The Holy Quran is the sacred book of Islam. It is the word of God as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) over a span of 23 years. The Quran is written in classical Arabic and comprises 114 chapters, or Surahs, which vary in length. It covers a wide range of topics, including guidance on morality, spirituality, and social issues.
Allah Almighty says in Surah Hijr, (Chapter 15, verse 9):
إِنَّا نَحْنُ نَزَّلْنَا ٱلذِّكْرَ وَإِنَّا لَهُۥ لَحَـٰفِظُونَ
Translation: Indeed, it is We who sent down the message [i.e., the Quran], and indeed, We will be its guardian.
Some facts about the Quran #
- The Holy Quran has been divided into 30 Juz or parts.
- There are 114 Surahs in the Holy Quran, starting with Surah Al-Fatihah and ending with Surah An-Nas.
- The longest Surah in the Quran is Surah Al-Baqarah (The Cow, 2nd chapter), and the shortest is Surah Al-Kawthar (108th chapter).
- The Quran was revealed over a period of 23 years in both Mecca and Madinah.
- The number of Surahs revealed in Makkah is 86.
- The number of Surahs revealed in Madina is 28.
The Night of Qadr (Laylatul-Qadr) #
The Night of Qadr, also known as the Night of Power, is an important event in the Islamic faith. It holds great significance and is considered one of the holiest nights of the year for Muslims around the world.
What is the Night of Qadr?
The Night of Qadr is the night on which the first verses of the Holy Quran were revealed to Prophet Muhammad (SAW) through the angel Jibreel.
The entire chapter of Surah Al-Qadr, which is the 97th chapter in the Quran, is dedicated to the Night of Qadr. In this chapter, Allah Almighty emphasizes the significance of the Night of Qadr by associating it with the revelation of the Quran. This chapter highlights the immense value and blessings of this auspicious night. It states,
إِنَّآ أَنزَلْنَـٰهُ فِى لَيْلَةِ ٱلْقَدْرِ ١
Indeed, [it is] We [Who] sent this [Quran] down on the Night of Glory.
وَمَآ أَدْرَىٰكَ مَا لَيْلَةُ ٱلْقَدْرِ ٢
And what will make you realize what the Night of Glory is?
لَيْلَةُ ٱلْقَدْرِ خَيْرٌۭ مِّنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍۢ ٣
The Night of Glory is better than a thousand months.
تَنَزَّلُ ٱلْمَلَـٰٓئِكَةُ وَٱلرُّوحُ فِيهَا بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهِم مِّن كُلِّ أَمْرٍۢ ٤
That night the angels and the [holy] spirit* descend, by the permission of their Lord, for every [decreed] matter.
سَلَـٰمٌ هِىَ حَتَّىٰ مَطْلَعِ ٱلْفَجْرِ ٥
It is all peace until the break of dawn.
*The angel Jibreel
Significance of the Night of Qadr
The Night of Qadr is believed to be better than a thousand months. This means that any act of worship performed on this night holds the same value as if it were performed continuously for over 83 years.
Muslims are encouraged to seek out this night, engage in acts of worship, and make supplications. The rewards for observing this night are immeasurable, and it is an opportunity for Muslims to attain closeness to Allah Almighty and seek His forgiveness.
When is the Night of Qadr?
The exact date of the Night of Qadr is not specified, but it generally falls within the last ten nights of the holy month of Ramadan.
According to a majority of Islamic scholars, Laylatul Qadr is often identified as the 27th night of Ramadan, although it can occur on any odd-numbered night of the last ten nights.
Practical Tips for Observing the Night of Qadr
Here are some practical tips for Muslims to make the most of the Night of Qadr:
- Seek out the night: Make an effort to stay awake during the last ten nights of Ramadan and actively engage in acts of worship.
- Recite the Quran: Set aside time to recite and reflect upon the Quran during these nights.
- Engage in voluntary prayers: Perform additional prayers, such as Taraweeh and Tahajjud, to seek closeness to Allah.
- Make sincere supplications: Use this night as an opportunity to make dua and seek forgiveness for oneself as well as for others.
- Give in charity: Donate to those in need and perform acts of kindness, as the rewards for good deeds are multiplied on this auspicious night.
