Table Of Contents

Comprehensive Glossary & Vocabulary Guide For Surah Al-Qadr

Discover the profound meanings within Surah Al-Qadr, the chapter of Power or Decree, with this comprehensive dictionary, glossary and vocabulary guide. This resource offers an in-depth linguistic and theological analysis of the key Arabic words that describe the most blessed night of the year. By exploring the rich vocabulary of Surah Al-Qadr, readers can gain a deeper appreciation for its themes of revelation, divine mercy, and the immense spiritual value of the night on which the Qur’an was sent down.

Each entry goes beyond simple translation, offering:

Etymology & Root Word Analysis – tracing the origin and linguistic foundation of each term.

Morphology – exploring grammatical patterns and word structures.

Extended Semantic Range – uncovering shades of meaning and contextual depth.

Occurrences in Surah Al-Qadr and the Qur’an – showing where and how frequently the term appears in Surah Al-Qadr and elsewhere in the Qur’an.

Exegesis (Tafsir) – connecting classical scholarly interpretations for richer understanding.

Thematic Context – placing words within the broader themes and structure of Surah Al-Qadr.

Modern & Comparative Lens – highlighting cross-cultural, linguistic, and contemporary insights.

Practical Reflection & Application – drawing lessons relevant to daily life and spirituality.

1. Alfi Shahr (أَلْفِ شَهْرٍ) – A thousand months

Linguistic Root & Etymology

Alf means a thousand. Shahr (root: SH-H-R (ش-ه-ر)) means a month, so named because of the “fame” or “visibility” (shuhrah) of the new moon that marks its beginning.

The Arabic root for `Shahr` is ش-ه-ر.

• Morphology: `Alf` (أَلْف) is a noun for the number one thousand. `Shahr` (شَهْر) is a noun for a month. `Alfi Shahr` is a genitive construct meaning “a thousand months.”
• Extended Semantic Range: The root `SH-H-R` means to make something famous, well-known, or conspicuous. A `shahr` (month) is so named because it is “made known” by the sighting of the new moon (`hilāl`).
• Occurrences in Surah Al-Qadr and the Qur’an: The word `shahr` appears once in Surah Al-Qadr. The root appears about 21 times in the Qur’an, often in the context of the sacred months and the month of Ramadan.

The phrase “a thousand months” is a specific measure used to convey the immense, almost incomprehensible value of Laylat al-Qadr. It is a divine quantification of mercy, signifying that the blessings and rewards of worship on this single night surpass those of over 83 years of worship on other nights.

Classical Exegesis (Tafsir)

In Surah Al-Qadr (97:3), a stunning statement is made about the value of the Night of Power: “The Night of Power is better than a thousand months.” The commentators explain that this is a statement of its immense and incomparable spiritual value. The worship performed on this single night—its prayers, its recitation, its charity—is “better” in its reward than the worship performed over “a thousand months” (which is over 83 years) that do not contain this night. This is a magnificent and an unparalleled gift of mercy from God to this Ummah.

Thematic Context

This connects to the surah’s central theme of the immense honor and the blessing of the Night of Power. The surah is a call to recognize the unique and the unparalleled value of this night. The theme is one of a divine and a merciful “spiritual shortcut.” God, in His grace, has given the community of the Prophet Muhammad a single night in which they can earn a reward that is greater than a lifetime of worship. This is a direct result of the great blessing that was sent down on that night: the Qur’an.

Modern & Comparative Lens

The concept of a “sacred time” that has a special and a concentrated spiritual value is a feature of many religious traditions. The Islamic concept of the Night of Power is a particularly powerful and a specific one. The number “a thousand” in classical Arabic can also be used to denote a countless and an immeasurable multitude, suggesting that the value of this night is, in fact, incalculably great. It is a night of infinite spiritual possibility.

Practical Reflection & Application

This verse is a direct and a powerful motivation for us to seek out the Night of Power. The practical application is to dedicate ourselves to worship during the last ten nights of Ramadan with a special and an increased effort. We should be like a wise merchant who knows that on one of these nights, there is a spiritual “market” where the profits are greater than a lifetime of normal trade. It is a call to seize this unmissable and life-changing spiritual opportunity.

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2. Amr (أَمْرٍ) – A command / An affair

Linguistic Root & Etymology

The root is ʾ-M-R (أ-م-ر). An amr is a command, an affair, or a decree.

The Arabic root is أ-م-ر.

• Morphology: Amr (أَمْر) is a verbal noun (masdar) that functions as a noun.
• Extended Semantic Range: The root signifies command, order, and authority. An `amr` is not just a matter, but a decreed matter or a command from one in authority. `Al-Amr` can refer to the Divine Command or Decree that governs all of existence.
• Occurrences in Surah Al-Qadr and the Qur’an: The word `amr` appears once in Surah Al-Qadr. The root is extremely common, appearing over 240 times in the Qur’an.

In the phrase `min kulli amr` (“for every affair”), `amr` refers to the divine decrees for the upcoming year. The verse signifies that on this night, the angels descend to execute the ordained “affairs” related to sustenance, life, death, and all other matters for the next twelve months. It highlights the night’s cosmic significance as a moment of divine administration.

