THE HOLY QURAN AND HADITH
ON
RAMADAN AND LAILATUL QADR (NIGHT OF POWER)


             Read ONLY,  IF AND WHEN you have time and mood for:
                      “An Ayah of the Quran for 30 Days” — September 2013
 
Choose the section you have time, in the next 30 days to read this ayah:-
Prelude:                          Recurrent Primary Message        1st.                       Page
Starting Dua, a note &  The Ayah                                     2nd.                     Page
A Short Version:         For the Busy Bee                            Two Plus             Pages
The Main Story:          Recommended                                Six  Plus              Pages
Footnotes:                     For the Perfectionist                      Four                     Pages

PRELUDE

From the Pen and Perspective of a self-styled PPK Muslim (Proud, Practicing, Knowledgeable) with a humble submission that Islam totally rejects Blind Following BUT vigorously focusses on the Limitations of Pure Human Reasoning…………..and clearly and comprehensively ALLAH knows best.

In the beginning of the seventh century C.E., the folks of Mecca and Medina had a fascinatingly unique window: they had direct access to the Heavens through one of their own. They were blessed with a regular stream of Divine counseling and guidelines. Question and answer sessions were part of the program. Even individual questioner was graced by an answer. In the short Introduction to this scheme they were assured that at the end of this twenty-two year project, Divine Directions and Admonitions will continue through the agency of the PEN. The whole discourse has been preserved and archived till eternity under the guarantee of our Lord and Creator. This record in known as the Quran.

It should sound unbelievable but factually appears to be true: Many of our prevalent, widespreadand important concepts and opinions about religious matters do not have a basis in the Quran and sometimes even appear to be in obvious conflict with the teachings of the Quran. It would bevery educative and helpful to discuss an Ayah once a month to see if it supports or rejects ourviews and actions in our daily life. I wish and hope this generates a fruitful interactive discussion.  

THE AYAH

(NOTE:  I have filtered out the proofs and details into the Footnotes for those who have the time and interest for them. The article will then be reasonable length, hopefully for the busy majority. What follows is not a sermon; it can be a humble attempt towards finding the “straight path”.)
 
Surah Al-Qadr (no 97), Ayah 3
 
”The Night of Power is better than a thousand months.”
 

