Chapter 2: LAYLATUL QADR

There is one amongst the nights of Ramadhaan, ‘Laylatul Qadr. this night is of great blessings. The Qur-aan-e-Kareem describes it as being greater in blessedness and rewards than a thousand months. It is greater than eighty-three years and four months (in blessings). Fortunate is that person who gets the full blessings of this night by spending it in the ibaadah of Allah Ta’ala, because he has then earned reward for ibaadah of eighty-three years and four months and even more. Indeed, the granting of this night to the Muslims is a great favour.

It is reported in Durre Mansoor by Hadhrat Anas رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ that Rasulullah ﷺ is reported to have said, “Laylatul Qadr was given to my Ummah and not to any other Ummah before this.” Many reasons for the granting of Laylatul Qadr have been mentioned. One reason given according to some Ahaadith is that, Rasulullah ﷺ used to look at the longer lives of the earlier people and was saddened over the shorter lives of his Ummah. If His Ummah had wished to compete with the people before them in the doing of good deeds, because of their shorter lives, it would be impossible for them to either copy or do more good deeds than them. To cover up for this difference in their shorter lives, Allah Ta’ala, in His countless mercy, gave them this night of great blessings. If any fortunate person of this ummah spends ten such nights during his lifetime in the worship of Allah Ta’ala, he will earn the reward of eight hundred and thirty years and even more. Rasulullah ﷺ once related to the Sahaabah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ the story of a very pious man from the Bani Israa’eel, who spent 1000 months in jihaad. On hearing this, the Sahaabah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ envied that person because they could not get the same reward, whereupon Allah Ta’ala granted them Laylatul Qadr (the Night of Power). Our Nabi ﷺ once mentioned the names of the four most pious people from amongst the Bani Israa’eel who each spent eighty years in Allah Ta’ala’s sincere ibaadah, worshipping Him, and not sinning at all. They were Nabi Ayyub عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ , Zakariyya عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ , Hizqeel عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ and Yushaa عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ . The Sahaabah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ heard this with astonishment. Then Jibra-eel عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ appeared and recited Surah Qadr, where the blessings of this night were revealed. Besides these Ahaadith, there are others also explaining how the Night of Power came about. The differences in narration arise because after several incidents occurred, some wahi was revealed. Those aayaat could be relevant to anyone of the incidents that took place. But no matter which of them we accept, the important fact remains is that Allah Ta’ala has granted the ummah of Muhammad ﷺ this night. This is a great favour and gift of Allah Ta’ala. To make lots of ibaadah on this night is also a blessing from Allah Ta’ala. Fortunate are those pious saints who did not miss the ibaadah of even one Laylatul Qadr from the time they became baaligh (age of maturity).

Poetic Translation: Some unfortunate people do not benefit from a Shaik-e-Kaamil Just as Alexander returned deprived from the Aab-e-Hayaat despite the guidance of Khizar عَكيه السّلامُ

There are many different narrations of the Ulama regarding the specification of this night. About fifty different views of the Ulama are mentioned regarding which night is Laylatul Qadr. The numerous benefits of this night are mentioned in many books of Ahaadith. The Qur-aan Majeed itself mentions the night in Surah Qadr, of which we shall begin with a short commentary.

Translation: In the name of Allah, the beneficent, the Merciful.

Translation: We have indeed revealed this (message) on Lalatul Qadr (the night of significants). (Surah Qadr - Aayah 1) Note: On this special night, the Qur-aan was sent down from the lowhul mahfuz (The preserved tablet in a special place above the heavens) to the heavens above the earth. A great divine book like the Qur-aan-e-Kareem being revealed on this night is sufficient to explain its great significance, not to mention all its other blessings and virtues. In the very next aayaat, a question is asked:

Translation: And what will explain to you what the Night of significants is? (Surah Qadr - Aayah 2) The question asked here is: Have you any knowledge as to the greatness and the great importance of this night? Have you any knowledge as to the great favours and gifts that this night contains? The next verse explains to us some of that greatness:

Translation: The Night of Power is better than a thousand months. (Surah Qadr - Aayah 3) The true meaning here is that the reward for spending this night in ibaadah is better than having spent one thousand months in ibaadah. It is in fact much more, but as to how much more rewarding it is, we are not told here.

