshipper like a newborn. Another example: 100 rak’ats with special supplications from the Ahlul Bayt, or prolonged recitation of the Quran. In Kashmir and South Asia, mosques overflow with collective taraweeh extensions, Istighfar, and heartfelt duas for families and the Ummah.
The night’s signs provide further examples for recognition. Traditions describe a peaceful atmosphere with no extreme heat or cold, a serene moon appearing like a “piece of a plate,” and sometimes a faint light or calm breeze at dawn. These subtle indicators encourage vigilance without obsession over exact timing.
Scholars across centuries have elaborated its virtues with profound insight. The renowned international commentator Abdullah Yusuf Ali described it as “the night when the Quran was first revealed, a night of power and destiny.” British Muslim scholar Marmaduke Pickthall translated the surah’s essence similarly, emphasizing its global resonance: “Lo! We revealed it on the Night of Predestination.” Classical scholar Ibn al-Iraqi noted in his treatise that the night’s decrees cover every soul’s fate, making it a universal moment of hope. Even in modern contexts, institutions like Yaqeen Institute highlight how one night surpasses “83 years” of ordinary worship, inspiring Muslims from Indonesia to America.
Internationally, Shab-e-Qadr unites the Ummah in diverse cultures. In Saudi Arabia, millions gather at Masjid al-Haram for Qiyam; in Turkey and Europe, families hold home vigils with children reciting duas; in the UK and USA, Islamic centers host all-night programs blending Quran and community reflection. A moving global perspective comes from humanitarian voices: organizations like Islamic Relief UK call it “the best dua for the holy night,” urging forgiveness that transcends borders. In Kashmir’s valleys, lanterns illuminate shrines as devotees echo the Prophet’s call, mirroring celebrations from Lahore to London — proving its universal appeal.
Shab-e-Qadr exemplifies Allah’s mercy: a hidden gem encouraging constant striving. Its examples — from the Prophet’s seclusion to Aisha’s dua, from angelic descent to destiny’s decree — remind believers that sincere effort yields eternal reward. As the Quran declares, it is “better than a thousand months,” offering peace until dawn.
In an era of distractions, this night invites renewal. May we all witness Shab-e-Qadr, stand in prayer with faith, and emerge forgiven, destined for Paradise. Ameen.