A SHORT VERSION

This “Night of Power” is a very important occasion in the history of Islam and in our personal lives.  Why? What is the basis of this unique feature of this night? In HISunique style, Alllah Ta’aala has asked this very question in the ayah previous to this one “And what will explain to thee what the night of power is?” Whereas HE has provided the answer to this question in the preceeding and opening  ayah of this Surah. HE declaraes there  “We have indeed revealed this (Message) in the Night of Power.” So the glorious Quran, with all its worth, value and importance was revealed in this night for the blessings of all mankind. This is one reason why this is the night of honor, dignity and glory.  It is interesting to note that Mufti Mohammed Shafi states that all the Holy Scriptures were revealed in the month of Ramdhan  (Please see the main Story)
The phrase “laylati al qadr” is also translated as night of “Decree” or “Destiny” or “Determination” or “Predetermination” based on the contents of the rest of the Surah: “Therein come down the angels and the Spirit by Allah’s permission, on every errand. Peace!…This until the rise of morn!” This underlines the second reason for the greatness of this night. Not only the destiny of the individual but of Quraish, Arabia and the whole world was, is and will be determined in this night. Mufti Mohammed Shafi provides some details of this function. 5  “Min kulli amr” has been translated variously as “for every matter”, “with all decrees”, “for every affair” , “on every errand” and “with every command”. Every aspect of a persons life is ordained in this Holy night for the whole year.(Please see the main Story)
The concluding part of this last ayah “hiya hatta matlaAAial fajr” (“This until the rise of morn!”) conveys a very practical message. In the words of Mufti Mohammed Shafi in his marvellous Ma’aariful Quran: “The concluding expression of the verse means the blessings of the Night of Qadr are not restricted to any particular part of the night. They start descending at the fall of night and continue till the break of dawn.” (Please see the main Story)
When do we look for this great night in Ramdhan? There are varioou schloarly opinions.
The most authentic view suggests to look for it in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramdhan.  Mufti Mahmood has discussed this with references . There are several “signs of this great night” declared in haditlh literature to recognise its presence. I am not impressed. (Please see the main Story)
When and how do we perform to earn the great blessing of this night. Allah Ta’aala has annonced a Grand Redction Sale: 30,000 times extra reward, starting from the minute sun sets. Hence there should be a mad rush by ordinary erring Muslims to avail every minute of this night. There are numerous and attractive suggestions for the various  acts of worship to help us living the Night of  Power. A special reference to “10 points Worship Plan” is called for becuase it is unsual and  lncludes some really weighty and crucial out of the box features. (Please see the main Story)
When do we start preparing for the forthcoming Ramdhan. Ritht now i.e. on the departure of the current Holy month, the importance of which is clear in the Quran and hadith. After a honest and thorough analysis of how we have performed in the Holy month in 2013, we must  plan correctly for Ramadhan in 2014. The surah Al Qadr and the ahadith related to it and the activities recommended for it should be our main guidance for the deeds in Ramdhan. Generally speaking, the whole month of Ramadan is a period of spiritual training wherein believers devote much of their time to fasting praying, reciting the Quran, remembering God, and giving charity. Let us talk of some specifics. (Please see the main Story)
The basis of Ramdhan is abstaining from food and drinks and intimate sexual  relationship during the fasting hours. Paradoxically though, this is just nothing  by itself. “Whoever does not give up forged speech and evil actions, Allah is not in need of his leaving his food and drink (i.e. Allah will not accept his fasting.)” declares The Holy Prophet, Sallallahu ‘Alaihi Wa Sallam. (Bukhari Vol. 3 : No. 127)  As you go along the day you will be judged and marked. Your interaction with your spouse, children and elders in the family, with peers and colleagues in the school, offices and work places, with your neighbours and bystanders is being monitored for attitudes, manners, tone, compassion, honesty etc. You will get your marks for the day at the call of Allah-o-Akbarat  Maghrib.
Your duty towards your Creator five times a day assume a tremendous significance during this month.  The underlying life of our prayer is SPIRITUALITY which completely  alludes our attention. Ramdhan is the occasion when we can and should try to fine tuneour prayers; could I venture some suggestions:
The first and foremost is to realise that our noble Prophet has labelled the prayer as the “Mi’raaj of Momin”.  He should atleast conceptualise that Allah Ta’aala is watching him and ensure that he is connecting and communicating with HIM. In the jargon of the digital age, he is sending “instant messages” directly to the Heavans. Second, once you say the Takbir e Tehrima — the first takbir — many of the halal activities become haraam for you; just focus your attention at the point of sijda Stand still with hands folded in a particular fashion and go through the drill reasonably calm and composed. Once our Holy Prophet made a person to repeat his prayer in his mosque because he had rushed through it. Third,  any attempt at learning or teaching while we are paying our respects to  God Almighty in our prayers is obviously undesirable if not forbidden; real contemplation demands exclusive attention. Fourth, true, it only takes 20 to 30 minutes for all the five mandatory prayers.  But this is the bare minimum. We should try and spare extra time for this blissful attendance in the presence of Allah. Lastly, Khushoo andKhuzoo — contemplation and introspection — is the essential of Salah. Let us pray and hope that Bari Ta’aala  endows us with this superb but evasive quality. (Please see the main Story)
Tilawat e Quran i.e. Reading the Quran is the second best form of ibadah after salah. (Please see the main Story)
On many occasions Quran explains about Quran itself — and this by the way is the most important and obviously the most authentic  criterla in Tafseer work. Note what our Holy Book has to say about recitation of Quran “……and recite the Qur’an in slow, measured rhythmic tones.” I have listed translatiions of nine eminent and  famous Mufessarins to clarify and emphasise that there is no difference of opinion in understading the meaning of this part of the ayah. Contrast this dictate of our Holy Book with the very common and popular practice of running through the Quran, specially during the Taraweeh prayers. The faster and the shorter the taraweeh, the more popular it is. This has become the most popular and enthusiastic activity during Ramdhan. Some aspects need close attention:
First, the insistance on jama’ah in masjid is not supported by Shari’ah. The practice of the Prophet and his directive is to pray Taraweeh at home. The practice of congregational taraveeh in the mosque was advised by Hazrat Umer when he saw Muslims in the Masjid Nabawee praying taraveeh individually and in groups at the same time. He himself used to offer it at home. Second, this flare and fervour about “completing the whole the Quran” during taraweeh is without any basls in Shari’ah and conflicting with clear dictates of our Holy Book. There is no mention of “completing the Quran” in the Quran. There is also not a single hadith recommending this practice. Third, the Unit of Barakha (if you insist on one) for tilawaat is the time you spend on it. The prevalent teaching that one gets TEN nekis (piety) for each letter (not word) one has pronounced is very misleading if not just ridlculous.
Let us all think and ponder over our performance in the last  Ramdhan along these lines and prepare a blue print fo the next one.
……..and Allah knows best.
May Allah Ta’aala bless us with true understanding–“fahm”–of our Deen, Aameen.