Translation: The Malaaikah come down therein and the Spirit (Jibra-eel) by Allah Ta’ala’s permission on every task. (Surah Qadr - Aayah 4) A good explanation is given on this aayat by Imaam Raazi رَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْهِ . He explains that when man first appeared on earth, created by Allah Ta’ala as His deputy, the Malaaikah looked at him with doubt. When Allah Ta’ala informed them of His intention of placing man on earth, they even went further to ask, “Will you place someone on this earth who shall commit evil and cause bloodshed?” Similarly, when his parents saw the drop of sperm (mani) which was his original form, they looked upon it as something dirty, so much so, that they considered it as something which made your clothing unclean and had to be washed of. But later, when Allah Ta’ala made that same dirty sperm into a fine human being, they began to love and cherish him. When this same man grew up, then on this Night of significance and virtue we see him through Allah Ta’alas taufeeq worshipping Him and displaying their obedience and submission to Him. Those very same Malaaikah who had looked down on him before with doubt now, come down towards him and are regretful for the thoughts that they had against him. In this aayat mention is made “and the spirit”. This refers clearly to Jibra-eel عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ . Mufassireen (commentators of the Qur-aan Shareef) have given many meanings of this word. Let us look at some of the meanings: (a) Majority of the mufassireen are agreed that it refers to Jibra-eel عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ and according to Imaam Raazi (rahmatullahi alaih), this is the most correct meaning. Allah Ta’ala first speaks of the Malaaikah and then special mention is made of Jibra-eel عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ because of his status. (b) Some mufassireen hold the view that “Spirit” here means one Malaaikah of such an extremely huge size, that before him, the heavens and earth appear just as a morsel (of food i.e. as almost nothing). (c) Another group of mufassireen are of the opinion that “Spirit” here means a group of Malaaikah who never appear and only on this night are seen by the other Malaaikah.

Translation: (d) Some mufasireen believe that the “Spirit” here refers to one such creation of Allah Ta’ala which partakes of food and drink, but is neither man nor angel. (e) There is also a view that “Spirit” here refers to Isa عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ who, on this night, comes down with the Malaaikah to view the good deeds of this ummah. (f) The last view we wish to mention here is that “Spirit” means, Allah Ta’ala’s special mercy which comes when the Malaaikah come down. Besides these there are many other views, but the first opinion is the most acceptable one. Imaam Bayhaqi (rahmatullahi alaih) reports a Hadith by Hadhrat Anas رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ wherein Rasulullah ﷺ is reported to have said, “On Laylatul Qadr, Jibra-eel عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ comes down with a group of Malaaikah and makes dua of mercy for every one whom they find busy in ibaadah.” This same verse which is being discussed above says,

Translation: “By Allah Ta’ala’s permission on every task....” The Author of ‘Mazaahirrul Haq’ writes that on this night, many ages ago, the Malaaikah were created. On this night, the substance from which Adam عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ was created, had been gathered and his creation had begun. Trees were planted in Jannah and a large number of Ahaadith state clearly that on this night dua’s are accepted. Similarly, we read in the kitaab, ‘Durre Manthoor’ that according to a Hadith, it was on this night that Isa عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ was lifted up bodily into the heavens and also it was on this night that the taubah (repentance) of the Bani Israa’eel was accepted.

Translation: Peace prevails until the break of dawn (Surah Qadr Aayah 5) Yes, this is the very picture of peace. Throughout the night the Malaaikah recite salaam on the believers. As one group comes down, another goes up as is explained in the Ahaadith. Another meaning is that it is a night of complete safety from evil and mischief.

Translation: These blessings remain throughout the night until the break of dawn and are not limited to any particular hour.

Having noted the different virtues of this night as explained in the words of Allah Ta’ala it does not require any further endorsement, nevertheless we shall mention some Ahaadith on the virtues of this night.

Translation: Hadhrat Abu Hurayrah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ reports that Rasulullah ﷺ said, “Whoever stands in Salaah and ibaadah on the night of qadar with firm Imaan and with sincere hope of gaining reward, his previous sins are forgiven.”

Note: In the above Hadith ‘standing’ refers to salaah as well as any other form of ibaadah, for example zikr, tilaawat, etc. The expression ‘with sincere hope of gaining reward’, means that one should be sincerely occupied with ibaadah only for the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala and to receive rewards from Him. This should not be done to show others or to deceive them. Khattaabi رَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْهِ says that it means that one should have complete trust in the promise that any deed done will be rewarded and therefore one must stand before Allah Ta’ala with sincerity and devotion. Neither should a person think of ibaadah as a burden, nor should he doubt the reward which he will get for it. After all, when one aims at a high goal and desires to get a great reward for it, and he is certain that he will get it, then the effort of striving hard to attain that goal becomes easy. Therefore, standing for long hours in ibaadah becomes easy. This is the reason why those who reach a high spiritual rank in Allah Ta’ala’s sight, find it easy to remain in ibaadah most of the time. The Hadith speaks about ‘previous sins being forgiven.’ The Ulama have said that the forgiveness which is mentioned in the Hadith above and other Ahaadith only refer to minor sins. Major sins can only be forgiven, according to the Qur-aan, after sincere taubah, with the promise never to return to such sins again. This is the reason why all the Ulama are of the same opinion that major sins are not forgiven except by sincere taubah. Therefore, when forgiveness of sins is mentioned in the Ahaadith, the Ulama specify it to be minor sins. My late father (May Allah Ta’ala bless him and grant him light in his qabr) used to say that, the word minor has been omitted here for two reasons. Firstly, he says, “If a true Muslim does commit a major sin, he will never rest or find peace until he has sincerely made taubah to Allah Ta’ala, begging for forgiveness and promising not to do so in future.” Secondly, my late father used to say, when we are given such great and blessed days and nights, then a true Muslim stands before Allah Ta’ala in Salaah, hoping to gain reward, he naturally feels ashamed and greatly grieved by his previous sins. This grief over sins and the determination not to return to such acts are the most important requirements of taubah. This means that on such days and nights one naturally makes taubah for major sins, (thereby leaving only minor sins to be forgiven). It is best, however, that on an occasion like Laylatul Qadr, one who has committed major sins should first of all make taubah with sincerity and ask for forgiveness so that Allah Ta’ala, in His infinite mercy, may forgive all the major and minor sins. And when you do so, also remember me in your duas. (The publishers also request your duas).

