إِنَّآ أَنزَلْنَـٰهُ فِى لَيْلَةِ ٱلْقَدْرِ 1
Translations
Indeed, We sent it [i.e., the Qur’ān] down during the Night of Decree.
Transliteration
Innā anzalnāhu fī laylati al-qadr
Tafsir (Explanation)
This opening ayah of Surah Al-Qadr announces that Allah revealed the Qur'an during the Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr), a night of immense spiritual significance. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi emphasize that this refers to the initial revelation of the entire Qur'an to the Preserved Tablet (Al-Lawh Al-Mahfuz) on this blessed night, from which it was then revealed piecemeal to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) over 23 years. The mention of this specific night highlights the Qur'an's divine origin and the incomparable honor bestowed upon the Muslim ummah.
Revelation Context
This surah was revealed in Mecca during the Prophet's final years there, emphasizing the Qur'an's divine status and the significance of the night in which revelation began. The context serves to comfort believers about the authenticity and importance of the Qur'an during a period when the Prophet faced intense opposition from the Quraysh.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad said, 'Whoever stands [in prayer] during Laylat al-Qadr with faith and seeking reward, his previous sins will be forgiven' (Sahih Bukhari 1901). Additionally, 'The Night of Power is better than a thousand months' (Surah 97:3, reinforced by Sahih Muslim 1768).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers of the profound honor of possessing the Qur'an and encourages them to value and engage deeply with its message. It invites reflection on the immense blessing of Laylat al-Qadr and motivates believers to seek its rewards through sincere devotion and obedience to Allah.