THE MAIN STORY

This “Night of Power” is a very important occasion in the history of Islam and in our personal lives.  Why? What is the basis of this unique feature of this night? In HISunique style, Alllah Ta’aala has asked this very question in the ayah previous to this one [1] “And what will explain to thee what the night of power is?” Whereas HE has provided the answer to this question in the preceeding and opening  ayah of this Surah. HE declaraes there [2]  “We have indeed revealed this (Message) in the Night of Power.” So the glorious Quran, with all its worth, value and importance was revealed in this night for the blessings of all mankind. It is pertinent that this Surah is placed next to Surah Al-Alaq that has the First revelation in its first five ayahs. This is one reason why this is the night of honor, dignity and glory. According to some scholars the revelation of the Quran– a sign of Mercy, a guide and a blessing of Allah to mankind — was started in this night with the first five ayahs of Surah Al Alaq while the Holy Prophet was contemplating in the cave of Hira; others are of the opinion that the whole Quran was transferred in this night from the Umm al Kitab or Loh-e-Mehfooz  (Preserved tablet) to the angels who are bearers of revelation; and Allah knows best. It is interesting to note that Mufti Mohammed Shafi states that all the Holy Scriptures were revealed in the month of Ramdhan [3]

The phrase “laylati al qadr” is also translated as night of “Decree” or “Destiny” or “Determination” or “Predetermination” based on the contents of the rest of the Surah [4] : “Therein come down the angels and the Spirit by Allah’s permission, on every errand. Peace!…This until the rise of morn!” This underlines the second reason for the greatness of this night. Not only the destiny of the individual but of Quraish, Arabia and the whole world was, is and will be determined in this night. Mufti Mohammed Shafi provides some details of this function [5]  “Min kulli amr” has been translated variously as “for every matter”, “with all decrees”, “for every affair” , “on every errand” and “with every command”. Every aspect of a persons life is ordained in this Holy night for the whole year.
 
The first word of the last ayah in this Sura [6] “Salamun” is a single word meaning Peace but stands for a full sentence implying “it is all peace, equanimity and complete virtue, having no evil in it”.
 
The concluding part of this last ayah “hiya hatta matlaAAial fajr” (“This until the rise of morn!”) conveys a very practical message. In the words of Mufti Mohammed Shafi in his marvellous Ma’aariful Quran: “The concluding expression of the verse means the blessings of the Night of Qadr are not restricted to any particular part of the night. They start descending at the fall of night and continue till the break of dawn.”
 
The story of the period of revelation of  Surah Al Qadr makes an intersting reading [7]
 
Allah Ta’aala has also referred to this night else where also in the Quran as the blessed night [8] : “Ha-Mim. By the Book that makes things clear; We sent it down during a Blessed Night: for We (ever) wish to warn (against Evil). In the (Night) is made distinct every affair of wisdom, (every precise matter) By command, from Our Presence. For We (ever) send (revelations),As Mercy from thy Lord: for He hears and knows (all things);” 
 
When do we look for this great night in Ramdhan? There are varioou schloarly opinions.  The most authentic view suggests to look for it in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramdhan. The view to find it in all the last ten days is also well authentcated. A reliable and popular position puts the sacred night on the 27th night of Ramdhan. Mufti Mahmoodhas discussed this issue with references [9] . There are several “signs of this great night” declared in haditlh literature to recognise its presence. [10] I am not impressed.
 
When and how do we perform to earn the great blessing of this night. Allah Ta’aala has annonced a Grand Redction Sale: 30,000 times extra reward, starting from the minute sun sets. To put it in a different way, this gives us a chance to live one thousand months (83.3 years) with sincere  worship and  dedicated devotion. One would and should expect a mad rush by ordinary erring Muslims to avail every minute of this night. But the fact is surprising: many amongst us are spending this immensely valuable time in unproductive activities and excessive socialization; an extra hour or two over an iftar-dinner party; or an hour of gossip over a cup of tea and cookies; or get out after some prayers for a stroll on the street with the children to relax and enjoy the weather. Are we not conveying to God Almighty : “ I am OK Allah Ta’aala, I do not need so much of neki(piety); my account is pretty good; I can throw away with impunity some of the benefits that you have so generouly promised.” Please think about it.
 