Translation: Hadhrat Anas رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ reports, “Once when Ramadhaan had commenced, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, ‘A month has verily dawned over you wherein lies a night better than a thousand months. Whoever is deprived of its blessings has been indeed deprived of all good. None is deprived of its good except he who is completely unfortunate.’”

Note: Who can doubt how unlucky a person is if he is deprived of the great good of Laylatul Qadr? (Who can doubt how unlucky a person will be if he misses all the favours bestowed upon him? Despite this, there are many of us who are still deprived). There are those who, because of their jobs, have to stay awake at night throughout the year. What difficulty is there for these people to stay awake at night in this month, only for the sake of gaining reward of over eighty years of ibaadah, in the service of Allah Ta’ala? To stay awake at night in this month should not be too difficult for them, but because of lack of interest, there is no desire in the heart. If there was a desire, then not only one night, but a thousand nights in the ibaadah of Allah Ta’ala would become extremely easy.

Poetic Translation: “When one is really attached, he welcomes any treatment from his beloved be it kindness, be it harshness. If the heart is satisfied, everything is enjoyable”

It is that desire that we must create. After all, there must have been some reason why Rasulullah ﷺ had performed such lengthy rakaats in Salaah that caused his feet to swell. He did this in spite of knowing of the promises and glad tidings which Allah Ta’ala had given him. We also claim to be the followers of Rasulullah ﷺ . Those who really valued these special moments for ibaadah, themselves took advantage of these moments and, as such, set an example for the Ummah to follow. They left no room for the critics to question that, “Who could fulfill the desire of Rasulullah ﷺ and who else can do it?” It is only a matter of convincing the heart, that if you have the desire to do something, then the most difficult task becomes easy. This could only be achieved by staying in the company of a recognized Shaikh for spiritual guidance.

“If you wish to attain the love of Allah Ta’ala then humble yourself before the saintly ones. This treasure will not be found anywhere else, not even in the volts of the kings.”

Let us look at the example of the following illustrious sons of Islam. One of them was Hadhrat ‘Umar رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ who, after performing his Isha Salaah, used to return home and then remain in Salaah throughout the night until the azaan for Fajr was heard. Then there is the example of Hadhrat Usmaan رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ who used to fast the entire day almost throughout the year, and have a little sleep during the first third of the night and thereafter spend the rest of the night in Salaah. It is well known about him that he used to recite the whole Qur-aan during one rakaat. In ‘Ihya Ulumud Deen’ by Imaam Ghazaali رَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْهِ , Abu Taalib Makki رَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْهِ says that about forty men from among the Taabi’een used to perform Fajr Salaah with the same wudhu with which they had performed Isha Salaah with. This has been reported by many authentic narrators. Hadhrat Shaddaad رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ was one of the Sahaabah who used to stay awake throughout the night, turning from side to side, until Fajr. Then he used to say, “O Allah, the fear for the fire of Jahannam has driven away sleep from my eyes.” Apart from sleeping a little between Maghrib and Esha, Aswad bin Yazeed رَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْهِ used to remain in Ibaadah throughout the night during Ramadhaan. Now let us look at a man like Saeed ibnul Musayyib رَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْهِ of whom it is said that he used to perform Esha and Fajr with the same wudhu for fifty years. Then there is the example of Sila bin Ashyam رَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْهِ , who after spending a whole night in the ibaadah Allah Ta’ala, used to say at the break of day, “O Allah, I am not fit to beg of You Jannah but all I ask is that You save me from Jahannam.” Ramadhaan Qataadah رَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْهِ was a man who used to finish the recitation of the Qur-aan every three nights of Ramadhaan but during the last ten nights he used to complete the whole Qur-aan every night. It is well known about Imaam Abu Haneefah رَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْهِ that, for forty years, he performed Isha and the following morning’s Fajr Salaah with the same wudhu. To doubt these incidents is to deny true historical facts. When his companions asked him as to where he had got the strength for that, he replied, “It is in answer to a special dua which I made to Allah Ta’ala in the name of the blessedness of His special names.” He only slept a little in the afternoons about which he said, “In the Hadith we are advised to do that.” In other words, he slept in the afternoon so that he could practice on the sunnah. Imaam Abu Haneefah رَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْهِ used to cry so much whilst reciting the Qur-aan that his neighbours used to feel pity for him. Once he wept the whole night while repeating the following aayah again and again:

