God has described an event calling it “The Power” (al-qadr) that took place in a night of Ramadan (2:185) in 13 B.H. or 609 A.D. calling the night “A Night of the Power” (laylati al-qadri) (97:1- 3) being the very special (97:3), as well as calling it “A night of blessing” (laylatin mubaarakatin) (44:3). Muhammad, the soul not the person, was taken to the high heaven (17:1), and God Himself inspired the whole Quran into his soul at the ultimate point in an awesome environment (53:4-18) and He completed a night-long event involving the angels and the Gabriel (97:4-5). Subsequently, the angels and the Gabriel helped Muhammad release a few verses of the Quran at a time from his soul to his heart (memory) over the time period of 23 years (609 to 632 A.D.) to release the entire Quran into his memory (2:97) while he recited the verses to the people around him just released into his mind and also wrote them down but in a chronological order of revelation. However, God has made His outstanding act, the event of the Power better known to us through the event night, “A Night of the Power” as well as “A Night of Blessing“, even giving to it an attribute “Better than a thousand-month“. Thus, if we reflect to the event, “The Power” that occurred in a special night of Ramadan at 13 B.H, we may turn our attention to His wisdom for His outstanding act of sending down a guidance and statute book for mankind clarifying every wise matter (44:4).
Annual observance of Night of the Power
It has been traditionally believed that the angels and the Gabriel descend to earth yearly on this night believed to be on the night of 27th Ramadan to carry out certain commands and answer our prayers based on the present tense verb of the verse (97:4). There is also another crucial belief among the traditional circle that the praying in this night would qualify for receiving the reward from God equivalent to praying of more than a thousand months because of a shorter life span of the later generations of believers comparison to the early generations of believers.
Hence, the night becomes very significant to traditional Muslims, even to some Muslims of new generation and turns many of them to spend the night by commemorating God either in their privacy or in a mosque with other Muslims while others retreat to a mosque in the last ten days of Ramadan to take advantage of God’s such blessings with an intent not to miss it as it may fall in any night of the last ten days of Ramadan to gain extra rewards for their dedication. Muslims spend the entire night through different forms of prayers including reciting the Quran, doing dhikir (remembrance of Allah) and supplicating to Allah to forgive their past sins and accept their acts, even they make certain units of special salat prayer namely, Salatul Qadr having 2-unit at a time reciting sura Al-Qadr followed by sura Al-Fatehah in each unit based on teachings of fabricated Hadith and Sunnah books or teachings given by their religious scholars.
Confirmation of Night of the Power on the night of 27th Ramadan
The exact date of Night of the Power has become a long-standing bone of contention within the Muslim communities. Just as they argue about when Ramadan starts and ends, they also disagree on the date of this night. To some, this night is so elusive that they try to stay up all nights during the last ten days of Ramadan so as not to “miss out” any chances of experiencing it. Others hold the opinion that the exact date of this night is on the 27th of Ramadan. Many, if not all, of these varying opinions are based on the hadith or historical records dated back to early Islam. However, our generation is blessed to confirm the exact date of this special night on the night of 27th Ramadan 13 B.H., which is derived from the Quran using the very sura that deals with this subject, namely Sura Al-Qadr (The Power/Decree/Destiny). Below is a 3-fold mathematical confirmation on the night to be on 27th to eliminate any doubt about it from our hearts:
- Surah al-Qadr (Surah 97: The Power) contains three occurrences of the phrase “laylat al-qadr” (the Night of Power). The Arabic phrase “laylat al-qadr” (لَيلَةِ القَدرِ) itself consists of nine letters. Therefore, within this sura, there are 27 (3 x 9) letters that participate in the proper name of this very special night is a an indication of the night to be on the night of 27th Ramadan 13 B.H.
- The last verse of the sura states that “Peace IT is until the advent of the dawn” (Arabic: salaamun HIYA hatta mathlail fajr). The word IT (HIYA in Arabic in feminine gender refers to the night in question) has the location of 27th out of the 30 total words that comprise this sura. It is noteworthy that 30 is the universally accepted number of days in a month.
- The nine Arabic letters that make up the phrase, “laylat al qadr” have the following gematric or numeric values for each letter: Laam=30, Ya=10, Laam=30, Ta=5, Alef=1, Laam=30, Qaf=100, Dal=4, Rah=200, i. e., the gematric or numeric value of “laylat al qadr” is 30 + 10 + 30 + 5 + 1 + 30 + 100 + 4 + 200 = 410. Now if we add the gematric value of “laylat al qadr” (410), the Surah number (97) and the verse numbers where “laylat al qadr” occurs (1, 2, 3), the total is a multiple of 19 and the product is 27 => 410 + 97 + 1 + 2 + 3 = 513 (19 x 27) is another indication to be on 27th while we know that 19 is a code of the built-in mathematical system in the Quran and gematric values of each Arabic letter is a number system used when the Quran was revealed.