Classical Exegesis (Tafsir)

In Surah Al-Qadr (97:4), the surah states that on the Night of Power, the angels and the Spirit descend “for every affair.” The commentators explain that on this night, the angels descend with the divine “decrees” for the entire coming year. They bring down the “affairs” of life and death, of sustenance, and of all the other great and small events that have been decreed by God in the Preserved Tablet. It is a night of cosmic and administrative importance.

Thematic Context

This connects to the surah’s theme of the Night of Power as a night of immense and active divine engagement with the world. The surah is a powerful rejection of a deistic God who is distant and uninvolved. The theme is that on this night, the heavens and the earth are in a special state of connection. The “affairs” of our world are being actively administered by the angelic hosts, by the permission of their Lord. It is a night of profound and magnificent divine providence.

Modern & Comparative Lens

The concept of a special, annual night in which the “decrees” for the coming year are sent down is a powerful and a unique one in Islamic theology. It gives the believer a sense of a year that is beginning with a fresh and a divinely-ordained plan. It is a moment of profound cosmic and personal significance, a time to align one’s own will with the divine will that is unfolding.

Practical Reflection & Application

This verse should fill our hearts with a sense of the immense and the solemn importance of the Night of Power. It is not just a night of personal worship; it is a night of cosmic significance. The practical application is to spend this night in a state of sincere and a heartfelt supplication (duʿāʾ). We should ask our Lord to decree for us a year that is filled with goodness, with mercy, and with His blessings, knowing that on this very night, the “affairs” of our own future are being sent down.

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3. Anzalnāhu (أَنزَلْنَاهُ) – We have sent it down

Linguistic Root & Etymology

The root is N-Z-L (ن-ز-ل), which means to descend. The verb anzalnāhu (Form IV) means “We have sent it down.” The “it” is a reference to the Qur’an.

The Arabic root is ن-ز-ل.

• Morphology: Anzalnāhu (أَنزَلْنَاهُ) is a Form IV perfect tense verb. The `-nā` suffix is the first-person plural pronoun (“We,” used for majesty), and the `-hu` suffix is the third-person singular object pronoun (“it”). Form IV, `anzala`, typically denotes a single, complete act of sending down.
• Extended Semantic Range: The root means “to descend.” The Qur’an uses two forms: `anzala` (to send down at once) and `nazzala` (Form II, to send down in stages). This verse uses `anzala` to refer to the single event of the Qur’an’s descent from the Preserved Tablet to the lowest heaven on Laylat al-Qadr.
• Occurrences in Surah Al-Qadr and the Qur’an: The root `N-Z-L` appears once in Surah Al-Qadr. It is a core theological root, appearing over 290 times in the Qur’an, central to the concept of revelation (`tanzīl`).

The surah opens with this powerful declaration, immediately establishing the reason for the night’s greatness. The honor of the night is derived from the honor of what was “sent down” within it: the Qur’an. The use of the majestic plural “We” signifies the immense power and authority of the sender, Allah.

Classical Exegesis (Tafsir)

This is the opening declaration of the surah (97:1). “Indeed, We have sent it down on the Night of Power.” The commentators explain that this refers to the first “sending down” of the Qur’an. It was sent down in its entirety from the Preserved Tablet (al-Lawḥ al-Maḥfūẓ) to the lowest heaven on this one, single, blessed night. From there, it was then revealed in stages to the Prophet Muhammad over the course of his twenty-three year mission. The surah opens with this powerful and a direct statement to immediately establish the cause of the greatness of this night: it is the night that was honored with the descent of the final revelation.

Thematic Context

This connects to the central theme of the surah: the immense and the unparalleled honor of the Qur’an. The surah is a celebration of the divine word. The theme is that the Night of Power is “better than a thousand months” precisely because it is the night on which the greatest of all blessings—the Qur’an—was “sent down” to humanity. The honor of the time is a direct reflection of the honor of the event that took place within it.

Modern & Comparative Lens

The concept of a “revelation” being “sent down” is a central metaphor in the Abrahamic traditions. It is a powerful statement of the divine origin of the scripture. The Qur’an is not a human book that has “ascended” from the earth; it is a divine book that has “descended” from the heavens. This is the foundation of its sacred and its authoritative status. The verb “anzalnā” is a direct and an unambiguous claim to a divine and a transcendent source.

Practical Reflection & Application

This verse should fill our hearts with a profound sense of gratitude for the Qur’an and for the blessed night on which it was sent down. The practical application is to honor this night by honoring the book that was revealed on it. We should dedicate the Night of Power to a deep and a meaningful engagement with the Qur’an—by reciting it, by reflecting on its meanings, and by recommitting ourselves to its guidance. This is the truest and most beautiful way to celebrate the night of its descent.

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4. Bi-idhni Rabbihim (بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهِم) – By the permission of their Lord

Linguistic Root & Etymology

Bi-idhn (root: ʾ-DH-N (أ-ذ-ن)) means “with the permission” or “by the leave of.” Rabbihim is “their Lord.”