Translation: “Nay the hour (of Judgement) is the time promised for them (for their recompense) and that hour will be most grievous and bitter.” (Surah Qamar - Aayah 46) In Ramadhaan, Ibrahim Ibn Adham (rahmatullahi alaih) neither slept by night nor by day. Imaam Shaafi (rahmatullahi alaih) used to recite the Qur-aan about sixty times in his Salaah, in the days and nights of Ramadhaan. Apart from these few pious people, there are countless others who used to act on the command of the following aayat:

Translation: “I have only created jinn and human so that they may worship me.” (Surah Zaariyaat - Aayah 56) Nothing is difficult for those who have a will to practice. These are examples of the people of the past. But even today there are also many pious servants who serve Allah Ta’ala with the same devotion. Even though their exertion does not equal those pious people of the past, their efforts are reminiscent of these great souls. In these times of evil and immorality they strictly follow the example of Rasulullah ﷺ . Leisure, comfort and our daily responsibilities should not become obstacles and prevent us from devoting ourselves to Deen. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “Allah Ta’ala says, ‘O son of Aadam, spend your time in my service and I will bless you with contentment of the heart and I will remove your poverty. Otherwise I shall fill you with responsibilities and your poverty and needs will still remain.’” We see the reality and truth of this daily. (There are people who only serve Allah Ta’ala. They need nothing, in spite of having no apparent means of earning a livelihood. On the other hand, we see people striving hard to earn the worldly things and necessities. They become so engrossed in this task that no time is left for ibaadah. In spite of spending all their time seeking material needs, they still remain full of worldly desires, necessities and obligations -Translator).

Translation: Hadhrat Anas رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ reports that Rasulullah ﷺ said, “On the Night of Power, Jibra-eel عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ comes down to the earth with a group of Malaaikah, making dua for blessings for every servant of Allah Ta’ala they see standing in ibaadah or sitting and engaged in the praises (zikr) ofAllah Ta’ala. Then on the day of Eid, Allah Ta’ala boasts about them to the Malaaikah (this is because the Malaaikah had objected when Allah Ta’ala created man), ‘O Malaaikah, what is the reward of that employee who had fully completed his work?’ They reply, ‘O, our Sustainer, his reward should be given to him in full.’ To this Allah Ta’ala replies, ‘O, My Malaaikah, verily My servants, the males among them as well as the females, have fulfilled the compulsory duty placed upon them, thereafter they went to the Eidgaah raising their voices in My praises. I swear by My honour, by My Grace and by My High position of greatness, that I shall surely answer the duas of those people. Thereafter Allah Ta’ala says (addressing the people) ‘Return, I have definitely forgiven your sins and have exchanged them with good deeds.’ Rasulullah ﷺ said, ‘Those people then return (from the Eidgaah) in a forgiven state.’”

Note: In this Hadith it is clearly mentioned that Jibra-eel عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ comes down with the Malaaikah, as mentioned in the Qur-aan which has been explained earlier and this is also explained clearly in many Ahaadith. The last Hadith of this book explains in detail that Hadhrat Jibra-eel عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ commands all the Malaaikah to go to the homes of every person engaged in zikr and ibaadat and make musaafahah (shake hands) with them. The author of ‘Ghaaliyatul Mawaaiz’ quotes from the ‘Ghunyah’ of Shaikh Abdul Qaadir Jilaani رَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْهِ that in a Hadith reported by Ibn Abbas رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ it is mentioned that Hadhrat Jibra-eel عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ , after his coming down, commands the Malaaikah to go to the houses of those busy in ibaadah and make musaafaha (shake their hand). Thereupon the Malaaikah visit every house, whether big or small, whether in the jungle or on a ship, wherein a believer engaged in ibaadah resides, and shakes his hand. However, they do not enter certain houses; the house in which there is a dog or a pig, the house in which there is a person in the state of janaabah, which has resulted from adultery or fornication and a house wherein pictures of men and animals are displayed. How unfortunate it is that many Muslim houses do not have Malaaikah entering simply because there are pictures of men and animals being displayed, only for the sake of adding a bit of decoration. Only one picture may have been hung by one careless member of the household and all the occupants are completely deprived of blessings.