Inspiration of the whole Quran into the prophet’s soul
The mathematical confirmation of the Night of Power (laylat al qadr) on 27th Ramadan 13 B.H. may have a historical significance to understand certain misconceptions around it introduced by tradition even the night would never be the same in all parts on earth except the month. But our concern is to confirm that inspiration did occur and the ritual what is given us to practice in pursuance of the event.
- What was taught the prophet and what he saw in the ultimate point described in the following verses of the Quran. It was the divine inspiration by the Most Powerful who inspired what was to be inspired to him. The prophet was so close to God as He made it. The whole environment was awesome at the ultimate point, located near the eternal Paradise where he saw great signs of God:
[53:4] It was not but an inspiration (what) was inspired.
[53:5] The Most Powerful has taught him (Muhammad).
[53:6] Possessor of all power that He has established.
[53:7] And He has been in the Horizon of the High.
[53:8] Then He had approached that He has come down.
[53:9] So, He has been at a closer distance or nearer.
[53:10] Then He has inspired into His servant (Muhammad) what He has inspired.
[53:11] The mind has not erred what it has seen.
[53:12] Would you then be differed from him what he sees?
[53:13] And certainly, he has seen him in another descent (of God).
[53:14] Near a Lote Tree at the ultimate point.
[53:15] Near it is Garden of the Refuge.
[53:16] When covers the Lote Tree what it should cover.
[53:17] The vision has not deviated, nor has it gone wrong.
[53:18] Certainly, he has seen the great signs of his Lord.
Note: The above verses describe the divine inspiration that took place at the ultimate point (the utmost boundary) by God Himself while this event was made possible as the prophet not the person but the soul was brought physically close to Him.
- God has described the completion of the night-long inspiration process of the Quran involving the angels and the Gabriel indicating awesomeness of the night calling it “The Night of Power” being better than a thousand months, and upon completion of the process the Quran was down on earth but in the prophet’s soul while the angels and the Gabriel helped him to read it to a people piece by piece over a period of time followed by another method:
[97:1] Indeed, we revealed it (Quran) in a Night of the Power.
[97:2] And did you know what a Night of the Power is?
[97:3] A Night of the Power is better than a thousand months.
[97:4] The angels and the Spirit (Gabriel) descend therein by their Lord’s permission with every command.
[97:5] Peace it is until the advent of the dawn.
Note: The process of completion of inspiration of the entire Quran with its significance is described in the sura to pay our proper attention to use it as our guidance while the ritual around the revelation of the Quran is decreed in 2:185, which is fasting during the entire month of Ramadan. The completion of the process before the dawn indicates that the event took place between the night prayer and the dawn prayer so that the prophet did not miss any prayer, and we may also reflect on the importance of the Contact Prayer to establish it in a timely manner for developing our soul.
- The prophet was taken to the highest Heaven, billions of Light Years away from the earth where the inspiration took place and was shown him certain divine signs:
[17:1] Glory be to the One who took His servant (Muhammad) by night from the Sacred Masjid (of Mecca) to the farthest place of worship which we had blessed its surroundings that we may show him of our signs. Indeed, He is the Hearer, the Seer.
Note: This is the verse in the Quran that has direct reference of the prophet’s journey specifying origination and destination. However, Muhammad, the soul, not the body was taken to the farthest place at the speed of million times faster than the speed of light and was returned before the dawn.
- The Quran was revealed in a blessed night clarifying every matter of wisdom in it followed by an oath of God consisting of two statements: (a) the two Quranic initials, Ha. Meem and (b) the enlightening scripture:
[44:1] Ha. Meem
[44:2] And the enlightening scripture.
[44:3] Indeed, we have sent it (the scripture) down in a blessed night, indeed, we are warning.
[44:4] In it (the blessed night), every wise matter is clarified.
Note: The masculine object pronoun (hu) in 44:3 refers to the scripture (Quran) while the female object pronoun (haa) in 44:4 refers to the blessed night. This gender difference helps us to eliminate any confusion to avoid any misinterpretation between the scripture and the blessed night that God has confirmed by taking the oath consisting of Quranic initials, H.M. and the enlightening scripture.
