Lailatul Qadar

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1. Verily! We have sent it (this Qur’an) down on the night of Al-Qadr (Power)
2. And what will make you know what the night of Al-Qadr (Power) is?
3. The night of Al-Qadr (Power) is better than a thousand months.
4. Therein descend the angels and the Ruh (Gabriel) by Allah’s Permission; on every errand.
5. Peace! Until the appearance of dawn.

Summary

This Sura describes Lailatul Qadar, the “Night of Power” in Ramadhan on which Muslims believe the Qur’an was first revealed. The “Spirit” mentioned in verse 4 is commonly interpreted as referring to the angel Jibreel (Gabriel). The “peace” referred to is “security in which Shaytan (Iblis) cannot do any evil or any harm”, while Ibn Kathir quotes Ash-Sha’bi as saying that it refers to the angels greeting the people in the mosques throughout the night.

Lailatul Qadar occurs during an odd-numbered night within the last ten days of Ramadan, but its exact date is uncertain; due to the promises made in the Sura and in various hadith. Muslims consider it a particularly good time for prayer, supplication, and repentance to God.