Translation: Hadhrat Aa’ishah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهَا reports that Rasulullah ﷺ said, “Seek Laylatul Qadr among the odd numbered nights of the last ten days of the month of Ramadhaan.”

Note: We now come to the question; When is Laylatul Qadr? The above Hadith commands us to look for it in the last ten nights of Ramadhaan.

According to the majority of Ulama, the last ten nights starts on the 21st night. Whether the month of Ramadhaan consists of twenty-nine or thirty days, one should seek Laylatul Qadr on the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or the 29th night. If the month is twenty-nine days, then too these will be regarded as the last ten (Akheer Asharah). A great learned Aalim, Ibn Hazm رَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْهِ , has a different opinion, saying that the word Asharah as used in the Hadith means ten. As such, the above calculation will only be correct when the month of Ramadhaan consists of thirty days. However, when there are only twenty-nine days in the month (as often happens), the last ten days in the month will commence with the 20th night. According to this calculation it will mean that the unevenly numbered nights will be the 20th, 22nd, 24th, 26th and 28th night. With due respect to a greatly learned Aalim like ibn Hazm رَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْهِ , However the majority of Ulama do not agree with this view, the reason being that Itikaaf is sunnah during the last ten days of Ramadhaan. All the Ulama are of the same opinion that Rasulullah ﷺ used to commence Itikaaf on the 21st night of Ramadhaan in search of Laylatul Qadr.

Though there is the great possibility of Laylatul Qadr being on the odd nights from the 21st onwards, there is also the likelihood that it could fall during the last ten nights. The best advice one can give here is that one should spend each night from the 20th onwards in ibaadah, so that one may be sure of having acquired the blessings of Laylatul Qadr. Ten or eleven nights is definitely not so difficult if one looks at the great reward that is granted.

Poetic Translation: “O Urfi! If it is wailing that will bring me to the beloved, then in the hope of reaching I will cry for a hundred years”

Translation: Hadhrat Ubaadah bin Saamit رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ said, “Once Rasulullah ﷺ came out to inform us about the true date of Laylatul Qadr, unfortunately at that time an argument took place between two men, whereupon he said, ‘I came out in order to inform you as to when Laylatul Qadr was, but because two people were arguing, (the fixing of the correct date) was taken away. May be that is better for you. So, look for it among the ninth, seventh and fifth nights.”

Note: Three important points are referred to in this Hadith. Firstly, there is mention of an argument which resulted in the knowledge of Laylatul Qadr being withheld from us. Arguments are always the cause of loss of barakah and blessings. Once Rasulullah ﷺ asked the Sahaabah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ , “Shall I inform you of some action that is better than Salaah, fasting and charity?” The Sahaabah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ replied, “Certainly.” Rasulullah ﷺ then said, “Maintaining peaceful and good relations amongst yourselves is most virtuous, for verily arguments amongst yourselves causes one to destroy his Deen.” Just as the razor removes hair from the head, similarly, arguments amongst yourselves destroys one’s Deen (good deeds). This is indeed an illness amongst us. Even those among us who appear to be extremely pious and busy with zikr, are victims of these arguments and fighting. We should carefully study the saying of Rasulullah ﷺ and then check our conduct where pride prevents us from restoring our relationship with others. In the first chapter of this book (where the rewards and etiquette of fasting is discussed) we read that Rasulullah ﷺ said, “To insult or disgrace a Muslim is considered as being involved in the worst type of interest (usury). We neither care for a Muslim’s honour and respect when we say some bad words during an argument, nor do we take the sayings of Allah Ta’ala and His Rasul ﷺ into consideration. Allah Ta’ala says in the Qur-aan Shareef,

Translation: “Argue not among yourselves, otherwise your courage will go and your strength will depart, and be patient and persevering, for Allah Ta’ala is with those who patiently persevere.” (Surah Anfaal - Aayah 46) It the duty of those who want to injure and destroy the honour and dignity of others to ponder how much harm they have done to themselves. Through these despicable deeds, they should realise that they themselves have become despicable in the sight Allah Ta’ala and in the sight of the people. The person who cuts relationship with his brothers for more than three days and dies in this state, will go straight to Jahannam. Rasulullah ﷺ said that on every Monday and Thursday the actions of all the people are brought before Allah Ta’ala. Except for the idolaters, forgiveness is then granted to all through His Mercy (as a result of some of their pious deeds). However, regarding any two people between whom an argument had taken place and friendship is cut off, it shall be said, “Leave their affair aside until such time that they restore their relationship with each other.” Another Hadith states that on every Monday and Thursday, when Ramadhaan our aamal (actions) are presented before Allah Ta’ala, He accepts the taubah of those who make taubah, and forgives those who seek forgiveness. But those who had arguments are not forgiven. Another Hadith says that on Shabe Bara’at (the 15th night of Shabaan) Allah Ta’ala showers His mercy on His creation and forgiveness is freely granted to all, except for two types of persons. Firstly, a kaafir (disbeliever) and secondly, for the one who harbors hatred against others. In another Hadith it is stated: There are three kinds of people whose Salaah does not rise one hand span above their heads for acceptance, and one among these three are those who argue among themselves.