A scholar has very eloquently and forcefully summarised about and for this great night:
 “The Night of Power is a very important occasion in Islam. Everyone is asked to live it and to enjoy it. This Night is a night of Mercy, a night of Blessing, a night of Peace and a night of Guidance. It is a night of Unification between the finite world of ours and the Infinite Universe of the Unseen.
Anyone who is interested in attaining the Mercy of Allah will strive very hard to look for the Night of Power. Anyone who is interested in receiving the blessings of Allah on the Blessed Night will work very hard to enjoy the Night of Power. Anyone who is interested in attaining peace of mind, peace of body and peace in society, he has to look for this Night and to live it.
May Allah give us the strength, the power, the courage and the effort to do our best to obey Allah and to follow His teachings. May Allah guide us and may Allah strengthen our Iman. May Allah help us to live another year with sincerity and devotion. May Allahmake us realize that one year of our life is over and that we are one year closer to our graves.
Let us wake up and do our best to please Allah in our daily life. Let us ask Almighty Allah forgiveness. Ameen.”
 
So we should all make a firm commitment to devote ourselves in worship on all of the last 10 nights, if not then on the odd numbered nights, if not then at least on as many nights as we can. If we still cannot do that then at least on the 27th night. We should worship Allah with full sincerity, hope for immense reward, forgiveness and mercy from Allah for an entire lifetime of sins. We must plan upfront to earmark this period purely for worship and devotion
 
There are numerous and attractive suggestions for the various  acts of worship to help us living the Night of  Power. [11]  A special reference to “10 points Worship Plan” is called for becuase it is unsual and  lncludes some really weighty and crucial out of the box features. [12]
 
During the khutba on the “last Friday” of the recent month of Ramdhan, (you will recall this email was scheduled for the month of August) the Imam echoed my feelings about when do we start preparing for the forthcoming Ramdhan. Is it on its arrival, or a week before or a month in advance. No. As he put it, it starts now i.e. on the departure of the current Holy month, the importance of which is clear in the Quran and hadith. [13]
 
To plan correctly for Ramadhan in 2014 one needs  a honest and thorough analysis of how we have performed in the Holy month in 2013.  Can we expect HIS blessings for our deeds in the past Holy month or did we goofed and thus lost a golden oppurtunity. This brings us to the next step in our analysis: What does Allah Ta’aala Subhanahoo and HIS beloved Messenger expect us to do specially for this very special month? Does the Holy Quran guide us here? What are the preachings and practices of our Holy Prophetfor this sacred month. What sort of activities — religious and temporal — will be well rewarded for us and our children. In the prelude, I have mentioned that many of our prevalent widespread practices about religious matters do not have a basis in the Quran.  Ramdhan is a case in point. The surah Al Qadr and the ahadith related to it and the activities recommended for it [11] , [12]  should be our main guidance for the deeds in Ramdhan. However the main activity, apart from abstaining from food  performed with great fervour and enthusiasm is congregational taraweeh prayers which is not only not mentloned in the Quran but is not even the practice of our Prophet.
 
Generally speaking, the whole month of Ramadan is a period of spiritual training wherein believers devote much of their time to fasting, praying, reciting the Quran, remembering God, and giving charity. Let us talk of some specifics.
 
The basis of Ramdhan is abstaining from food and drinks and intimate sexual  relationship during the fasting hours. Paradoxically though, this is just nothing  by itself. “Whoever does not give up forged speech and evil actions, Allah is not in need of his leaving his food and drink (i.e. Allah will not accept his fasting.)” declares The Holy Prophet, Sallallahu ‘Alaihi Wa Sallam. (Bukhari Vol. 3 : No. 127) i.e. Once we finish the Sehar, we have only obtained a permission to enter the tracks and get down to your knees and hands to start the race. The azaan is the shot to start the race for the day. How much of credit have you earned by now i.e. by deciding to abstain from eatlng and sex at dawn: ZERO. Will you build on this just by going hungry rest of the day: NO.  As you go along the track and continue the race you will be judged and marked. Your interaction with your spouse, children and elders in the family, with peers and colleagues in the school, offices and work places, with your neighbours and bystanders is being monitored for attitudes, manners, tone, compassion, honesty etc. You will get your marks for the day at the call of Allah-o-Akbar at  Maghrib.
 
