Introduction to Sūrat al-Qadr

This surah is named Sūrat al-Qadr, however, some scholars refer to it as Sūrat Laylat al-Qadr,[1] while in many transmitted reports such as those cited in the section regarding the merits of the chapter, it is referred to as Sūrat Innā Anzalnāhu fī Laylat al-Qadr.

This surah aims to inform of the onset of Quranic revelations during the Night of Qadr, emphasising that the Quran is a revelation from God and none other,[2] along with bringing to light the significance, blessings, great esteem, and honour of this night.[3] The Night of Qadr is significant due to the inception of the descent of the Quran in it, due to its superiority to a thousand months,[4] due to the descent of the angels and the Spirit in it,[5] and due to the peace that envelopes it till dawn; the aim being to motivate Muslims to spend the night in God’s worship and good deeds.[6]

The place of this surah’s descent is held by the majority of exegetes to be Mecca;[7] however, some hold the place of its descent to be Medina,[8] and therefore, Ṭabrisī writes, its geographical provenance is disputed.[9]

[1] Munyat al-Ṭālibīn, 30/520.
[2] Munyat al-Ṭālibīn, 30/520.
[3] Amthal, 20/339.
[4] Munyat al-Ṭālibīn, 30/520.
[5] Ibn Ashur, 30/401.
[6] Mizan, 20/330.
[7] Mizan, 20/330; Razi, 32/228.
[8] Mizan, 20/330; Zamakhshari, 4/780.
[9] Tabrisi.J, 4/517.