Lailatul Qadr means the Night of Power.

 

Lailatul Qadr means the Night of Power.

The suitable, purified mental environment for the descent of divine inspiration (Ilham) or Ruh is called the Night of Power. Qadr means (spiritual) strength and honor. The state of mental freedom from materialistic entanglement is referred to as the Night of Power. This is a metaphorical expression. Just as objects remain unseen in the darkness of night despite their existence, similarly, a pure and strong mind veils the material world within its purified consciousness, meaning it remains entirely free from material attachments. It is in this state that divine mercy and blessings descend.

Interpretation of Surah Al-Qadr:

1. Indeed, We bring it forth on a night of great power.

2. And what will make you understand what the Night of Power is?

3. The Night of Power is better (more beneficial) than a thousand months, or—staying in a state of thirst within materialism is worse than the Night of Power.

4. In it, angels and the Ruh descend by the command of their Lord with every decree (Command).

5. Peace! It remains until the rise of dawn.

Etymological and Philosophical Meanings of Key Words:

• Nazel (نزول) = Descent, emergence.
  The Bengali word "Avataraṇ" (অবতারণ) is an excellent equivalent. It means descending from a higher state to uplift those at a lower level. The emergence of divine wisdom from within oneself through intense prayer or meditation is called "Nazel" (or revelation).

• Hu (هو) = One’s inner self, the Supreme Lord within, or one’s own Qur’an.
  It is through the guidance and efforts of enlightened masters (Gurus) that this inner essence awakens in the devotee.

• Qadr (قدر) = Strength through devotion and meditation in all spiritual aspects.

• Lailatul Qadr (ليلة القدر) = Deep concentration or profound meditation.

• Khairun (خير) = Beneficial, full of blessings.

• Alfe (الف) = Being immersed in materialism, the love of worldly possessions.

• Shahar (شهر) = A thousand months; the desire for guidance under polytheism (shirk); craving for knowledge.

• Alfe Shahar (الف شهر) = A thousand months; the love of being guided by polytheism.

• Malaikat (ملائكة) = Powerful entities, those who have attained divine knowledge.

• Ruh (روح) = The enlightened self, wisdom.
  It is the divine light descending upon the devotee’s soul. Ruh is not a creation; it possesses creative power. It is mysterious, beyond verbal explanation. By attaining Ruh, one reaches the completeness of self-awareness. The Guru’s divine image, wisdom, and teachings, when imprinted on a devotee’s heart, are known as "Ruh Nazel" (the descent of Ruh).
  When Ruh becomes embodied, it is called Hur (حور). Hur is the purified, luminous self hidden within. When Allah’s light manifests in this form, it is called Hur. Seeing Hur is equivalent to self-realization.

• Amr (أمر) = Action, command.
  The actions of a being whose powerful presence deeply influences everyone around them are called Amr, and they themselves are known as Amir. True Amr is divine command, which only those with spiritual authority can manifest.

• Fajr (فجر) = Dawn; sin, transgression.
  What kind of sin? Being content with the accumulation of delusions in the mind. This tendency is natural in humans, but delusion is the root of all sins. Through Salat (prayer), one can free oneself from this bondage.
  The Arabic letters in "Fajr" indicate:

  • "Fa" = Within,

  • "Jim" = Growth,

  • "Ra" = Consent or acceptance.
    Being content with the growth of materialistic delusion in the mind is Fajr. The Night of Power is superior to this. In other words, meditation in pursuit of liberation from material attachments is superior. Subduing the restless mind is the highest method.

• Azaan (أذان) = Declaration from a position of authority.
  This call is an invitation with divine permission from one’s Lord. Without possessing divine wisdom, one cannot truly call others toward the path of truth. For example, Allah commanded Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.) to call people only after he had been granted divine knowledge (Surah Al-Hajj: 22:27).

Explanation of Surah Al-Qadr:

1. Indeed, sovereignty and wisdom emerge in deep meditation (Salat).

2. What is profound meditation? How can one comprehend it?
   (It cannot be understood without a Guru. The knowledge of deep meditation is contained within observing the Guru’s characteristics.)

3. Deep meditation is far superior to ignorance and materialism.
   Not realizing the Supreme "I" (Allah) within oneself and indulging in mere rituals and actions is inferior to profound meditation.

4. Through deep meditation, divine power and wisdom descend upon the seeker.

5. It brings peace until one loses focus and falls back into ignorance.

Summary of Surah Al-Qadr:

The chapter draws the attention of spiritual seekers to the immense blessings of Salat (prayer and meditation). Through it, one gains divine authority over all matters and achieves inner peace.

A Final Thought:

The Qur’an uses specific words that carry deep philosophical meanings based on their etymology. Without understanding these deeper meanings, one cannot extract the profound life philosophy embedded in religious texts. This is why no religious scripture is meant for ordinary reading.
Ordinary people should study under a spiritual guide (Guru). Once they advance under a Guru’s guidance, they can comprehend the divine scriptures.

A Commentary:

Some believe that even if one leads a mundane life all year, engaging in worship on special nights (e.g., Shab-e-Barat, Shab-e-Qadr, Shab-e-Mi'raj, Ashura) grants immense rewards.
This mindset can be called a Gambler’s Attitude—a method that contradicts the Qur'an’s fundamental principles.

– Sadaruddin Ahmad Chishti

Footnotes:

• Sawab (Reward) is of two types:

  1. Worldly rewards (e.g., forgiveness of faults, avoidance of wastefulness, firm establishment in truth, and victory over oppressors).

  2. Afterlife rewards (i.e., when divine qualities become permanent in one’s character).

When a seeker firmly attains the divine essence, they do not need to return repeatedly in search of their Lord. Instead, their Lord becomes their ultimate reward.

Best Method to Understand the Qur’an:

The highest way to understand the Qur’an is not through mere reading but through spiritual realization.
True seekers comprehend it through inner enlightenment, especially during the Night of Power (Lailatul Qadr), when divine wisdom is revealed to them.

– Qur’anic Philosophy by Mawla Sadaruddin Ahmad Chishti (R.A.)