- The Quran was revealed in the month of Ramadan as guidance for the people, the clear guidance and the statute book. Fasting is decreed in the entire month to glorify God for what He has guided us so that we may grateful to Him:
[2:185] Ramadan which is a month, has been revealed in it the Quran as a guidance for the people, and clear proofs of the guidance and the statute book. So whoever among you has witnessed the month, then he should fast in it, and whoever has been ill or on a journey, then a specified number from other days. God wishes ease for you and He does not wish hardship for you, and that you may complete the specified number, and that you may glorify God through which He has guided you, and that you may appreciate.
Note: This verse being one of the participating verses in the set has a reference to the month of Ramadan at which the whole Quran was inspired to the prophet’s soul and the night is referred in the other 8 participating verses of the set while the night is very specifically mentioned in 7 verses in the feminine form.
Mathematical confirmation
There are 26 verses across 5 suras in the Quran covering different aspects of the event of inspiring the entire Quran into Muhammad’s soul. If the relevant sura and verse numbers are added, the total is a multiple of 19 => 589 = 19x31 as shown details in the table below:
Gradual revelation of the Quran to read to people
The holy and honest Spirit (Gabriel) brought it down piece by piece from God and passed it to the Prophet while the honest Prophet read it to the people, which took over a time period of about 23 years from 609 to 632 to complete the delivery of the whole Quran, which has reflected in its many verses but the verses which are very direct are described below:
[2:97] Say, “Whoever is an enemy to Gabriel, then you know that he has brought it (Quran) down into your heart, in accordance with God’s will, confirming what was before it, and a guidance and good news for the believers.”
Note: The Gabriel was an integral part of the process of revealing the Quran for passing it piece by piece to the prophet so as to read it to the people.
[16:2] He sends down the angels with the Spirit (Gabriel) of His commands, to whomever He chooses from among His servants that you shall warn that there is no other god beside I. Therefore, you shall fear Me.
[16:102] Say: “The Holy Spirit (Gabriel) has brought it (Quran) down from your Lord with truth to strengthen those who believe, and as a guidance and good news for the submitters.”
[17:85] And they ask you (Muhammad) about the Spirit (Gabriel). Say, “The Spirit (Gabriel) comes by the command of my Lord, and the knowledge you are given is but very little.”
Note: The angels and the Gabriel were integral part of the process of revealing the Quran required for passing it piece by piece to the prophet so as to read it to the people.
[22:52] And we did not send before yours (Muhammad) any messenger nor a prophet, without having the devil interfere in his recitation. God then nullifies the devil interference as well as God perfects His revelations. And God is Omniscient, Most Wise.
Note: This verse is linked to the mistake made by the prophet in his recitation, and his recitation was corrected with the interference of the Gabriel being an integral part of the process of revealing the Quran for passing it piece by piece to the prophet so as to read it to the people, and to confirm the delivery of the pure Quran as well.
[26:192] And indeed, it (Quran) is a revelation from the Lord of the universe.
[26:193] The Honest Spirit (Gabriel) came down with it (Quran).
[26:194] Into your (Muhammad) heart that you may be one of the warners.
[26:195] In a clear Arabic tongue.
[26:196] And it (Quran) is certainly, mentioned in the scriptures of the previous people.
Note: An Arabic Quran is a revelation from the Lord of the universe and the Gabriel came down with it, which was also mentioned in the scripture of the previous people.
[17:106] And a Quran that we have divided into parts that you may read it to the people over a period of time; and we have sent it down gradually.
[25:32] And said those who disbelieved, “Why has not been revealed the Quran to him all at once?” Thus, that we may strengthen your heart with it, and we have recited it piece by piece.
[76:23] Indeed, we have revealed to you (Muhammad) the Quran gradually.
Note: The gradual revealing is the release from prophet’s soul to his heart (memory) by the Gabriel that took over the period of time historically known to us about 23 years.
Mathematical confirmation
There are 13 verses across 7 suras in connection with the mediation of the Gabriel to pass the pieces of the Quran that the prophet read to the people. If the relevant sura and verse numbers are added, the total is a multiple of 19 => 1653 = 19x87 (details are shown in the table below):
Commandment of Ramadan fasting
The commandment of Ramadan fasting is very straightforward in the Quran but with appropriate details on how to fast including objective and options so that we can fulfill this obligation to be righteous but it is unfortunate that it has been corrupted with misinterpretation and many innovations:
- Fasting is decreed as an essential practice for us to achieve righteousness to God, and its practice as a key component of seeking righteousness, has been part of Islam since the time of Abraham:
[2:183] O you who have believed, fasting is decreed for you, as was decreed for those before you, so that you may become righteous.