Translation: In the above paragraphs I have gone off the topic which is under discussion. It was not my intention to mention all these Ahaadith on arguments. I only did it to bring to our notice this great evil which we regard as insignificant, so much so that even those whom we consider to be pious are guilty of it.

Translation: From Allah Ta’ala do I ask, as He is the only One we seek assistance from. We should be aware that this fighting, use of harsh words and cutting ourselves off from others, will only be regarded as a sin and evil in Islam when it is done out of enmity and hatred over worldly matters. It is permissible to break off relations with somebody because of his sins or because of some religious matters where he is in the wrong and guilty. Once, when Hadhrat Ibn Umar رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمَا quoted a saying of Rasulullah ﷺ , his son said something which outwardly appears as if he objected to it. The result was that Ibn Umar رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمَا never again spoke to that son for as long as he lived. There are numerous similar instances reported of the Sahaabah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ . Many a time we too cut off relations with people and claim that it is for the sake of the Deen. Allah Ta’ala is All-knowing, All-seeing and He alone knows the realty. He knows which relationships are cut off because of Deen and which are cut off because of the hurt caused to our honour, pride and dignity. The second point to which the Hadith draws our attention to is that man should be satisfied and accept Allah Ta’ala’s decision in all matters. For example, even though it seems that the loss of the knowledge as to when Laylatul Qadr actually falls is a great loss of goodness, it has to be accepted because it is from Allah Ta’ala. For this reason, Rasulullah ﷺ says, “It is better for us that way.” One should ponder over this as Allah Ta’ala is at all times merciful to His servants. Even when someone is overtaken by a great calamity because of his own sins, he only needs to appeal to His Creator by admitting his own weakness and that same calamity becomes a cause of great good for him. Nothing is impossible for Allah Ta’ala.

Translation: Our Ulama have mentioned several advantages in not knowing the actual date for Laylatul Qadr. Firstly, had we known the actual date for this blessed night, there would have been so many of us who would not have worshipped Allah Ta’ala at all during the year or on other nights. We would wait for the prescribed night only, in which to perform Ibaadah. Because of not knowing the actual date, one has to stay awake and be in ibaadah for quite a number of nights in the hope that each night is perhaps Laylatul Qadr. (This means more nights spent in Allah Ta’ala’s ibaadah for which one will be rewarded). Secondly, there are those amongst us who just do not seem to be able to avoid sin. How extremely dangerous and unfortunate for them would it be that in spite of knowing that a certain night is Laylatul Qadr, they still spend it in sin and evil? Once Rasulullah ﷺ entered the masjid and saw one of the Sahaabah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ sleeping on one side. He said to Hadhrat Ali رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ ; “Wake him up so that he can make wudhu.” Ali رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ did this and then addressed Rasulullah ﷺ thus, “O