The Arabic root for `idhn` is أ-ذ-ن.

• Morphology: `Idhn` (إِذْن) is a verbal noun meaning permission. `Rabbihim` (رَبِّهِم) is the noun `Rabb` (Lord) with the third-person plural possessive suffix `-him`.
• Extended Semantic Range: The root `ʾadhina` means to permit, to listen, or to be aware of. `Udhun` is the ear. `Idhn` thus implies a permission given based on knowledge and hearing. `Adhān` is the call to prayer, a public “permission” to begin the worship.
• Occurrences in Surah Al-Qadr and the Qur’an: The phrase appears once in Surah Al-Qadr. The root `ʾ-DH-N` appears over 100 times, frequently emphasizing that no intercession, action, or miracle occurs except `bi-idhni-Llāh` (by Allah’s permission).

This phrase is a crucial qualifier that reinforces the principle of pure monotheism (`Tawḥīd`). Even on this magnificent night, the descent of the angels and the Spirit is not an independent act. It happens only `bi-idhni Rabbihim`—by the express permission and command of their Lord. This negates any idea of the angels having autonomous power and affirms that all cosmic activity is perfectly governed by Allah’s will.

Classical Exegesis (Tafsir)

In Surah Al-Qadr (97:4), the surah states that the angels and the Spirit descend on the Night of Power “by the permission of their Lord.” The commentators explain that this is a statement of the perfect and the absolute sovereignty of God. The angels, even the greatest of them, do not act on their own accord. Their every movement, their every action, is a direct result of the “permission” and the command of their Lord. It is a beautiful depiction of a perfectly ordered and a divinely-administered celestial realm.

Thematic Context

This connects to the theme of the surah as a testament to the majesty and the authority of God. The surah has described a night of immense and magnificent celestial activity. This phrase is a crucial and a central one. It is a reminder that all of this magnificent activity is not an independent or a chaotic event, but is a perfectly orchestrated and a divinely-commanded one. The theme is one of absolute and perfect divine control over all the affairs of the seen and the unseen worlds.

Modern & Comparative Lens

The concept of angels as obedient servants who only act by the “permission” of God is a central tenet of Islamic angelology. This is a powerful rejection of any belief that would give angels an independent power or a share in the divine will. It is a profound and a consistent statement of pure and uncompromising monotheism (Tawḥīd). All power and all authority belong to God alone.

Practical Reflection & Application

This verse is a profound reminder of the absolute sovereignty of our Lord. The practical application is to recognize that all the events of our own lives, both the good and the bad, also take place only “by the permission of our Lord.” This understanding is the key to a deep and a restful submission to the divine decree. It is a call to a life of trust in a Lord whose “permission” is based on a perfect and an all-encompassing wisdom.

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5. Fajr (فَجْر) – The dawn

Linguistic Root & Etymology

The root is F-J-R (ف-ج-ر), which means to split or to burst forth. Al-Fajr is the dawn, so named because the light of the morning “splits” the darkness of the night.

The Arabic root is ف-ج-ر.

• Morphology: Al-Fajr (الْفَجْر) is a noun for the dawn.
• Extended Semantic Range: The root verb `fajara` means to split open, to gush forth, or to transgress. A `fājir` is one who “breaks through” the limits of piety. `Fajr` is the “bursting forth” of light that splits the night’s darkness.
• Occurrences in Surah Al-Qadr and the Qur’an: The word `Fajr` appears once in Surah Al-Qadr. The root is common, appearing over 20 times, and Surah 89 is named Al-Fajr.

The `Fajr` marks the end of the blessed period of Laylat al-Qadr. The peace (`salām`) of the night extends “until the emergence of the dawn.” This sets a clear temporal boundary for this special period of mercy, encouraging believers to utilize the entire night for worship, from sunset until the first light of dawn.

Classical Exegesis (Tafsir)

In the final verse of Surah Al-Qadr (97:5), the duration of the peace of the Night of Power is described. “Peace it is until the emergence of the dawn.” The commentators explain that the special blessings, the descent of the angels, and the profound state of “peace” (salām) of this night are not just a fleeting moment. They are a continuous reality that extends throughout the entire night, from the sunset until the “emergence of the dawn.” The “dawn” is the final and the concluding boundary of this blessed time.

Thematic Context

This connects to the surah’s central theme of the complete and the perfect nature of the blessing of this night. The surah has described the immense value and the magnificent events of this night. This final verse is a statement of the beautiful and the complete duration of its peace. The theme is one of a perfect and an all-encompassing mercy. The night is a complete and a total sanctuary of peace, from its beginning to its beautiful end at the “dawn.”

Modern & Comparative Lens

The “dawn” is a universal and a timeless symbol of hope, of renewal, and of new beginnings. The Qur’an’s use of the “dawn” as the end-point of this night of peace is a beautiful and a powerful one. It is as if the peace of the sacred night is the spiritual provision that prepares the believer for the new day and the new beginning that comes with the “dawn.”

