Tafsir from Tafsir Ibn Kathir
Surah Al-Qadr is a Makkan surah that speaks about the great virtue of the night on which the Qur’an was first revealed. Allah explains the greatness of this night, the descent of the angels, and the blessings that occur during it. The surah shows the importance of this night and encourages believers to seek its blessings.
The Revelation of the Qur’an (Verses 1–3)
Allah says:
“Verily, We have sent it down in the Night of Al-Qadr.
And what will make you know what the Night of Al-Qadr is?
The Night of Al-Qadr is better than a thousand months.”
(Qur’an 97:1–3)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that Allah revealed the Qur’an during the Night of Al-Qadr. This night occurs in the month of Ramadan. Allah also refers to this in another verse:
“We sent it down on a blessed night.”
(Qur’an 44:3)
And Allah says:
“The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’an.”
(Qur’an 2:185)
Ibn Abbas and other scholars said that the Qur’an was first sent down all at once from the Preserved Tablet to the House of Might in the lowest heaven. After that, it was revealed gradually to the Prophet over a period of twenty-three years according to events and situations that occurred.
Allah then magnified the importance of this night by saying that it is better than a thousand months. This means that worship performed during this night is better than worship during a thousand months in which there is no Night of Al-Qadr.
The Prophet said:
“Whoever stands (in prayer) during the Night of Al-Qadr with faith and expecting reward (from Allah), he will be forgiven for his previous sins.”
The Descent of the Angels (Verse 4)
Allah says:
“Therein descend the angels and the Ruh by their Lord’s permission with every matter.”
(Qur’an 97:4)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that during this night the angels descend in great numbers because of the many blessings and mercy that Allah sends down.
The angels descend with the decrees and matters that Allah has determined. Qatadah and others said that during this night matters such as provisions and the times of death are decided.
The word Ar-Ruh mentioned in the verse refers to the angel Jibril. The verse mentions him separately from the angels to show his special status.
The angels also descend when the Qur’an is recited and they surround gatherings where Allah is remembered.
A Night of Peace (Verse 5)
Allah says:
“There is peace until the appearance of dawn.”
(Qur’an 97:5)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that the entire night is filled with peace and goodness. There is no evil in it until the coming of dawn.
Some scholars explained that during this night the angels greet the believers with peace in the mosques until the time of Fajr.
Mujahid also said that it is a night of safety in which Shaytan cannot cause harm.
When the Night of Al-Qadr Occurs
The Prophet taught the believers to seek this night during the last ten nights of Ramadan. It occurs on the odd nights among them.
The Prophet said:
“Seek it in the last ten (nights) of Ramadan. In the ninth it still remains, in the seventh it still remains, in the fifth it still remains.”
Some companions held the view that it is the twenty-seventh night, while others said it may move between the odd nights of the last ten nights of Ramadan.
For this reason, the scholars said that a believer should strive in worship throughout the last ten nights in order to obtain its reward.
Signs of the Night of Al-Qadr
Among the signs mentioned in the narrations are:
• The night is calm and peaceful.
• It is neither very hot nor very cold.
• The sun rises the following morning without strong rays.
These signs help believers recognize the night after it has passed.
Supplication During the Night of Al-Qadr
The Prophet taught a specific supplication for this night. Aishah asked him what she should say if she found the Night of Al-Qadr.
He said:
“O Allah! Verily, You are the Oft-Pardoning, You love to pardon, so pardon me.”
It is recommended for a believer to increase in supplication, prayer, and remembrance of Allah during this night.
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References
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (Abridged), English translation, Surah al-Qadr (97).
Verified on 2026-10-21 against: Tafsir Ibn Kathir (Abridged), Surah al-Qadr.