Surah Al-Qadr (97) — Ayah 1
Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim — Hafiz Abdus Salam Bin Muhammad Bhutvi
Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim is a 4-volume Quran commentary by Hafiz Abdus Salam bin Muhammad Bhutvi, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar and Sheikh ul-Hadith from Pakistan. Based on over 45 years of teaching and research, this tafsir follows the methodology of Tafsir bil-Ma'thur — interpreting the Quran through authentic Hadith, statements of the Companions, and the understanding of the early generations (Salaf). It is distinguished by its complete avoidance of Israeliyyat (Judeo-Christian narratives) and unverified reports. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
➋ The meaning of {’’ الْقَدْرِ ‘‘} is decree, that is, the night of decree. This meaning is supported by this verse: « فِيْهَا يُفْرَقُ كُلُّ اَمْرٍ حَكِيْمٍ » [ الدخان : ۴ ] "In that night every firm matter is decided." That is, whatever is to happen throughout the year is copied from the Preserved Tablet and handed over to those angels who carry it out. The second meaning of {’’ الْقَدْرِ ‘‘} is greatness, that is, the night of greatness. After this, things indicating its greatness are mentioned, such as it being better than a thousand months, the descent of the angels and Jibreel (peace be upon him) in it, and it being entirely a night of peace. This meaning is also included in the concept of Laylat al-Qadr.
➌ The meaning of the Qur’an being sent down in Laylat al-Qadr, as explained by Abdullah ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both), is that the entire Qur’an was sent down at once to the lowest heaven on Laylat al-Qadr, then from there it was revealed in portions over several years to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him). The researcher of Tafsir Ibn Kathir, Hikmat bin Basheer, in his research on the interpretation of Surah Bani Isra’il, verse (106): « وَ قُرْاٰنًا فَرَقْنٰهُ لِتَقْرَاَهٗ عَلَى النَّاسِ عَلٰى مُكْثٍ», has stated regarding this saying of Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) that it has been narrated by Tabari, Nasa’i (Sunan al-Kubra, Tafsir Surah al-Furqan), Hakim (al-Mustadrak: 2/368), and Bayhaqi (Dala’il al-Nubuwwah: 7/131), and all have narrated it with the chain of {’’دَاوٗدُ بْنُ أَبِيْ هِنْدٍ عَنْ عِكْرَمَةَ عَنِ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ‘‘}. Hakim declared it Sahih and Dhahabi agreed with him, and Hafiz Ibn Hajar also agreed with them in Fath al-Bari (9/4).
The second meaning is that the beginning of the revelation of the Noble Qur’an to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) was in Laylat al-Qadr. This meaning was given by Sha’bi (may Allah have mercy on him). (Tabari) And the meaning of the Qur’an descending to the earth in Laylat al-Qadr cannot be anything other than this.
➍ The explicit mention of this night being in Ramadan is in the Qur’an itself, where it is said: « شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِيْۤ اُنْزِلَ فِيْهِ الْقُرْاٰنُ» [ البقرۃ : ۱۸۵ ] "The month of Ramadan is that in which the Qur’an was sent down." And in Sahih ahadith, it is stated that it is one of the odd nights of the last ten nights of Ramadan (21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, 29th). The wisdom in not specifying it is so that Muslims may worship more in these nights. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) used to observe night vigil, i’tikaf, and wake up his family throughout the entire last ten nights. [ دیکھیے بخاري، فضل لیلۃ القدر ، باب العمل في العشرالأواخر من رمضان : ۲۰۲۴ ]
Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan — Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf
Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan is a well-known Quran commentary by Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. This tafsir explains the meanings of the Quran in accordance with the methodology of the Salaf (early righteous generations), relying on authentic sources and straightforward language. Due to its reliability and adherence to sound Islamic scholarship, the Saudi government publishes and distributes this tafsir among the Hujjaj (pilgrims) visiting the Haramain. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran — Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani
Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran (Facilitation of the Quran) is a comprehensive Quran commentary by Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. Known for his eloquent and accessible writing style, Kilani authored this tafsir with a focus on clarity — making Quranic meanings understandable to the common reader. The tafsir provides detailed historical context for verses related to battles and expeditions, and firmly refutes modernist ideologies using strong scriptural evidence. It is widely regarded as an invaluable resource for understanding the Quran and countering deviant interpretations. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
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Laylat al-Qadr and Shab-e-Qadr or Laylah Mubarakah Are Names for the Same Night:
In this surah, regarding the Quran, Allah Almighty has said that We revealed it in Laylat al-Qadr. And in Surah al-Dukhan, verse number 3, He said that We revealed this Quran in a blessed night (Laylah Mubarakah), from which it is understood that Laylat al-Qadr and Laylah Mubarakah are two attributes or two names for the same night. These are not separate nights, and the translation of Laylat al-Qadr in Persian is 'Shab-e-Qadr' or 'Shab-e-Barat.' Thus, Shab-e-Qadr or Shab-e-Barat is not a night separate from Laylat al-Qadr. As is thought here that the 15th of Sha'ban is Shab-e-Barat and is celebrated with fireworks, and the source of this belief is a few extremely weak narrations. Then, from the Quran itself, it is known that that night is in Ramadan. As stated in Surah al-Baqarah: ﴿شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِيْٓ اُنْزِلَ فِيْهِ الْقُرْاٰنُ﴾ and from authentic hadiths, it is known that that night comes in the last ten nights of Ramadan, and according to some narrations, it is the twenty-seventh night of Ramadan. In this regard, consider the following two hadiths:
Which Night Is Laylat al-Qadr?
1. Ubadah bin Samit says that the Prophet ﷺ came out from his chamber. He wanted to inform the people about Laylat al-Qadr. Meanwhile, two Muslims quarreled. The Prophet ﷺ said: "I came out to tell you about Laylat al-Qadr, but so-and-so quarreled, so that knowledge was taken away (from my heart). And perhaps that is better for you. Now seek it in the seventh, ninth, and fifth nights (of the last ten nights)." [بخاری۔ کتاب الایمان۔ باب خوف المومن ان یحبط عملہ]
2. Zar bin Hubaysh says that I said to Ubayy bin Ka'b: "Your brother Abdullah bin Mas'ud ؓ says that whoever stands in prayer throughout the year will find that night." Ubayy bin Ka'b said: "May Allah forgive Abu Abdur Rahman (the kunyah of Abdullah bin Mas'ud ؓ), he knows well that Laylat al-Qadr is in the last ten nights of Ramadan, and it is the twenty-seventh night. But he wants people not to rely solely on that." Then Ubayy swore an oath without exception that it is the twenty-seventh night. I asked: "Abu al-Mundhir! (the kunyah of Ubayy bin Ka'b) How do you say this?" He said: "Based on the sign that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ told us, and that sign is that on its morning, when the sun rises, it has no rays." [ترمذي۔ ابواب التفسير]
Here, the question arises that the Quran was revealed gradually over a period of twenty-three years. But here, the entire Quran is mentioned as being revealed in one night. The commentators answer this in two ways: one is that on that night, the entire Quran was sent down from the Preserved Tablet (al-Lawh al-Mahfuz) to the lowest heaven. From there, as needed, it was revealed gradually over twenty-three years. The second is that the entire Quran was handed over to the angels who carry revelation on that night, and then, according to Allah Almighty's command, it was revealed gradually.