Practical Reflection & Application

This verse is a call to make the most of the entire Night of Power, from its beginning to its very end. The practical application is to strive to be in a state of worship and of seeking the peace of our Lord throughout the last ten nights of Ramadan, until the very “emergence of the dawn.” It is a call to not grow tired in the last hours of the night, as these are a part of the blessed time in which the peace and the mercy of God are descending.

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6. Ḥattā Maṭlaʿi l-Fajr (حَتَّىٰ مَطْلَعِ الْفَجْرِ) – Until the emergence of the dawn

Linguistic Root & Etymology

Ḥattā means “until.” Maṭlaʿ is the time or place of rising. Al-Fajr is the dawn.

The root for `Maṭlaʿ` is Ṭ-L-ʿ (ط-ل-ع) and for `Fajr` is F-J-R (ف-ج-ر).

• Morphology: `Maṭlaʿ` (مَطْلَع) is a noun of time/place from the verb `ṭalaʿa` (to rise). It means “the time of rising.”
• Extended Semantic Range: `Ṭalaʿa` is used for the rising of the sun or moon. The `Maṭlaʿ` of the dawn is therefore the precise moment of its first appearance on the horizon.
• Occurrences in Surah Al-Qadr and the Qur’an: This full phrase is unique to Surah Al-Qadr. The root `Ṭ-L-ʿ` appears about 28 times.

This phrase provides the specific and definitive endpoint for the peace of Laylat al-Qadr. It is not an ambiguous period but one that lasts right up “until the emergence of the dawn.” It emphasizes that the entirety of the night, from dusk to first light, is saturated with this divine peace and blessing.

Classical Exegesis (Tafsir)

In the final verse of Surah Al-Qadr (97:5), the duration of the peace of the Night of Power is described. “Peace it is until the emergence of the dawn.” The commentators explain that the special blessings, the descent of the angels, and the profound state of “peace” (salām) of this night are not just a fleeting moment. They are a continuous reality that extends throughout the entire night, from the sunset until the “emergence of the dawn.” The “dawn” is the final and the concluding boundary of this blessed time.

Thematic Context

This connects to the surah’s central theme of the complete and the perfect nature of the blessing of this night. The surah has described the immense value and the magnificent events of this night. This final verse is a statement of the beautiful and the complete duration of its peace. The theme is one of a perfect and an all-encompassing mercy. The night is a complete and a total sanctuary of peace, from its beginning to its beautiful end at the “dawn.”

Modern & Comparative Lens

The “dawn” is a universal and a timeless symbol of hope, of renewal, and of new beginnings. The Qur’an’s use of the “dawn” as the end-point of this night of peace is a beautiful and a powerful one. It is as if the peace of the sacred night is the spiritual provision that prepares the believer for the new day and the new beginning that comes with the “dawn.”

Practical Reflection & Application

This verse is a call to make the most of the entire Night of Power, from its beginning to its very end. The practical application is to strive to be in a state of worship and of seeking the peace of our Lord throughout the last ten nights of Ramadan, until the very “emergence of the dawn.” It is a call to not grow tired in the last hours of the night, as these are a part of the blessed time in which the peace and the mercy of God are descending.

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7. Hiya (هِيَ) – It is

Linguistic Root & Etymology

Hiya is the feminine pronoun for “it” or “she.” It does not derive from a root. It is a fundamental part of Arabic grammar. Here, it refers to `Laylat al-Qadr` (The Night of Power), as `laylah` (night) is a feminine noun.

Classical Exegesis (Tafsir)

In the final verse of Surah Al-Qadr (97:5), a definitive statement is made. “Peace it is (salāmun hiya) until the emergence of the dawn.” The commentators have highlighted the profound grammatical structure of this. The normal word order would be “It is peace.” By placing the word “Peace” first, the surah is making a powerful and an emphatic statement. The meaning becomes: “It is nothing *but* peace.” The very essence of this night, from its beginning to its end, is a state of pure, unadulterated, and all-encompassing “peace.”

Thematic Context

This connects to the surah’s central theme of the perfect and the complete nature of the blessing of this night. The surah has described the immense value and the magnificent events of this night. This final verse is a statement of the beautiful and the complete essence of its reality. The theme is one of a perfect and an all-encompassing mercy. The night is a complete and a total sanctuary of “peace.”

Modern & Comparative Lens

The human search for “peace” is the ultimate and the most universal of all human quests. This verse is a powerful and a direct Qur’anic statement on this. It asserts that there is a time in the sacred calendar when the world is filled with a tangible and a divine “peace.” It is a beautiful and a profound vision of a moment of perfect and cosmic harmony.

Practical Reflection & Application

This verse is a direct and a beautiful invitation to seek out this divine “peace.” The practical application is to strive to be in a state of worship during the last ten nights of Ramadan, with the sincere hope of catching this one, special night. It is a call to open our hearts to the “peace” that is descending upon the world, and to allow that peace to enter our souls and to remain with us for the rest of the year.

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8. Innā anzalnāhu (إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَاهُ) – Indeed, We have sent it down

Linguistic Root & Etymology

Innā is an emphatic “Indeed, We.” Anzalnāhu means “We have sent it down.” The “it” is a reference to the Qur’an.

