Bayian: Introduction to English Translation and Tafsir of Surah Al-Qadr (the Night of Decree)

Monday, July 11, 2022

Introduction to English Translation and Tafsir of Surah Al-Qadr (the Night of Decree)

Name of Surah Al-Qadr (the Night of Decree)

This surah is called Al-Qadr, namely, decree and honor, because it mentions the Night of decree on which the Quran was revealed. Allah says, interpretation of the meaning, 97:1 Indeed, We revealed it in on the Night of Decree.

Relationship between Surah Al-‘Alaq and Surah Al-Qadr

Allah, Exalted be He, commanded Messenger Muhammad to recite the Quran by the name of his Lord, Allah, Who created man in the best form and taught him what he did not know in surah Al-‘Alaq. Then, He, Exalted be He, mentions when the Quran was revealed in surah Al-Qadr.

Most Important Topics Discussed in Surah Al-Qadr

• Surah Al-Qadr mentions when the revelation of the Quran began.

• It refers to the great rank that the Night of the Decree has in comparison to other nights, days, and months because the angel Gabriel and the other angels descend during it bringing blessings and benefits to human beings from Allah, the Generous.

Revealing the Quran on the Night of Decree

Allah, Exalted be He, says, 97:1 Indeed, We revealed it on the Night of Decree. The ayah says that Allah revealed the Quran on the Night of Decree in the month of Ramadan. However, the purport of the meaning disagrees with the practical life of Messenger Muhammad as the Quran was revealed to him throughout twenty-three years. The scholars explain this issue in the following manners:

1. Some scholars believe that the entire Quran was revealed at once to the House of Ezzah in the nearest heaven to the earth to establish its high rank with the angels. Then, it was revealed gradually to Messenger Muhammad [peace be upon him] throughout twenty-three years according to the events and occasions that took place since he was sent as Allah’s Messenger until his death. This understanding agrees with the authentic narrations about this issue. Abdul Allah Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with them, said, ‘The entire Quran was revealed at once to the nearest heaven to the earth on the Night of Decree. Then, it was revealed throughout twenty years.’

2. Some scholars believe that the meaning of revealing the Quran on the Night of Decree refers to the beginning of its revelation. Then, the Quran continued to be revealed for twenty-three years during the life of Messenger Muhammad. According to this opinion, the Quran was revealed only one time.