Your duty towards your Creator five times a day assume a tremendous significance during this month. I hope he is wrong when a scholar states that 80 to 90% of American Muslims do not pray. However even those who do pray seem to focus on the physical ritual and the need for congregation and PERIOD. The underlying life of our prayer is SPIRITUALITY which completely  alludes our attention. Agreed, it is not possible in the hustle bustle of our daily life and we can be almost sure that the Compassionate and Merciful will, Insha Allah forgive us for that. However it does not absolve us of our duty to  attempt it whenever possible. Ramdhan is the occasion when we can and should try to fine tune our prayers; could I venture some suggestions:
The first and foremost is to realise that our noble Prophet has labelled the prayer as the “Mi’raaj of Momin”. Just as our beloved Prophet was awarded the unique oppurtunity of attending the Divine Court of Allah Ta’aala Subhanahoo, the Momin is facing his Creatorwhen on the prayer rug. If he cannot imagine facing the Lord and Cherisher (whlch he  NEVER can or will ) he should atleast conceptualise that Allah Ta’aala is watching him and ensure that he is connecting and communicating with HIM. In the jargon of the digital age, prayer provides the chance to the believer of  sending “instant messages” directly to the Heavans.
Once you say the Takbir e Tehrima — the first takbir — many of the halal activities become haraam for you e.g. you canno talk or walk, cannot answer salaam, no unnecessary movements, focus your attention at the point of sijda etc.
Stand still with hands folded in a particular fashion and go through the drill in exactly the fashion elborated by our beloved Prophet ( the suggestion that one can hold theQuran in the hand during Taraweeh prayers violates  these two  basic requirements of prayer). Importantly, the change of postures and the duration of each position has to be reasonably calm and composed. Once our Holy Prophet made a person to repeat his prayer in his mosque because he had rushed through it.
Any attempt at learning or teaching while we are paying our respects to  God Almightyin our prayers is obviously undesirable if not forbidden; real contemplation demands exclusive attention.( Yes, the Sahabaa also needed to teach their children to pray; the hadith literature therefore has guidlines how to go about it.)
To encourage the habit of prayers among Mulims it is oftern emphasised by teachers and imams that it only takes 20 to 30 minutes for all the five mandatory prayers. Very true and very good to start with. But this is the bare minimum. Just think, how many times and where in our life are we satisfied with the “bare minimum; we always aspire for the first class if not for distinction. Add the fact that the five prescribed daily prayers is the hallmark of Muslims. We should try and spare extra time for this blissful attendance in the presence of Allah. An interesting observation: At  Juma “prayers” thekhutba is forty minutes long and the post prayer socialisation takes about fifteen minutes but the “prayer” itself lasts three to four minutes.
Khushoo and Khuzoo — contemplation and introspection — is the essential of Salah. I supplicate daily to Bari Ta’aala to bless me with this evasive quality; allow me to recommend the same to you; let us hope HE endows us with this superb quality.
 
Tilawat e Quran i.e. Reading the Quran is the second best form of ibadah after salah.
The lexicon describes “‘read” as:
“1. To examine and grasp the meaning of (written or printed characters, words, or sentences).
  2.To have the ability to examine and grasp the meaning of (written or printed material in a given language or notation)
The Arabic word Tilawat has similar meaning. Hence the very common practice of incantation or resonant audible utterences of the our Holy Book rapidly and without understanding cannot be called tilawat and should be aggressively discouraged if not condemned. I would request you to think: does this practice not actually amount to inadvertantly being disrecpectful to our Creator: HE is addressing us “Oh, All those who believe…….” and what is our response; we just pass by without waiting and trying to understand what is being told to us!! Understanding and studying the Quran is
strognly recommended in Ramdhan. After the initilal readings, it is much  more absorbing, interesting and rewarding to study the Quran subjectwise. As our Book is not chronologically arranged, reading it A to Z is full of barakha but but not fully substantive and meaningful.
 
On many occasions Quran explains about Quran itself — and this by the way is the most important and obviously the most authentic  criterla in Tafseer work. Note what our Holy Book has to say about recitation of Quran [14]   “……and recite the Qur’an in slow, measured rhythmic tones.” I have listed translatiions of nine eminent and  famous Mufessarins to clarify and emphasise that there is no difference of opinion in understading the meaning of this part of the ayah. [15] Contrast this dictate of our Holy Book with the very common and popular practice of running through the Quran, specially during the Taraweeh prayers. The faster and the shorter the taraweeh, the more popular it is. As I mentioned earlier, this has become the most popular and enthusiastic activity during Ramdhan. Some aspects need close attention:
First, the insistance on jama’ah in masjid is not supported by Shari’ah. The practice of the Prophet and his directive is to pray Taraweeh at home. The practice of congregational taraveeh in the mosque was advised by Hazrat Umer when he saw Muslims in the Masjid Nabawee praying taraveeh individually and in groups at the same time. He himself used to offer it at home. I presume the most common reason for insistance on the jama’ah in the  masjid is the difficulty to pray on your own twenty raha’ahs at home; perhaps I am biased by my own experience. [16]  A jama’ah at home with the family members can obviate this problem. Socialisation and ostentation, the two human attributes are probably the other reasons for the popularity of this practlice. In many circles it has become a nidus for partying and feasting. There is basically nothing wrong with these trends apart from the fact that the spirituality of the occasion is buried under.
Second, this flare and fervour about “completing the whole the Quran” during taraweehis very debatable. This is a good example of a popular practice amongst the Muslims without any basls in Shari’ah and conflicting with clear dictates of our Holy Book. There is ofcourse no mention of “completing the Quran” in the Quran. There is also not a single hadith recommending this practice. The Sahabaah are reported to recite large portions of the Book in taraveeh but this took  their  prayers right into Seher; sometimes they almost missed the seher itself.
Third, the Unit of Barakha (if you insist on one) for tilawaat is the time you spend on it. The prevalent teaching that one gets TEN nekis (piety) for each letter (not word) one has pronounced is very misleading if not just ridlculous.
 