The root for `anzalnāhu` is N-Z-L (ن-ز-ل).

• Morphology: `Innā` (إِنَّا) is a combination of the emphatic particle `inna` and the first-person plural pronoun `nā`. `Anzalnāhu` is the Form IV verb for sending down something all at once.

This powerful opening phrase combines the certainty of `inna` with the majesty of the plural “We,” immediately establishing the divine authority and immense significance of the event being described: the descent of the Qur’an.

Classical Exegesis (Tafsir)

This is the opening declaration of the surah (97:1). “Indeed, We have sent it down on the Night of Power.” The commentators explain that this refers to the first “sending down” of the Qur’an. It was sent down in its entirety from the Preserved Tablet (al-Lawḥ al-Maḥfūẓ) to the lowest heaven on this one, single, blessed night. From there, it was then revealed in stages to the Prophet Muhammad over the course of his twenty-three year mission. The surah opens with this powerful and a direct statement to immediately establish the cause of the greatness of this night: it is the night that was honored with the descent of the final revelation.

Thematic Context

This connects to the central theme of the surah: the immense and the unparalleled honor of the Qur’an. The surah is a celebration of the divine word. The theme is that the Night of Power is “better than a thousand months” precisely because it is the night on which the greatest of all blessings—the Qur’an—was “sent down” to humanity. The honor of the time is a direct reflection of the honor of the event that took place within it.

Modern & Comparative Lens

The concept of a “revelation” being “sent down” is a central metaphor in the Abrahamic traditions. It is a powerful statement of the divine origin of the scripture. The Qur’an is not a human book that has “ascended” from the earth; it is a divine book that has “descended” from the heavens. This is the foundation of its sacred and its authoritative status. The verb “anzalnā” is a direct and an unambiguous claim to a divine and a transcendent source.

Practical Reflection & Application

This verse should fill our hearts with a profound sense of gratitude for the Qur’an and for the blessed night on which it was sent down. The practical application is to honor this night by honoring the book that was revealed on it. We should dedicate the Night of Power to a deep and a meaningful engagement with the Qur’an—by reciting it, by reflecting on its meanings, and by recommitting ourselves to its guidance. This is the truest and most beautiful way to celebrate the night of its descent.

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9. Khayrun (خَيْرٌ) – Better

Linguistic Root & Etymology

The root is KH-Y-R (خ-ي-ر). Khayr means good, or in this context, the comparative form “better.”

The Arabic root is خ-ي-ر.

• Morphology: Khayr (خَيْر) is an adjective that can mean “good” or, as a comparative, “better.”
• Extended Semantic Range: The root signifies all that is good, preferable, and beneficial. It is the opposite of `sharr` (evil).
• Occurrences in Surah Al-Qadr and the Qur’an: The word `khayr` appears once in Surah Al-Qadr. The root is very common, appearing over 190 times.

The declaration that the Night of Power is `khayrun min alfi shahr` (“better than a thousand months”) is a statement of its unparalleled spiritual value. It is not merely equal to a long period, but is superior to it. This emphasizes that the quality of worship on this night, saturated with divine mercy, is of a different and higher order than worship at any other time.

Classical Exegesis (Tafsir)

In Surah Al-Qadr (97:3), a stunning statement of value is made about the Night of Power. “The Night of Power is better than a thousand months.” The commentators explain that this is a statement of its immense and incomparable spiritual value. The worship performed on this single night—its prayers, its recitation, its charity—is “better” in its reward than the worship performed over “a thousand months” (which is over 83 years) that do not contain this night. This is a magnificent and an unparalleled gift of mercy from God to this Ummah.

Thematic Context

This connects to the surah’s central theme of the immense honor and the blessing of the Night of Power. The surah is a call to recognize the unique and the unparalleled value of this night. The theme is one of a divine and a merciful “spiritual shortcut.” God, in His grace, has given the community of the Prophet Muhammad a single night in which they can earn a reward that is “better” than a lifetime of worship. This is a direct result of the great blessing that was sent down on that night: the Qur’an.

Modern & Comparative Lens

The concept of a “sacred time” that has a special and a concentrated spiritual value is a feature of many religious traditions. The Islamic concept of the Night of Power is a particularly powerful and a specific one. The number “a thousand” in classical Arabic can also be used to denote a countless and an immeasurable multitude, suggesting that the value of this night is, in fact, incalculably great. It is a night of infinite spiritual possibility.

Practical Reflection & Application

This verse is a direct and a powerful motivation for us to seek out the Night of Power. The practical application is to dedicate ourselves to worship during the last ten nights of Ramadan with a special and an increased effort. We should be like a wise merchant who knows that on one of these nights, there is a spiritual “market” where the profits are “better” than a lifetime of normal trade. It is a call to seize this unmissable and life-changing spiritual opportunity.

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10. Kulli Amr (كُلِّ أَمْرٍ) – Every affair

Linguistic Root & Etymology

Kull means “every.” An amr is a command, an affair, or a decree.

The root for `amr` is ʾ-M-R (أ-م-ر).

