Shab-e-Qadr/ Laylat al-Qadr is one of the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan. Which is better than a thousand months, and on that night the world received an invaluable gift the Holy Quran. Shab-e-Qadr is a night full of dignity and blessings. Because Allah Almighty has declared this night to be better than a thousand months. So, a thousand months become Eighty-three years and four months. Therefore, by saying “Khair min Alif Shahar”, it shows that Allah Almighty will give as much reward as He wants. Hence, estimating this reward is beyond the reach of human beings.

Why was Shab-e-Qadr granted?

The most important reason for this is the Prophet’s compassion for this ummah and his grief. Imam Malik says: When the Prophet (SAW) was informed about the longevity of the people in the previous ummahs. The Holy Prophet (SAW)  looked at the age of the people of his ummah less than theirs (previous ummahs). So, The Prophet (SAW) thought that how can the people of my ummah act good deeds equal to them at such a young age as the previous ummahs? Therefore The Holy Prophet (SAW) prayed for his ummah in the Holy Court: “O my Lord, the good deeds of the people of my ummah will be reduced due to the shortage. Thus, Allah Almighty blessed him with Shab-e-Qadr.” [Tafsir al-Khazan]

The Holy Prophet (SAW) said:  “None of the previous nations got this honor(of Shab-e-Qadr).” [Al-Dar Al-Manthur]

The revelation of the Qur’an in Shab-e-Qadr:

Muslims blessed with The Holy Quran on the night of Qadr. Allah Almighty revealed the entire Surah in the virtue of that night, which we know as Surah Al-Qadr.

Almighty Allah says!

“Verily, We have sent it down on the Night of Qadr. And what will make you know what the Night of Qadr is? Laylat al-Qadr (in virtue and blessing and reward) is better than a thousand months. In it (the night) the angels and the trustworthy spirit (Gabriel) descend with the permission of their Lord with every command (of good and blessing). That night is complete peace till dawn.”  [Surah Al-Qadr]

Allah Almighty states in Surah Al-Dukhan verse (3): “Verily, We have sent down the Qur’an in a blessed night (Shab-e-Qadr). Verily, we were warners.” [Quran 44:3]

And this night is in the month of Ramadan. Allah Almighty states in Surah Al-Baqarah verse (58):   “The month of Ramadan is the month in which the Qur’an was revealed.” [Quran 2:58]

Signs of Shab Qadr:

Hazrat Ibadah bin Samat narrates some signs of Shab-e-Qadr:

• The night is bright and clear, neither too hot nor too cold, but rather mild.
• Looking up at the heavens creates a state of light in the eyes and a state of serenity in the heart.
• The sun that rises after this night will not have acceleration in rays.
• On this night, the great pleasure of worship is felt and humility is created in worship.
• When the moon rises, it will be a small piece.

How to find Shab-e-Qadr?

The Lord of the worlds has commanded man to seek Shab-e-Qadr, declaring it to be one of His great blessings. Hazrat Ayesha says that the Prophet (SAW) said: “Seek Shab-e-Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadaan (21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, and 29th).” [Saheeh Bukhari]

Forgiveness of sins on Laylat al-Qadr:

Shab-e-Qadr is a source of forgiveness of sins. So try not to miss out on the benefits of this great night. Hazrat Abu Hurayrah narrates that the Holy Prophet (SAW) said: “Whoever stays (in prayer) in the state of faith on the night of Qadr for the purpose of reward (in prayer). His previous sins are forgiven.” [Saheeh Muslim]

Hazrat Anas narrates that the Holy Prophet (SAW) described the virtue of Laylat al-Qadr and said: “On the night of Qadr, Gabriel Amin descends to earth in a swarm of angels. He prays for forgiveness for anyone who remembers Allah while standing, sitting (in any situation).”

Prayers are Accepted on Shab-e-Qadr:

Shab-e-Qadr all is the night that provides sustenance to those who seek sustenance, health to those who seek wellness. And the blessing of children to those who desire children, forgiveness to those who seek forgiveness.

Laylat al-Qadr Dua (prayer):

Shab-e-Qadr is the night of acceptance of prayers. Pray for forgiveness for yourself, for your friends, and for your parents, for all those who have passed away.

It is better to engage in du’aa ‘on this night. And the best of the prayers is the one that Hazrat Ayesha narrates. She asked Hazrat Muhammad (SAW):

“O Messenger of Allah! Tell me if I know Shab Qadr. So what should I pray for?”

Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) taught her this prayer:

“O, Allah! You are the Most Forgiving, the Most Generous. He loves forgiveness. So forgive me.”  [Tirmidhi]

Conclusion:

Shab-e-Qadr or Laylat al-Qadr is a precious gift for Muslims. Its reward is greater than a thousand months. Therefore, all believers should seek the blessed night of Shab-e-Qadr. Engage in supererogatory prayers, recitation of the Qur’an, remembrance, and glorification as much as possible on odd nights. Pray to Allah for courage and strength to do good deeds. Ask forgiveness for your sins and pray for your loved ones, friends, and relatives. May Allah grants us that night, and may we worship in it well. Ameen.