Let us all think and ponder over our performance in the last  Ramdhan along these lines and prepare a blue print fo the next one.
 
……..and Allah knows best.
May Allah Ta’aala bless us with true understanding–“fahm”–of our Deen, Aameen.

FOOTNOTES

[1]surah 97/2
[2] Surah 97/1
[3] Sayyidna Abu Dhar Ghifari  narrates that the Messenger of Allah said: “Holy Prophet Ibrahim’s Scriptures were revealed on 3rd of Ramadan; Torah was revealed on 6th of Ramadan; Injeel was revealed on 13th of Ramadan; Zabur was revealed on 18th of Ramadan; and the Holy Qur’an was revealed on 24th of Ramadan.” (Mazhari).
[4]Surah 87/4-5
[5]Mufti Mohammed Shafi: Another meaning of the word Qadr is ‘predestination’. From this point of view, the night is so called because the destiny of individuals and nations that was decided in pre-eternity is assigned to the relevant angels who are appointed for cosmic planning. Every man’s age, death, sustenance, rain and other things are measured out to the angels to be implemented for a complete year from one month of Ramadan to another. If an individual is destined to perform Hajj in the forthcoming year, it will be prescribed. According to Ibn  Abbas, there are four angels in charge of cosmic planning: [I] Israfil; [2] Mikail; [3] Izra’il; and [4] Jibra’il .
[6] Surah 97/5
[7]The scholar Maudoodi states: “Whether it is a Makki or a Madani revelation is disputed. Abu Hayyan in Al-Bahr al-Muhti has made the claim that the majority of scholars regard it as a Madani Surah. Ali bin Ahmad al-Wahidi in his commentary says that this is the first Surah to be sent down in Madinah. Contrary to this, Al Mawardi says that according to the majority of scholars it is a Makki revelation, and the same view has Imam Suyuti expressed in Al-Itqan. Ibn Mardayah has cited Ibn Abbas, lbn Az Zubair and Hadrat Aishah as saying that this Surah was revealed at Makkah. A study of the contents also shows that it should have been revealed at Makkah as we shall explain below.”
Two scholars have diametrlcally opposite views, both quoting “majority of scholars”. I find it very perinant as it indicates big lacunea in our knowledge of that period and should make us more resilient and modest in our views about hadith rather than be dogmatic.
[8] Surah 44/1-6
[9] It is explicitly stated in the Qur’an that the Night occurs in the blessed
or auspicious month of Ramadan, but its exact date has not been disclosed. As a result, it is disputed and debated among scholars. There are about forty opinions recorded. Mazhari states that the most authentic opinion is that the Night of Qadr occurs in the last ten nights of Ramadan, but no specific date has been fixed. It could be any of the last ten odd nights which may alternate from year to year. According to authentic Traditions, it could be one of the following nights: 21,23, 25, 27 and 29. Thus all the apparently conflicting Traditions relating to the odd nights are reconciled. All the Traditions pertaining to the date of the Night are authentic, and there is no need for any convoluted interpretation. Most eminent jurists – like Aba Qilabah, Imam Malik, Imam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal, Sufyan Thawri, Ishaq Ibn Rahwaih, Abu Thawr, Muzani, Ibn Khuzaymah and others – agree that the Night occurs in the last ten odd nights, alternating. Imam Shafi’i has two opinions. In one he sides with the majority, and in another he holds that the night is fixed and does not alternate. (Ibn Kathir).
Sayyidah ‘A’ishah’s narration is recorded in Sahih of Bukhari, accordingto which the Messenger of Allah is reported to have said: “Look for the Night of Qadr in the last ten nights of Ramadan.” Ibn ‘Umar narrates, as recorded in Sahih Muslim, that the Messenger of Allah said:”Search for it in the last ten odd nights of Ramadan.” (Mazhari).
[10] Signs of Lailatul-Qadr:
The sun rises early in the morning without rays.
Rain may fall either during the night or during the day of that night.
During night the sky will be lightly foggy.
The sky will be slightly lighted without reflections and without rays.
The angels and Gabriel all descend down onto earth for many purposes.