• Morphology: `Kull` (كُلّ) is a noun meaning “all” or “every.” `Amr` (أَمْر) is a noun for a command or affair.
• Occurrences in Surah Al-Qadr and the Qur’an: The phrase appears once in this surah. The root `ʾ-M-R` is very common (over 240 times).

The phrase `min kulli amr` signifies that the angels descend on this night to carry out *all* the ordained decrees for the coming year. It is a comprehensive statement of divine providence, indicating that every aspect of existence, from life and death to sustenance and rain, is being actively managed by divine command on this night.

Classical Exegesis (Tafsir)

In Surah Al-Qadr (97:4), the surah states that on the Night of Power, the angels and the Spirit descend “for every affair.” The commentators explain that on this night, the angels descend with the divine “decrees” for the entire coming year. They bring down the “affairs” of life and death, of sustenance, and of all the other great and small events that have been decreed by God in the Preserved Tablet. It is a night of cosmic and administrative importance.

Thematic Context

This connects to the surah’s theme of the Night of Power as a night of immense and active divine engagement with the world. The surah is a powerful rejection of a deistic God who is distant and uninvolved. The theme is that on this night, the heavens and the earth are in a special state of connection. The “affairs” of our world are being actively administered by the angelic hosts, by the permission of their Lord. It is a night of profound and magnificent divine providence.

Modern & Comparative Lens

The concept of a special, annual night in which the “decrees” for the coming year are sent down is a powerful and a unique one in Islamic theology. It gives the believer a sense of a year that is beginning with a fresh and a divinely-ordained plan. It is a moment of profound cosmic and personal significance, a time to align one’s own will with the divine will that is unfolding.

Practical Reflection & Application

This verse should fill our hearts with a sense of the immense and the solemn importance of the Night of Power. It is not just a night of personal worship; it is a night of cosmic significance. The practical application is to spend this night in a state of sincere and a heartfelt supplication (duʿāʾ). We should ask our Lord to decree for us a year that is filled with goodness, with mercy, and with His blessings, knowing that on this very night, the “affairs” of our own future are being sent down.

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11. Laylatu al-Qadr (لَيْلَةِ الْقَدْرِ) – The Night of Power / Decree

Linguistic Root & Etymology

Laylah is a night. Al-Qadr (root: Q-D-R (ق-د-ر)) is a rich term with a dual meaning. It means “power” and “honor,” signifying a night of immense and honored status. It also means “decree,” signifying the night on which the decrees for the coming year are sent down.

The Arabic root for `al-Qadr` is ق-د-ر.

• Morphology: This is a genitive construct, `Laylatu al-Qadr`. `Laylah` (لَيْلَة) means night. `Al-Qadr` (الْقَدْر) is a verbal noun.
• Extended Semantic Range: The root `qadara` means to measure, to decree, or to have power over something. `Qadr` thus means: 1) Power/Status (`maqdirah`), as in a night of great honor. 2) Decree/Measure (`taqdīr`), as in the night when the measures for the year are set. Both meanings are intended.
• Occurrences in Surah Al-Qadr and the Qur’an: The phrase appears 3 times in Surah Al-Qadr. The root is very common, appearing over 130 times.

This is the name of the surah and its central subject. The name is divinely chosen to be comprehensive. It is the Night of immeasurable `Qadr` (Honor) because the Qur’an was revealed in it, and worship in it is better than a thousand months. It is also the Night of `Qadr` (Decree) because the angels descend with the divine decrees for the coming year.

Classical Exegesis (Tafsir)

This is the central concept of the surah and its namesake. “Indeed, We sent it down on the Night of Power.” The commentators have marveled at the beauty of the dual meaning of its name. It is the “Night of Power” because of its immense honor and the great power of the worship performed within it. It is the “Night of Decree” because it is the night when the angels descend with the decrees for the coming year. Both meanings are intended and are inextricably linked. The surah’s repetitive question, “And what can make you know what is the Night of Power?”, is designed to highlight its magnificent and incomprehensible nature.

Thematic Context

The “Night of Power” is the central and the single theme of the entire surah. The surah is a complete and a perfect celebration of this one night. The theme is that this night has been made the most blessed of all possible times because of the single, momentous event that occurred within it: the descent of the Qur’an. The honor of the time is a direct reflection of the honor of the event. The surah is a call to recognize, to honor, and to seek out this magnificent night.

Modern & Comparative Lens

The concept of a “sacred night” is a feature of many religious traditions. The Islamic concept of “Laylatu al-Qadr” is unique in its specific connection to the revelation of a scripture and in its immense and quantified value (“better than a thousand months”). It is the ultimate and the most powerful of all possible focal points for the spiritual calendar of a Muslim. The search for this night in the last ten nights of Ramadan is the spiritual climax of the entire year.

Practical Reflection & Application

This verse is a direct and a powerful call to honor and to seek “Laylatu al-Qadr.” The practical application is to dedicate ourselves to worship during the last ten nights of Ramadan with a special and an increased effort. We should increase our prayers, our recitation of the Qur’an, our charity, and our supplications, with the sincere and the hopeful intention of catching this one, blessed night, a night whose value is greater than a lifetime.