Messenger of Allah Ta’ala, why did you not wake him up yourself as You are always first to hurry towards any good deed?” To this Rasulullah ﷺ replied, “I fear on his behalf that this man may refuse, and refusal to my command is kufr. If he refused your command, it would not be kufr (disbelief).” Similarly, Allah Ta’ala, in His mercy, does not like that a person, in spite of knowing that it is the night of Qadr, should still spend it in sin and evil. Thirdly, there are some who find it possible to spend one, two or three nights in ibaadah, while we do not know exactly which night is the night of Qadr. Now say for arguments sake, if we knew which night is Laylatul Qadr and in spite of that, for one reason or another, within or outside our control, we allowed that night to go by without spending it in ibaadah, then almost certainly on no other night for the rest of Ramadhaan we would have spent in ibaadah. But since we do not know the exact night of Qadr, every person gets the opportunity to wake up for either one or two nights. Fourthly, every night spent in ibaadah in search of Laylatul Qadr is a night for which a separate reward is granted. Fifthly, we have read that Allah Ta’ala boasts to His Malaaikah about those believers who exert themselves in ibaadah during Ramadhaan. Therefore, when they spend more nights in ibaadah, Allah Ta’ala has more opportunities of boasting about those believers. In spite of not knowing when Laylatul Qadr is and only having a vague idea about its fixed time, they still exert themselves to the utmost in Allah Ta’ala’s ibaadah night after night. They exert themselves to such an extent in spite of not knowing the actual night, how much more would they had exerted themselves if it was known to them? Besides the above points, there are also other benefits due to which Allah Ta’ala often keeps certain things secret to Himself. For example, if we call upon Allah Ta’ala using the “Ismul Aazam” (the great name of Allah Ta’ala), He will certainly answer. Similarly, there is a special moment on the day of Jumuah when Duas are answered. The exact time of this also is not known to us. There are many other occasions which are included in this category. It is possible that because of the argument that took place, the fixing of Laylatul Qadr during that Ramadhaan was caused to be forgotten. However, because of the other benefits, the knowledge of the fixed date was not revealed. The third point to which attention is drawn to in the above Hadith is that one should search for Laylatul Qadr on the 9th, 7th and 5th nights. By reading this together with other Ahaadith quoted earlier, we come to know that this refers to the last ten nights of Ramadhaan. So which nights are these? If we start from the 20th, counting upwards, then these three nights are the 25th, 27th and 29th. But if we start counting from the 29th downwards, where Ramadhaan has 29 days, these nights will be the 21st, 23rd, and 25th, and in the case where the month has 30 days then it will be the 22nd, 24th and 26th. From all the above one can see how much uncertainty there is about the correct date. Among the learned Ulama there are approximately fifty different opinions. Because of this reason, some Ulama have said that Laylatul Qadr does not occur on one and the same night every year. If in one year it occurred on one night then the following year it will occur on another night. At various times Rasulullah ﷺ commanded the Sahaabah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ to search among a certain number of nights, whereas at other times he used to fix a particular night. Hadhrat Abu Hurayrah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ reports that, once whilst talking with the Sahaabah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ , Rasulullah ﷺ spoke about Laylatul Qadr and then asked, “What is the date today?” They replied, “The 22nd of Ramadhaan.” Rasulullah ﷺ said, “Search for Laylatul Qadr in the night following this day.” Abu Zar رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ reports that he inquired of Rasulullah ﷺ whether Laylatul Qadr was only granted for the time of the duration of Rasulullah’s ﷺ life, or whether it will continue to come after him. Rasulullah ﷺ replied, “It continues until Qiyaamah.” I then inquired “In which section of Ramadhaan does it come?” Rasulullah ﷺ replied, “Search for it in the first ten and in the last ten days.”

Thereafter Rasulullah ﷺ became busy with other work, I waited, and, finding another chance, inquired, “Please indicate in which section of those ten does Laylatul Qadr come?” Upon this Rasulullah ﷺ became so angry with me as he had never been before or after, and he said, “If it had been Allah Ta’ala’s object to make it known, would He not have informed us? Search for it among the last seven nights, and ask no more.” In another Hadith again Rasulullah ﷺ is reported to have told one Sahaabi that Laylatul Qadr was on the 23rd night. Ibn Abbaas رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمَا related, “Once, while sleeping, somebody said to me in my dream, ‘Rise up. This is Laylatul Qadr.’ I woke up and went quickly to Rasulullah ﷺ and found him in salaah. That was the 23rd night.” According to other reports again, the 24th is Laylatul Qadr. Hadhrat Abdullah ibn Mas’ood رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ said, “Whoever remains awake every night of the year in ibaadah can find Laylatul Qadr.” (In other words, the blessed night moves throughout the year and does not necessarily have to come in Ramadhaan only). Ibn Mas’ood رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ reports this view from Nabi ﷺ . When this was mentioned to Hadhrat Ubay bin Kaab رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ he said; “Abdullah ibn Mas’ood رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ meant people will stay awake only on this night and become contented.” Thereafter he swore by Allah Ta’ala that Laylatul Qadr comes on 27th night. This is also the view held by numerous Sahaabah رَضَىَ اللّٰهُ عَنْ هُمْ as well as the Taabieen. Among the Imaams, the well-known opinion of Imaam Abu Hanifa رَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْهِ is that Laylatul Qadr moves throughout the year, while another view of his is that it moves about throughout the month of Ramadhaan. However, His famous students, Imaam Muhammad رَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْهِ and Imaam Abu Yusuf رَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْهِ , were of the opinion that this night is unknown and fixed on one special night during the holy month. The Shaafiee’s believe that it occurs probably on the 21st and Imaam Ahmad رَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْهِ and Imaam Maalik رَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْهِ hold the view that it is not fixed and occurs among the odd nights of the last ten nights of Ramadhaan, changing every year. But as for the vast majority of Ulama, their hope lies in that Laylatul Qadr is on 27th night every year. Ibn-e-Arabi رَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْهِ says, “In my opinion the view of those who believe that Laylatul Qadr comes on various nights throughout the year, is most correct, because twice have I seen it in Sha’baan, once on the 15th and once on the 19th, and twice have I seen it in the middle ten nights of Ramadhaan, the 13th and the 18th. I have also seen it on every odd night of the last ten. For this reason, I am sure that it could occur on any night of the year but occurs mostly in Ramadhaan.” Shah Waliyullah رَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْهِ of Delhi believed that Laylatul Qadr comes twice every year:

a) One Laylatul Qadr is that one on which Allah Ta’ala’s commands are revealed (to the Malaaikah). This is also the night on which the Qur-aan Shareef was sent down from the Lowhul Mahfooz to the heavens. This night does not come in Ramadhaan only but moves and can come on any night of the year. However, the night on which the Qur-aan Shareef was revealed fell in Ramadhaan and mostly falls during Ramadhaan.