- Fasting is prescribed for us for a number of days each year accommodating necessary alternatives. If a person is unable to fast for some reason, God gives him or her other options to supplement it. Therefore, those who are sick, pregnant, elderly, or traveling, can make up an equal number of days later in the year. If they are physically unable to do this, they can feed a needy person for breaking every fast but fasting is good for us if we can fulfill this obligation being an opportunity for us for the growth and development of our souls:
[2:184] Specified days. But whoever is ill among you or on a journey, then the prescribed number in other days. And for those who can do it (but with hardship), there is a ransom of feeding a poor. But whoever volunteers good, then it is better for him. And if you fast, it is better for you if you knew.
- Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar in which the Quran was revealed as our guidance, clear proofs of the guidance and the statute book. God has decreed for us fasting during the entire blessed month to glorify Him for guiding us as well as to express our appreciation:
[2:185] Ramadan is a month in which the Quran was revealed as a guidance for the people, clear proofs of the guidance, and the statute book. So whoever among you witnesses the month, then he should fast in it, and whoever has been ill or on a journey, then the prescribed number in other days. God wishes for you ease and He does not wish for you hardship and that you can complete the prescribed number, and that you can glorify God for what He has guided you so that you may be grateful.
Note: Here is the confirmation of inspiring the Quran in the month of Ramadan and the order to fast in the month who witnesses it to be grateful to God to guide us with what He has given us as guidance, the clear guidance and the statute book.
- In the month of Ramadan, the Muslims (Submitters) are to fast from dawn to sunset, abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations to attain righteousness. However, sexual relation is allowed with their spouses during the nights of fasting but it is prohibited if someone has decided to retreat to the masjids for remembrance of God to earn extra rewards:
[2:187] Permitted for you is the approach to your wives at nights of the fasting. They are garments for you and you are garments for them. God knows that you had done to deceive yourselves, so, He has turned to you and has pardoned from you. So, now you shall have relation with them and shall seek what God has prescribed for you. You shall eat and drink until the white thread becomes distinct to you from the black thread at the dawn. Then, you shall complete the fasting till the night. And do not have relation with them, while you are secluded ones in the masjids. That is of God’s limits, so, do not approach it. Thus that God makes clear His revelations for the people so that they may be righteous.
Note: The verse is about the update in fasting permitting sexual relation between the fasting spouses during the nights of fasting if they do not stay in the masjids including details on how to fast. Even there is a hint in the verse to stay in masjids does not indicate that this is an order for us to stay in masjids during the last 10 days of Ramadan when we are certain that the Quran was inspired on the night of 27th Ramadan 13 B.H. and the verse has no connection with the inspiration event.
Mathematical confirmation
The commandment of Ramadan fasting is found in 4 verses of sura Al-Baqarah and if the relevant sura and verse numbers are added, the total is a multiple of 19 => 741 = 19×39 as shown below:
Note: the verse 2:185 is a bridge between the event of inspiration of the whole Quran and the commandment of Ramadan fasting indicates a direct relationship between two events, which may help us avoid the ritual of annual observance of Night of the Power and staying up nights during the last ten days of Ramadan or on the night of 27th Ramadan to experience the Night including any other rituals introduced around the Ramadan fasting.
Conclusion
The review provides us enough details and facts to better understand the event that took place in the night of Ramadan 13 B.H (Before Hijra). The mathematical confirmation of the Night of Power on 27th Ramadan may have a historical significance to understand certain misconceptions around it including annual observance introduced based on alleged Hadiths and misinterpretation of sura Al-Qadr. What we know for sure from the Quran that the inspiration had occurred in a specific night of Ramadan in the past was a night-long event and fasting in Ramadan is a practice in pursuance of the Night of Power and is the only ritual decreed by God for us to be grateful to Him for giving us guidance because of this event. The gradual revealing of the Quran is a distinct event mediated by the angels and the Gabriel to help the prophet release a few verses at a time from his soul to his heart (memory) to read it to people over a period of time when the Quran is already down on earth but in prophet’s soul.
God had completed the night-long event incorporating clarification of every matter in what He inspired into Muhammad’s soul involving the angels and the Gabriel as a result of which the clear guidance was down on earth for the people. Thus, what is directly related to that event is God has decreed for us fasting during the entire month of Ramadan every year to purify our souls burning our selfish desires and to be grateful to Him for giving us guidance. So, there is no extra salat nor is there anything like staying up nights especially during the last ten days of Ramadan to experience the Night of Power from God on annual basis centering the event of the past. However, to earn extra rewards being Ramadan a blessed month we may plan to intensify our remembrance of God during the month and engage our time to study the Quran for which the night is so special to understand its teachings and laws giving our topmost priority to follow it to lead a righteous life for avoiding man-made laws and teachings.
Peaceful Friday, salaam and God bless.
Tafazzal (5/31/2019).