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12. Mā adrāka (وَمَا أَدْرَاكَ) – And what can make you know?

Linguistic Root & Etymology

This is a rhetorical question. Mā is “what?” Adrāka (root: D-R-Y (د-ر-ي)) means “would make you know” or “would give you perception.”

The Arabic root is د-ر-ي.

• Morphology: This is a fixed rhetorical phrase. Mā (مَا) is the interrogative “what.” Adrāka (أَدْرَاكَ) is a Form IV verb from the root `darā` (to know through experience or perception), meaning “what could cause you to know/perceive?”
• Occurrences in Qur’an: The awe-inspiring phrase “wa mā adrāka mā…?” appears 13 times in the Qur’an. It is consistently used to introduce concepts of an otherworldly or unimaginable gravity, such as the Night of Decree, the Day of Judgment, or Hellfire.

This powerful rhetorical question serves to magnify the subject. By asking “And what could possibly make you know what Laylat al-Qadr is?”, the Qur’an is stating that the true reality and value of this night are so magnificent that they are beyond human comprehension. It creates a sense of awe and suspense, preparing the listener to receive the divine explanation that follows.

Classical Exegesis (Tafsir)

In Surah Al-Qadr (97:2), after the opening declaration about the Night of Power, this powerful question is posed. “And what can make you know what is the Night of Power?” The commentators explain that this is a common rhetorical device in the Qur’an that is used to create a sense of awe and to magnify the importance of the subject that is being discussed. The surah is saying that the reality of this “Night of Power” is so magnificent and so profound that the human mind, on its own, could never grasp its true nature and its true value. The surah then proceeds to give a divine description of some of its magnificent qualities.

Thematic Context

This connects to the theme of the surah as a call to a faith that is based on the divine revelation. The surah is highlighting the limits of human knowledge. The theme is that the true nature of the great spiritual realities can only be known through the divine clarification that comes through the revelation. The question and its subsequent answer are a perfect and a concise model of the entire process of divine teaching. It is a call to a state of humble and eager receptivity.

Modern & Comparative Lens

The use of a rhetorical question to build suspense and to magnify a subject is a universal literary device. The Qur’an’s use of the specific phrase “mā adrāka” is a recurring and a powerful one. It is a call to an intellectual and a spiritual humility. It is a reminder that there are realities in the spiritual realm whose true nature is far beyond our own limited human perception.

Practical Reflection & Application

This verse encourages us to approach the great realities of our faith with a sense of awe and a recognition of our own limited understanding. The practical application is to be grateful for the divine clarification that has been given to us in the Qur’an. We should study the descriptions of the Night of Power with a humble and a curious heart, knowing that we are being given a glimpse into a magnificent reality that we could have never “known” on our own.

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13. Malāʾikah (الْمَلَائِكَةُ) – The Angels

Linguistic Root & Etymology

The root is L-ʾ-K (ل-أ-ك), which means to send a message. A malak is a messenger, an angel. Al-Malāʾikah is the plural form.

The Arabic root is ل-أ-ك.

• Morphology: Al-Malāʾikah (الْمَلَائِكَةُ) is the plural of `malak` (مَلَك).
• Extended Semantic Range: The root signifies the act of sending on a mission or errand (`alaka`). The angels (`malā’ikah`) are thus the divine messengers who carry out God’s commands.
• Occurrences in Surah Al-Qadr and the Qur’an: The word `al-malā’ikah` appears once in Surah Al-Qadr. The root is common, appearing over 80 times in the Qur’an.

The descent of the `malā’ikah` is one of the key events of Laylat al-Qadr. It signifies that the entire night is filled with these blessed, unseen beings who descend with mercy, blessings, and the decrees of Allah. Their presence transforms the night into a moment of celestial celebration on Earth.

Classical Exegesis (Tafsir)

In Surah Al-Qadr (97:4), the surah states, “The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every affair.” The commentators explain that this is a description of one of the magnificent and unique blessings of the Night of Power. On this one night, a vast and an uncountable number of “angels,” led by the great “Spirit” (Gabriel), descend from the heavens to the earth. They descend with the blessings, the mercy, and the decrees of God. The earth, on this night, is filled with the presence of these noble and blessed celestial beings.

Thematic Context

This connects to the surah’s central theme of the Night of Power as a night of immense and active divine engagement with the world. The surah is a powerful rejection of a deistic God who is distant and uninvolved. The theme is that on this night, the heavens and the earth are in a special state of connection. The descent of the “angels” is a powerful and a beautiful symbol of this connection. It is a night when the unseen world and the seen world come together in a unique and a blessed way.

Modern & Comparative Lens

The concept of “angels” as messengers and as agents of the divine will is a central feature of the Abrahamic faiths. The Qur’an’s description of their “descent” on a specific night is a powerful and a unique one. It is a vision of a cosmos that is alive with a constant and a dynamic traffic between the heavens and the earth. It is a powerful statement on the intimate and the active relationship between the celestial and the terrestrial realms.