b) The second Laylatul Qadr is the one of great spiritual value, when the Malaaikah come down in large numbers while the shayaateen are held back and a time when duas and ibaadah are accepted. This comes only in Ramadhaan during the odd nights of the last ten days. (This view of Shaah Waliyullah رَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْهِ used to be the most acceptable to my late father). Anyway, whether there are only one or two Laylatul Qadr, the fact still remains that one has to search for it according to his courage and ability. If not throughout the year, then in Ramadhaan. If that also proves difficult, then during the last ten days. When that also seems a bit too much, then only in the odd numbered nights of the last ten days. If by chance one has wasted all the above mentioned opportunities too, then by no means should the 27th night be allowed to go by. If by Allah Ta’ala’s blessings and your good fortune that is Laylatul Qadr, then in comparison, all the wealth and pleasures of the world would be meaningless. Thus, even though that may not be the much searched for night, then at least the reward for ibaadah is received. The Maghrib and Isha salaah should be performed with Jamaat throughout the year because if it is Laylatul Qadr, then the reward for both is so much more. It is a great blessing of Allah Ta’ala that when one makes effort for Deen and is not successful in his efforts, he is at least still rewarded for the effort made. In spite of this, there are those who go all out to render their services for Deen. On the other hand, regarding worldly affairs, if a person doesn’t achieve his desired result, then his efforts are also written off as a waste. In spite of this, many people still spend their time, effort and wealth in worldly things that are fruitless and without purpose and also do not hold any reward or peace of mind.

Poetic Translation: “Look at the disparity of our paths from where to where.”

Translation: Hadhrat Ubaadah bin Saamit رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ reports that he asked Rasulullah ﷺ about Laylatul Qadr. He replied, “It is in Ramadhaan during the last ten days, on the unevenly numbered nights, either the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th and 29th or the last night of the month of Ramadhaan, Whosoever stands in ibaadah on this night with sincere Imaan and with genuine hopes of gaining reward, his previous sins will be forgiven. Among the signs of this night is that it is a peaceful, quiet, shining night, neither too hot, nor too cold and the moon remains clear without any rays (due to the presence of abundant spiritual light). No stars are flung at the shayaateen on that night until the break of dawn. Another sign is that the sun rises without any radiant beams of light, appearing rather like the moon in its fullness. On that day Allah Ta’ala prohibits the shayaateen from rising up with the sun.” (contrary to other days when the shayaateen appear at the time of the rising of the sun) Note: Some of the things mentioned in this Hadith has already been explained earlier. However, this Hadith mentions some signs about the actual night. These signs are clear and need no further explanation. Apart from these signs, there are also other signs as found in the Hadith and also in the personal accounts of those who had the good fortune to experience Laylatul Qadr. However, the sign that is most common in the Hadith and generally witnessed, is the rising of the sun without any radiant beams of light. The other signs besides this are not necessarily always found. Hadhrat Ab’da bin Abi Lubaabah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ says, “On the evening of the 27th, I tasted the water of the sea and it was sweet.” Hadhrat Ayoob bin Khaalid رَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْهِ said, “When I once had to perform ghusl (bath) with sea water, then on tasting it, I found it to be sweet. This was on the 23rd night.” Some of the Mashaaikh write that on the evening of Laylatul Qadr everything makes sajdah on the ground and then return to their positions. However, these are things that are only shown to some people and are not seen by an ordinary person.

Translation: Hadhrat Aa’ishah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهَا reports that she asked Rasulullah ﷺ , “If I find myself in Laylatul Qadr, what shall I say?”

Rasulullah ﷺ replied,

Translation: “O Allah! Indeed, You are the One who forgives, You love to forgive, so please forgive me.”

Note: This is indeed an all-inclusive dua, wherein a person begs Allah Ta’ala that through His infinite grace He should forgive our sins. What else would one require?

Poetic Translation: “I am not asking that you accept my obedience (since I don’t have anything to present) All I ask is a stroke of pardon from your pen of forgiveness”

Imaan Sufyaan Sauri رَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْهِ used to say that to keep yourself busy on this night with dua is better than any other form of ibaadah. Ibn Rajab رَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْهِ says that one should not only remain busy with dua but should also take part in all other forms of ibaadah as well, such as the recitation of the Qur-aan Shareef, Salaah, dua, Zikr, etc. This latter opinion is considered correct and close to what Rasulullah ﷺ has said, as already been mentioned in previous Ahaadith.