One of the most profound events in Islamic history occurred on Laylatul Qadr—the revelation of the Holy Qur’an. This momentous occasion not only marked the final divine message to humanity but also elevated the status of this night for all time.
Allah says in the Qur’an:
“Indeed, We sent it (the Qur’an) down on a blessed night. Indeed, We are ever warning. Therein is decreed every matter of ordainment.”
(Surah Ad-Dukhan 44:3-4)
According to Islamic scholars, other holy scriptures were also revealed during Ramadan:
- The Suhuf (Scrolls) of Ibrahim (AS): Revealed on the 1st night of Ramadan.
- The Torah: Revealed to Musa (AS) on the 6th night of Ramadan.
- The Zaboor (Psalms): Given to Dawood (AS) on the 12th night of Ramadan.
- The Injil (Gospel): Revealed to Isa (AS) on the 18th night of Ramadan.
- The Qur’an: Revealed on Laylatul Qadr, one of the last ten nights of Ramadan.
This makes Laylatul Qadr the most significant of all nights, as it marks the beginning of the final divine revelation, meant to guide humanity until the Day of Judgment.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“The scriptures of Ibrahim were revealed on the first night of Ramadan. The Torah was revealed on the sixth night of Ramadan. The Injil was revealed on the thirteenth night of Ramadan. And the Qur’an was revealed on the twenty-fourth night of Ramadan.”
(Musnad Ahmad, 15739)
Laylatul Qadr is, therefore, not just a night of prayer but a celebration of divine guidance. It is a night when Allah’s decree for the coming year is recorded, and His angels descend to the Earth to carry out divine orders.
The Connection Between Laylatul Qadr and Divine Revelation
The revelation of the Qur’an on Laylatul Qadr signifies the culmination of Allah’s guidance to humanity. Each scripture revealed during Ramadan served as a source of light and direction for its time, but the Qur’an stands as the final and universal message for all of mankind.
The Qur’an’s revelation on this night underscores its timeless relevance and the profound mercy of Allah. It is a reminder that divine guidance is a gift, and Laylatul Qadr is an opportunity to reconnect with this guidance through worship, reflection, and supplication.
The Spiritual Significance of Laylatul Qadr
Laylatul Qadr is a night of immense spiritual significance for several reasons:
- A Night of Divine Decree: On this night, Allah decrees the destiny of individuals, nations, and the world for the coming year. It is a time when divine decisions are made, and believers are encouraged to seek Allah’s favor and blessings.
- A Night of Mercy and Forgiveness: The angels descend with Allah’s mercy, offering forgiveness and blessings to those who sincerely seek Him.
- A Night of Worship and Reflection: The Qur’an’s revelation on this night invites believers to reflect on its teachings and strive to live by its guidance.
Conclusion: A Night of Divine Connection
Laylatul Qadr is a night that bridges the divine and the human, a time when Allah’s mercy and guidance are most accessible. By understanding its connection to the revelation of the Qur’an and other holy scriptures, we can appreciate its profound significance and strive to make the most of this blessed night through worship, reflection, and supplication.
May Allah grant us the ability to recognize and fully benefit from Laylatul Qadr, and may He accept our efforts to draw closer to Him. Ameen.