Alhuda Bolton

Tafseer of Juz ‘Amma: Al-Qadr (The Night of Decree)

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Alhuda Bolton · Tafseer: Al-Qadr (The Night of Decree)

With Ustadh Abu Muadh Taqweem

  • What is the Night of Decree?
  • A Night worth a thousand months
  • A night of peace, safety and salvation
  • How do I seek this night?

Verse 1

Verily, We have sent it (this Qur’ân) down in the night of Al-Qadr (Decree).

Quran, chapter 97 Al-Qadr (The Night of Decree) verse 1

Explanation:

  • Why does Allah use the plural form “We” for Himself?
    • This is used to indicate the greatness of Allah
    • Are there other examples in the Quran?
  • The “it” refers to the revelation of the Quran
    • Quran Structure: In Arabic grammar the word “it” is ordinarily used after a matter has been mentioned, however in this chapter, this is the very first verse without any prior explanation
    • What is the grammatical significance of this?
  • Question: What does it mean that Allah revealed the Quran on the night of Decree? Was the Quran not revealed over 23 years? How can the verse state. There are a few explanations:
    • That the beginning of the revelation began that night
  • Question: When was the Night of Decree? Is it in the month of Ramadhan or Sha’ban? Why is this issue important?
  • Why is the night called “The Night of Decree”?, there are a few opinions that it is:
    • A sign if importance
    • That Part of the Decree descends

Verses 2-3

And what will make you know what the night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is? The night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is better than a thousand months (i.e. worshipping Allâh in that night is better than worshipping Him a thousand months, i.e. 83 years and 4 months)

Quran, chapter 97 Al-Qadr (The Night of Decree) verses 2-3

Explanation:

  • Why does Allah ask us “And what will make you know what the Night of Decree is”
  • The great virtue of the Night of Decree, actions done during this night are worth a thousand months

Verse 4

Therein descend the angels and the Rûh [Jibrîl (Gabrîl)] by Allâh’s Permission with all Decrees,

Quran, chapter 97 Al-Qadr (The Night of Decree) verse 4

Explanation:

  • The descent of the Angels is a sign of mercy, goodness and blessing
  • The reverse is also true, a place where Angels refuse to enter, then that indicates such a place is devoid of blessing
  • Question: What about having pictures at home?
  • Why is Angel Jibreel (Gabriel) referred to separately from the other Angels?
  • Grammar: In the arabic text, the word used “min” (translated as “with”), usually means “from”, however it is used here to mean “with”
  • What Decrees doe the Angels descend with? We do not know

Verse 5

  (All that night), there is Peace (and Goodness from Allâh to His believing slaves) until the appearance of dawn.1

Quran, chapter 97 Al-Qadr (The Night of Decree) verse 5

Explanation:

  • There will be peace, safety and goodness from Allah during that night
  • This lasts until the dawn
  • Note: When is the Night of Decree? Is it on the 27st? What about the 21st? Is it the same night every year or does it change? Why is it ambiguous?
  • Question: Can I specify my Umrah to be on the 27th of Ramadhan?
    • The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) conquered Makkah in the last year of his life during the Month of Ramadhan. He was present in Makkah on the 27th night of Ramadan but did not perform Umrah