  • Scholar Maudoodi  states that the Holy Prophet (upon whom be peace) has described great excellencies and virtues of the good acts and devotions of this Night. According to a tradition related in Bukhari and Muslim, on the authority of Hadrat Abu Hurairah, the Holy Prophet said: The one who remained standing in worship in the state of belief and for the sake of rewards from Allah during Lailat-ul-qadr, would have all his previous sins forgiven.” And in Musnad Ahmad, there is a tradition from Hadrat `Ubadah bin as-Samit, saying that the Holy Prophet said: Lailat-ut-qadr is among the last ten nights of Ramadan. The one who stood up in worship in order to take advantage of their rewards, Allah wilt forgive all his former and later sins.” And “a thousand months” also does not imply 83 years and 4 months exactly, as “a thousand” denoted “ a very long period of time” among the Arabs.
  • Whoever establishes the prayers on the night of Qadr out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah’s rewards (not to show off) then all his past sins will be forgiven.
   (Hadith, Bukahri Vol 1, Book 2/34)
  • Mufti Mohammed Shafi has ponted out to a shortcut . It is recorded in Sahih of Muslim that Sayyidna Uthman  narrates that the Messenger of Allah said: “If a person performs his ‘Isha’ salaih in congregation, he will attain the blessings of spending half the night in devotion; and if he performs Fajr salah in congregation, he will attain the blessings of spending the entire night in devotion.” I would not bank on it, though!
  • What one does while seeking out Laylatul Qadr will vary from person to person.         However, praying the Isha prayer, the night prayer, and the Fajr prayer, the prayer at dawn, in congregation is first and foremost for all of us. Furthermore, from sunset till sunrise one may spend the time individually (or collectively, if unable to do it alone) observing the following activities: a. Nawafil prayers after Taraweeh are strognly recommended b. Recitation of the Our’an or listen to the Quran being recited; preferably reading Tafseer of Qur’an so that we communicate and connect with Allah s.w.t. through His revelations (Al-Quran) which can open our minds and awaken our hearts c. Remembrance of Allah; zikr, tasbeeh and salawat ie Darood Sharif and Salaam. d. Supplication or Du’a and Istafghfar for you and for others, seeking Allah’s forgiveness with full consciousness and awareness that you are communicating with Allah Ta’aala e. Pondering and contemplating into the universe, the creation of the Heavens and the   Earth:  “…and they contemplate the (wonders of) creation in the heaven and the earth….”(3:191) f. Reading books of Hadeeth so as to enjoy the sayings of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). g. Giving charity to others if you can afford it. h. Trying to explain Islam, if you know something about it, to those next to you so they will benefit from you.
j. Salat-Ul-Tasbih is very satisfying exercise
k. A good oppurtunity to  seek divine blessings for peace and progress of the country   and the Muslim Ummah as well.
  • There is a special Dua of Lailatul Qadr. The Prophet (Peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) taught this dua to Hazrat Ayesha for Lailatul Qadr. It is recommended as the best Dua for the last 10 nights. It is claimed that this Dua literally wipes out sins rather than just mere forgiveness of sins
With a minor difference:
“O Allah, You are the Most Forgiving and Most Gracious! You love to forgive, so forgive my errors and sins,
  • Everyone of us would like to live a life free of sins an free of mistakes. Everyone would like to meet Allah on the Day of Judgment without sins. Every one of us would like to feel that he/she is reborn today. All of us wish to rejuvenate ourselves, and to start a new year with a fresh outlook and a fresh life. Every one of us wants to live a pure life and everyone wants to purify himself/herself without anguish or torment. The Night of Power is one of the best ways in which a person is to achieve all these ideals.
[12]“10 points Worship Plan” for this night.
1 – Remain in I’tikaf: The best way of catching the blessed night of Power is to remain in I’tikaf which both men and women can do. If it is not possible for one to remain in I’tikaf for the whole of the 10 days and nights then one should try to remain in I’tikaf as many days and nights as is possible. It is also possible to make intention of Nawafil I’tikaf each and every time one enters the Masjid in order to gain rewards for the time spent in the Masjid.
2 – Worship all the 10 nights: Try to worship the whole of the 10 nights or at least as one can manage as that is the best way to catch the unimaginable and incomprehensible rewards of Laylatul Qadr. Each and every good deed from Maghrib until Fajr on Laylatul Qadr is rewarded a minimum of over 83 years of worship rewards. Subhanallah that is longer than most of us will live!
