❀ The Reason for the Concealment of Laylat al-Qadr ❀
Authored by: Imran Ayyub Lahori
✦ The Incident Behind Its Concealment
It is narrated from ʿUbādah ibn al-Ṣāmit رضي الله عنه that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ came out to inform the companions about Laylat al-Qadr. However, two Muslims began arguing with each other. Upon this, the Prophet ﷺ said:
"خرجت لأ خبركم بليلة القدر فتلاحي فلان و فلان فرفعت"
"I came out to inform you about Laylat al-Qadr, but so-and-so and so-and-so argued, and thus its knowledge was taken away. And perhaps that is better for you."
[Bukhari: 2023, Book of the Virtue of Laylat al-Qadr, Chapter: The Knowledge of Laylat al-Qadr Was Lifted Due to People's Quarrelling]
This narration makes it evident that the concealment of Laylat al-Qadr was due to discord and disputes among the Muslims, and the Prophet ﷺ expressed hope that this would be better for the Ummah—encouraging believers to strive more sincerely in search of it.
✦ Signs of Laylat al-Qadr
Numerous authentic narrations highlight the signs that accompany this blessed night:
➊ Sun Without Rays in the Morning
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
"شب قدر کی صبح کو سورج کے بلند ہونے تک اس کی شعاع نہیں ہوتی۔ وہ ایسے ہوتا ہے جیسے تھالی۔"
[Muslim: 762, Book of Prayers for Travellers, Chapter: Encouragement to Pray in Ramadan (Tarawih)]
This means the sun appears pale and without strong rays, resembling a flat plate in its brightness.
➋ Moon’s Appearance Like a Bowl
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"تم میں سے کون اسے (یعنی شب قدر کو) یاد رکھتا ہے، (اس میں) جب چاند نکلتا ہے تو ایسے ہوتا ہے جیسے بڑے تھال کا کنارہ۔"
[Muslim: 1170, Book of Fasting, Chapter: The Virtue of Laylat al-Qadr]
This indicates a distinct and recognizable appearance of the moon on that night.
➌ Mild and Peaceful Weather
Ibn ʿAbbās رضي الله عنهما narrates that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
"شب قدر آسان اور معتدل رات ہے جس میں نہ گرمی ہوتی ہے اور نہ سردی۔ اس صبح کا سورج اس طرح طلوع ہوتا ہے کہ اس کی سرخی مدھم ہوتی ہے۔"
[Hasan: Musnad al-Bazzār: 6/486, Ibn Khuzaymah: 3/231, Shaykh Salīm Hilālī graded it Hasan in Ṣifat Ṣawm al-Nabī p. 90]
This Hadith describes a night of serenity, free from extreme heat or cold, and a muted sunrise the next morning.
✦ A Specific Supplication for Laylat al-Qadr
From ʿĀ’ishah رضي الله عنها, it is narrated:
I asked the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, “If I come to know which night is Laylat al-Qadr, what should I say in it?” He ﷺ replied:
"اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنَّا"
"O Allah! You are Most Forgiving, and You love to forgive, so forgive me."
[Ṣaḥīḥ: Ibn Mājah: 3105, Tirmidhī: 3513, Book of Supplications, Chapter: The Virtue of Asking for Well-being and Pardon, Ibn Mājah: 3850, Nasā’ī al-Kubrā: 6/218, Aḥmad: 6/171, Mishkāt: 2091]
This concise and profound supplication is the essence of seeking Allah’s mercy and forgiveness on the most virtuous night of the year.
✿ Conclusion
The concealment of Laylat al-Qadr serves as a divine wisdom—to encourage the Ummah to remain steadfast, increase in worship, and abstain from disputes and discord. As believers, it is our duty to seek this blessed night sincerely, adorn our nights with prayer, Qur’an, supplication, and protect our unity to draw nearer to Allah ﷻ.
May Allah grant us the ability to witness Laylat al-Qadr, benefit from its blessings, and be among those whose sins are forgiven. Ameen!
