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Islamic knowledge

Chapter 97/ Al-Qadr

Summary of the chapter & the links: 

1. Audio discussion of the chapter summary: 

https://notebooklm.google.com/notebook/d48be378-0ecc-4dbd-a884-05fc3532b492/audio

2. Mesmerizing recitation of the chapter with English translation:

https://surahquran.com/sorah-english-97.html

3. Free app for complete Quran , translations in multiple world languages: https://apps.apple.com/app/id1118663303

4. Free app for complete Quran, recitation, multiple tafaseer, books of ahadees: https://apps.apple.com/app/id1006098149

Based on Tafheemul Quran by Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi, here is a concise summary of Surah Al-Qadr (Chapter 97):

1. Revelation of the Quran

  • The opening verse (97:1) states: “Behold, We revealed this (Qur’an) on the Night of Power.” The pronoun “it” (hu) implicitly refers to the Quran, as its context is universally understood. This night marks the inception of the Quran’s revelation, though the entire Quran was sent down in two stages:
    • Stage 1: The complete Quran was entrusted to the “bearers of revelation” (angels) in the divine realm on Laylatul Qadr.
    • Stage 2: Angel Gabriel gradually revealed it to Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) over 23 years as circumstances demanded .
  • This night occurred in Ramadan (as confirmed in Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185) and is also called the “Blessed Night” (Surah Ad-Dukhan 44:3) .

2. Meaning of “Al-Qadr”

  • The term Qadr carries dual meanings:
    • Divine Decree (Taqdir): The night when Allah decrees all matters of destiny for the coming year, supported by Surah Ad-Dukhan 44:4 .
    • Honor and Glory: The night’s majesty surpasses a thousand months in value, reflecting its unparalleled status .

3. Superiority of the Night

  • Verse 97:3 declares: “The Night of Power is better than a thousand months.”
    • This signifies that worship on this night—e.g., prayer, Quran recitation—yields greater reward than acts performed over 83 years .
    • Historically, this verse comforted early Muslims who lamented lacking the longevity of earlier righteous communities .

4. Descent of Angels and the Spirit

  • Angels, led by the Spirit (Gabriel), descend by Allah’s permission (verse 97:4) to execute divine decrees for humanity .
  • The term “every affair” (min kulli amr) emphasizes that all blessings, judgments, and provisions for the year are ordained this night .

5. Universal Peace and Duration

  • The night is characterized by peace (Salam) from twilight until dawn (verse 97:5). This peace signifies:
    • Divine mercy and protection from evil.
    • Tranquility for believers engaged in worship .

6. Timing and Theological Wisdom

  • While 40 opinions exist, most scholars hold that Laylatul Qadr occurs on an odd-numbered night in Ramadan’s last ten nights (e.g., 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th), with the 27th being the strongest view based on companions like Ubayy ibn Ka’b .
  • The exact date was intentionally unspecified to motivate believers to worship multiple nights, maximizing spiritual engagement .

Key Themes in Tafheemul Quran:

  • Divine Planning: The Quran’s revelation was preordained before creation, and Laylatul Qadr marked the execution of this eternal plan .
  • Linguistic Nuance: The use of “We” (nahnu) denotes Allah’s majesty, while the pronoun “it” (hu) underscores the Quran’s supreme significance .

Key Points

  • Research suggests Surah 97, Al-Qadr, was revealed in Mecca and consists of 5 verses, focusing on the Night of Power (Lailat-ul-Qadr).
  • It seems likely that the surah emphasizes the Quran’s revelation on this night, which is better than a thousand months, with angels descending and the night being peaceful until dawn.
  • The evidence leans toward the night being in the last ten days of Ramadan, possibly the 27th night, though there is some controversy over the exact date, with traditions suggesting odd nights.
  • There is debate about the meaning of “Qadr,” which could mean decree (taqdir) or glory/honor, reflecting its spiritual significance.

Overview

Surah 97, known as Al-Qadr (The Power or The Decree), is a short Meccan surah with 5 verses. According to Tafheemul Quran by Syed Abul A’ala Maududi, this surah highlights the Night of Power (Lailat-ul-Qadr), a night of profound spiritual importance in Islamic tradition, when the Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Key Messages

  • The surah states that the Quran was revealed on the Night of Decree, emphasizing its role as the beginning of divine guidance.
  • This night is described as better than a thousand months, with good deeds performed on it being highly rewarded and sins forgiven for those who worship.
  • Angels, including Gabriel, descend with divine decrees, underscoring the night’s sanctity.
  • The night is peaceful until dawn, free from evil and mischief, making it ideal for devotion.

Historical Context

Research suggests this surah was revealed during the early Makkan period, a time when the Prophet was seeking solitude and reflection, and the revelation came as a divine response. The Night of Power is traditionally observed in the last ten nights of Ramadan, with many believing it to be the 27th night, though there are varying opinions based on different hadiths.

Supporting Resources

For further reading, explore:

Detailed Analysis of Surah 97 (Al-Qadr) from Tafheemul Quran

This note provides a comprehensive analysis of Surah 97, Al-Qadr, as interpreted in Tafheemul Quran by Syed Abul A’ala Maududi. It aims to cover all aspects of the surah’s theme, context, and messages, expanding on the overview with additional details for a thorough understanding. The content is structured to mimic a professional article, ensuring clarity and depth for readers interested in Islamic studies.

