Allah Almighty says: {Indeed, We sent this [Qur’an] down in the Night of Decree.} [Surat al-Qadr: 1] To the end of the Sūrah. He also says: {Indeed, We sent it down in a blessed night. Indeed, We were to warn [mankind].} [Surat ad-Dukhān: 3]
The Night of Qadr is called as such in recognition of its high status (Arabic term for status is: Qadr). Also, because the yearly decrees of the creation are determined in it (Arabic term for decree is: Qadar). Allah Almighty has exclusively provided the Muslim Ummah with this night out of mercy towards them and in honor of their Prophet. Compensating for their short life terms, He has given them certain days and nights in which rewards are greatly multiplied. One of these is the Night of Qadr.
1189/1 - Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “He who offers Qiyām during the Night of Qadr, faithfully and expecting its reward from Allah, will have his past sins forgiven.” [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri and Muslim]
1) It encourages us to perform Qiyām in the Night of Qadr out of faith in Allah Almighty and in pursuit of reward from Him. This leads to forgiveness of all of a person’s sins.
2) It points out the significance of sincerity to Allah in performing acts of worship. How much a person gets reward depends on how sincere his intention is.
1190/2 - Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) reported that some men of the Prophet’s Companions were shown the Night of Qadr in a dream during the last seven nights. Thereupon, the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “I see that your dreams have coincided with each other upon the last seven nights. So, whoever seeks it, let him seek it in the last seven nights.” [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri and Muslim]
1191/3 - ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) used to retire (in the mosque) during the last ten nights of Ramadan. He would say: “Seek out the Night of Qadr in the last ten nights of Ramadan.” [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri and Muslim]
1192/4 - She also reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Seek out the Night of Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten nights of Ramadan.” [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri]
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1) The Night of Qadr most likely occurs in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan, according to the relevant reports which indicate that it may be the eve of the 21st or the 23rd or the 25th or the 27th or the 29th of Ramadan.
2) The Night of Qadr has not been specified for a wise purpose, namely to encourage the believers to compete and strive in worship during the last ten nights.
The Night of Qadr is not a fixed specific night of Ramadan every year, rather it keeps moving. It may be the eve of the 21st, for example, and in another year it occurs in another eve. This is indicated by the overall Hadīths on this issue.
1193/5 - She also reported: “With the start of the last ten days of Ramadan, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) would pray all night, wake up his family, show diligence (in worship), and tie up his lower garment firmly.” [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri and Muslim]
1194/6 - And she reported: “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) would be more diligent in worship in Ramadan than he would be in other than it; and in the last ten of it, he would be more diligent than in other times.” [Narrated by Muslim]
Tie up his lower garment firmly: A metaphor that denotes diligence in worship and retirement from women.
1) The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) was diligent in worship during the last ten nights of Ramadan and would urge his family to engage in worship. Thus, he taught his Ummah to be keen on worship during these blessed nights.
2) It is permissible to engage in worship all night during the last ten days of Ramadan.
3) When performed in a meritorious time, an act of worship becomes more virtuous. So, a believer should seize those blessed nights.
1195/7 - She also reported: I said: “O Messenger of Allah, what if I come to know which night is the Night of Qadr: What should I say in it?” He said: “Say: Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibu al-‘afwa fa‘fu ‘annī (O Allah, You are Oft-Pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon me).” [Narrated by Al-Tirmidhi; he classified it as Hasan Sahīh (sound and authentic)]
1) They point out the merit of the Mother of the Believers ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) as she was keen to ask about useful knowledge and put it into practice.
2) The supplication about pardon and forgiveness comprises all goodness in this world and the Hereafter.
3) The best supplication to make during the Night of Qadr is “O Allah, You are Oft-Pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon me.” This is the Prophet’s guidance, and had there been a better supplication, he would have informed the Ummah about it.