During the last ten nights of the Islamic month of Ramadan, there is one particular night, mentioned in the Quran as "Laylatul Qadr" (The Night of Decree). Worship during this night is highly virtuous and emphasized. The Quran describes the worship of this night as superior to a thousand months. By this calculation, worship on this night equals 83 years and 4 months of continuous worship.
"Laylatul Qadr" is an immensely blessed night, earning its name because it is the night when the decrees for the upcoming year are ordained, and the angels are assigned their tasks and services for the whole year. It is also referred to as "Laylatul Qadr" due to its distinguished value and status among other nights. It is narrated that on this night, righteous deeds are especially accepted, and their worth is elevated in the divine presence, hence it is named "Laylatul Qadr". (Tafseer Khazin, Vol. 4, p. 473).
Numerous virtues are associated with this blessed night, as stated by Imam Malik ibn Anas, may Allah be pleased with him, who reported that the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, was shown the lifespans of all previous nations, and he found that the lifespans of his Ummah (community) were the shortest. He expressed sadness over this, as he feared that his Ummah would not be able to perform as many righteous deeds as previous nations. In response, Allah granted him the Night of Decree, which is better than a thousand months for other nations. By this calculation, worship on this night equals 83 years and 4 months of continuous worship. (Tafseer Al-Kabeer, Vol. 11, p. 231, under verse: 3).
On Laylatul Qadr, Allah revealed the Quran from the Preserved Tablet to the heavens of the world. The portion of the Quran revealed from the Preserved Tablet to the heavens of the world on this night was as much as was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, by Angel Jibreel (Gabriel) throughout the year. In fact, the entire Quran was revealed from the Preserved Tablet to the heavens of the world on the Night of Decree during Ramadan. (Sahih Muslim Hadith # 1781, Sahih Bukhari Hadith # 35).
The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said, "Whoever stands (in prayer) on the Night of Decree with faith and expectation (of reward), his previous sins will be forgiven." (Jam e Tirmazi Hadith # 792/794/3351).
The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, used to observe I'tikaf (spiritual retreat) during the last ten days of Ramadan and said, "Seek the Night of Decree during the last ten days of Ramadan." (Tirmidhi).
He also instructed to seek the Night of Decree in the odd nights among the last ten nights, particularly on the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, and 29th nights. When the numbers representing these nights are added together, they result in odd numbers (3, 5, 7, 9, 11). Additionally, when the sum of these odd numbers is calculated, it equals 35, another odd number. This emphasis on odd numbers signifies the uniqueness of Allah's unity, where one who completely surrenders to His essence reaches a state where every night becomes a Night of Decree.
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