Introduction to Tafheemul Quran and Surah 97

Tafheemul Quran is a renowned tafsir (interpretation) of the Quran by Syed Abul A’ala Maududi, known for its detailed commentary and application to contemporary contexts. Surah 97, Al-Qadr, is the 97th chapter of the Quran, revealed in Mecca, and consists of 5 verses. It is named “Al-Qadr,” meaning “The Power” or “The Decree,” reflecting its central theme of the Night of Power, when the Quran was first revealed.

Historical Context and Revelation

According to Tafheemul Quran, Surah 97 was revealed during the early Makkan period, specifically highlighting the Night of Power (Lailat-ul-Qadr), when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in the Cave of Hira. This event, occurring around 610 AD, marked the beginning of his prophethood and the start of the Quranic revelation.

The historical setting is significant, as it was a time when the Prophet was seeking solitude and reflection, and the revelation came as a divine response to his quest for truth. The Night of Power is traditionally observed in the last ten nights of Ramadan, with many believing it to be the 27th night, though there are varying opinions based on different hadiths, reflecting some controversy over the exact date.

Thematic Analysis

The theme of Surah 97, as per Tafheemul Quran, revolves around the sanctity and spiritual significance of the Night of Power. It emphasizes the night’s superiority over a thousand months, the descent of angels with divine decrees, and the peace that prevails until dawn, making it a night of great blessing for worship and reflection.

Detailed Breakdown of Key Verses

To provide a structured overview, the following table summarizes the key verses and their interpretations from Tafheemul Quran:VerseText (Summary)Interpretation in Tafheemul Quran 97:1 Indeed, We sent it down during the Night of Decree Refers to the Quran’s revelation on Lailat-ul-Qadr, marking the beginning of divine guidance. 97:2 And what can make you know what is the Night of Decree? Rhetorical question emphasizing the night’s unique status and importance, inviting reflection. 97:3 The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months Highlights the night’s immense spiritual value, where good deeds are multiplied, and sins forgiven. 97:4 The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter Describes the descent of angels, including Gabriel, with divine decrees, underscoring divine authority. 97:5 Peace it is until the emergence of dawn Describes the night as peaceful and free from evil until dawn, ideal for worship and reflection.

This table encapsulates the verse-by-verse exegesis, aligning with Tafheemul Quran’s detailed commentary.

Interpretation of Key Terms

Tafheemul Quran provides detailed explanations of Arabic terms:

  • “Qadr” (Decree or Power) can mean both “decree” (taqdir), referring to divine predestination, and “glory” or “honor,” reflecting the night’s spiritual eminence, highlighting the debate over its meaning.
  • “Alf shahr” (a thousand months) symbolizes a very long period, not literally 83 years and 4 months, but a metaphorical expression to emphasize the night’s extraordinary value, with good deeds on this night surpassing those of a thousand months without it.
  • “Ar-Ruh” (the Spirit) refers to Gabriel, mentioned separately for his eminence, emphasizing his role in revelation.
  • “Salam” (peace) indicates the night is free from evil and mischief, making it conducive for worship, with peace prevailing until dawn.

Hadith References and Controversy

Tafheemul Quran cites several hadiths to clarify the exact night of Lailat-ul-Qadr, reflecting the controversy over its timing:

  • Abu Hurairah reported the Prophet (peace be upon him) said it is the 27th night (Abu Daud Tayalisi).
  • Ubayy bin Kaab stated it is the 27th night and took an oath to that effect (Ahmad, Muslim, Abu Da’ud, Tirmidhi, Nasai, Ibn Hibban).
  • Ubadah bin as-Samit mentioned it is one of the odd nights (21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, 29th, or the last night) (Musnad Ahmad).
  • Abdullah bin Abbas said it is in the last ten nights, with nine, seven, or five days remaining (Bukhari).
  • Aishah noted the Prophet (peace be upon him) observed itikaf (seclusion) in the last ten nights, seeking Lailat-ul-Qadr, particularly on odd nights (Bukhari, Muslim, Ahmad, Tirmidhi).

These hadiths reflect varying traditions, encouraging believers to seek the night in the last ten nights of Ramadan, acknowledging the complexity and encouraging spiritual vigilance.

Relevance and Application

For contemporary readers, Surah 97, as interpreted in Tafheemul Quran, underscores the importance of the Night of Power as a time of immense spiritual opportunity. It encourages believers to engage in worship, seek forgiveness, and perform good deeds, knowing that this night holds unparalleled blessings. The surah also reinforces the sanctity of Ramadan and the Quranic revelation, connecting believers to the historical and spiritual roots of Islam, relevant for personal and communal devotion.

Supporting Resources

For further exploration, the following URLs provide additional insights into Tafheemul Quran and related tafsirs:

Conclusion

Surah 97, Al-Qadr, as analyzed in Tafheemul Quran, is a profound chapter highlighting the Night of Power, when the Quran was first revealed. It emphasizes the night’s spiritual superiority, the descent of angels with divine decrees, and the peace that prevails, making it a night of great significance for worship and reflection. This detailed analysis ensures a comprehensive understanding, aligning with the request for a summary from Tafheemul Quran alone, and acknowledges the complexity and debate surrounding its exact timing and meaning.

For further details, refer to Tafheemul Quran, Surah Al-Qadr.