44:4
In the (Night) is made distinct every affair of wisdom,
The Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr)
Surah 97 of the Qur’an, commonly known as The Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr), begins with the declaration that the Qur’an was revealed during a sacred and significant night (Qur’an 97:1–2). Classical Qur’anic commentators explain that this statement refers to the initial stage of revelation in which the Qur’an was sent down in its entirety from the Preserved Tablet to the lowest heaven. Some scholars further describe this transfer as occurring specifically to the Bayt al-ʿIzzah (the House of Might) located in the lowest heaven (Ibn Kathir; Al-Tabari). According to traditional interpretations, the second stage of revelation occurred gradually over approximately twenty-three years, from 610 to 632 CE, during the prophetic mission of Muhammad.
Scholars have offered numerous interpretations of the meaning of the term Laylat al-Qadr. Some early commentators, such as Mujahid ibn Jabr, interpret it as the “Night of Decree” or “Night of Judgment,” suggesting that during this night God determines the affairs of creation for the coming year. Other scholars argue that the name reflects the honor and greatness of the night itself, emphasizing its exceptional spiritual status rather than a direct connection to divine decrees. Still others maintain that the designation highlights the extraordinary reward associated with acts of worship performed during this night. The rhetorical question posed in the second verse—“What will make you know what the Night of Power is?”—serves to emphasize the profound sanctity of this occasion and suggests that its full significance ultimately lies beyond human comprehension.
The Qur’an further states that the Night of Power is “better than a thousand months” (Qur’an 97:3). Many commentators interpret this verse to mean that acts of devotion performed during this night carry greater merit than those performed over an extended period symbolically represented by a thousand months. In Qur’anic language, the number one thousand is often understood figuratively as an expression of emphasis rather than a strictly literal measure (cf. Qur’an 22:47; 32:5). Some scholars therefore interpret the phrase to signify a reward surpassing that of all other times.
The following verse describes the descent of angels and “the Spirit” during this night with every command from their Lord (Qur’an 97:4). Most interpreters understand the term “Spirit” as a reference to Gabriel, the angel responsible for conveying divine revelation. Other interpretations suggest that the term refers to a particular group of distinguished angels or even to divine mercy itself. According to many exegetes, the phrase “with every command” indicates that the angels descend carrying the decrees determined by God for the coming year. Some alternative readings interpret the phrase as indicating that the angels descend for the benefit of every individual.
The final verse of the chapter describes the night as one characterized by peace until the break of dawn (Qur’an 97:5). Some commentators explain this peace as the greetings and blessings offered by angels to those who engage in worship during the night. Others interpret the verse more broadly, suggesting that the entire night is marked by tranquility and divine mercy, free from harm or evil. Some scholars also view this description as symbolizing the spiritual stillness required for sincere remembrance of God and as representing the calm that precedes the manifestation of divine guidance in the world.