3 – Best Dua of the last 10 nights: Recite as much of the Dua for Lailatul Qadr (the Night of Power) as is possible throughout these 10 nights. For this Dua literally wipes out sins rather than just mere forgiveness of sins
Allahumma innaka ‘affuwwun tuhibbul ‘afwa fa’fu ‘anni’ ‘
O Allah You are The One Who forgives greatly, and loves to forgive, so forgive me. [at Tirmidhi]
4 – Give in charity: Give some charity during these 10 nights as any good act like charity during Laylatul Qadr is rewarded like one has done it for over 83 years!
5 – EAT LIGHT: as one is going to stay up until Fajr and the more one eats the harder it will be to stay up and the less productive one will be!
6 – Hydrate well: Keep some water with you at all times. This well help you stay up, feel energised and refreshed and have a clearer mind
7 – Complete all tasks before hand: So that we are free to worship the 10 nights without being disturbed by having to complete worldy tasks. This is in order to spend minimum time on things other than worship.
8 – Show exemplary character: The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Nothing is weightier on the Scale of Deeds than one’s Good manners.” (Al-Bukhari)
So surely we should aim to be the best in character during these blessed nights and then continue to do so the rest of the year. So we must not argue, swear, backbite, slander or gossip. These things are prohibited anyway but how can we display such characteristics during these blessed few nights?
9 – No time wasting: We must make firm intention that during these blessed 10 nights that we will take part in NO idle talk and NOT watch TV, or play Games, or spend time on Social Media. There is 355 days in the year for all that. This is just 10 nights! Utter loss and regret for those of us who waste these blessed 10 nights!!!
10- Making life changes : Ramadan is not just for one month but it is for the whole year. So we should make the necessary changes that we need to make in order to better ourselves as Muslims and what better time to make such changes than during these blessed 10 nights where we can change our lives for the better forever. So we must internalise these changes and make firm commitment to Allah and it maybe that he will wipe our sins clean like we were a new born baby.
[13] “Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur’an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (signs) for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong). Surah 2/ 185
It as narrated by Abu Hurayra that Prophet said, “Anyone who stays awake for the Night Of Power with belief and for the pleasure of Allah, all his previous sins will be forgiven.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
[14] Surah 47/4
وَرَتِّلِ الْقُرْآَنَ تَرْتِيلً
Sahih International:
and recite the Qur’an with measured recitation.
Muhsin Khan
 and recite the Quran (aloud) in a slow, (pleasant tone and) style.
Pickthall
and chant the Qur’an in measure,
Yusuf Ali
 and recite the Qur’an in slow, measured rhythmic tones.
Shakir
 and recite the Quran as it ought to be recited.
Dr. Ghali
 and recite the Qur’an (in a distinct) recitation.
Maudoodi
and recite the Qur’an slowly and distinctly
Mohammed Asad
and [during that time] recite the Qur’an calmly and distinctly, with thy mind attuned to its meaning
Muft Mohammed Shafi
and recite the Quran clearly with tartil (in a distinct and measured tone)
[16] I have been offering, by the grace of God congretional taraveeh  prayers regularly since I was a boy. But I distinctly remember my perpetual anguish and discomfort at this exercise for two reasons: I could not understand the meaning; the speed was so fast that even the Arabic words were not clear most of the time. I felt very uncomfortable. Why did I continue? I was sure I will not be able to do it myself in my home. As a busy physicin, Alhamdo Lillah my routine involved 12 to 14 hours of work six days a week, giving me 30 to 40 minutes for washings, ablution and Iftar-dinner. It was only the rush to get to the masjid that stopped me from the temptation to stretch on the bed with potentially dangerous outcome. There was no way I could have prayed twenty rakah myself at home. Now that I am here in US and retired, circumstances have changed. I offer Isha and taraveeh with some of the family members in Jama’ah; I recite “in a slow, (pleasant tone and) style”, Alhamdo Lillah selected ayahs so that all can follow the text and meaning. It takes me the same time as it used to take me in the masjid in Karachi. I feel happy and content and hope that Allah Ta’aala Subhanahoo will bless our inadequete attempt at obeying HIS commonds.