Practical Reflection & Application

This verse should fill our hearts with a sense of the immense and the blessed nature of the Night of Power. It is a night when we are in the company of the “angels.” The practical application is to strive to be in a state that is worthy of this noble company. We should spend the last ten nights of Ramadan in a state of worship, of purity, and of the remembrance of God, with the hopeful and the beautiful awareness that we are surrounded by the blessed and the merciful presence of the “angels” of our Lord.

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14. Maṭlaʿi l-Fajr (مَطْلَعِ الْفَجْرِ) – The emergence of the dawn

Linguistic Root & Etymology

Maṭlaʿ is the time or place of rising. Al-Fajr is the dawn.

The root for `Maṭlaʿ` is Ṭ-L-ʿ (ط-ل-ع) and for `Fajr` is F-J-R (ف-ج-ر).

• Morphology: `Maṭlaʿ` (مَطْلَع) is a noun of time/place from the verb `ṭalaʿa` (to rise). It means “the time of rising.”
• Occurrences in Surah Al-Qadr and the Qur’an: This full phrase is unique to Surah Al-Qadr.

This phrase provides the specific and definitive endpoint for the peace of Laylat al-Qadr. It emphasizes that the entirety of the night, from dusk to first light, is saturated with this divine peace.

Classical Exegesis (Tafsir)

In the final verse of Surah Al-Qadr (97:5), the duration of the peace of the Night of Power is described. “Peace it is until the emergence of the dawn.” The commentators explain that the special blessings, the descent of the angels, and the profound state of “peace” (salām) of this night are not just a fleeting moment. They are a continuous reality that extends throughout the entire night, from the sunset until the “emergence of the dawn.” The “dawn” is the final and the concluding boundary of this blessed time.

Thematic Context

This connects to the surah’s central theme of the complete and the perfect nature of the blessing of this night. The surah has described the immense value and the magnificent events of this night. This final verse is a statement of the beautiful and the complete duration of its peace. The theme is one of a perfect and an all-encompassing mercy. The night is a complete and a total sanctuary of peace, from its beginning to its beautiful end at the “dawn.”

Modern & Comparative Lens

The “dawn” is a universal and a timeless symbol of hope, of renewal, and of new beginnings. The Qur’an’s use of the “dawn” as the end-point of this night of peace is a beautiful and a powerful one. It is as if the peace of the sacred night is the spiritual provision that prepares the believer for the new day and the new beginning that comes with the “dawn.”

Practical Reflection & Application

This verse is a call to make the most of the entire Night of Power, from its beginning to its very end. The practical application is to strive to be in a state of worship and of seeking the peace of our Lord throughout the last ten nights of Ramadan, until the very “emergence of the dawn.” It is a call to not grow tired in the last hours of the night, as these are a part of the blessed time in which the peace and the mercy of God are descending.

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15. Qadr (الْقَدْرِ) – The Power / The Decree

Linguistic Root & Etymology

The root is Q-D-R (ق-د-ر). Al-Qadr is a rich term with a dual meaning. It means “power” and “honor,” signifying a night of immense and honored status. It also means “decree,” signifying the night on which the decrees for the coming year are sent down.

The Arabic root is ق-د-ر.

• Morphology: Al-Qadr (الْقَدْر) is a verbal noun (masdar).
• Extended Semantic Range: The root `qadara` means to measure, to decree, or to have power over something. `Qadr` thus means: 1) Power/Status (`maqdirah`), as in a night of great honor. 2) Decree/Measure (`taqdīr`), as in the night when the measures for the year are set. Both meanings are intended.
• Occurrences in Surah Al-Qadr and the Qur’an: The word `al-Qadr` appears 4 times in Surah Al-Qadr. The root is very common, appearing over 130 times.

This is the central concept and namesake of the surah. The name is divinely chosen to be comprehensive. It is the Night of immeasurable `Qadr` (Honor) because the Qur’an was revealed in it, and worship in it is better than a thousand months. It is also the Night of `Qadr` (Decree) because the angels descend with the divine decrees for the coming year.

Classical Exegesis (Tafsir)

This is the central concept of the surah and its namesake. “Indeed, We sent it down on the Night of Power.” The commentators have marveled at the beauty of the dual meaning of its name. It is the “Night of Power” because of its immense honor and the great power of the worship performed within it. It is the “Night of Decree” because it is the night when the angels descend with the decrees for the coming year. Both meanings are intended and are inextricably linked. The surah’s repetitive question, “And what can make you know what is the Night of Power?”, is designed to highlight its magnificent and incomprehensible nature.

Thematic Context

The “Night of Power” is the central and the single theme of the entire surah. The surah is a complete and a perfect celebration of this one night. The theme is that this night has been made the most blessed of all possible times because of the single, momentous event that occurred within it: the descent of the Qur’an. The honor of the time is a direct reflection of the honor of the event. The surah is a call to recognize, to honor, and to seek out this magnificent night.

Modern & Comparative Lens

The concept of a “sacred night” is a feature of many religious traditions. The Islamic concept of “Laylatu al-Qadr” is unique in its specific connection to the revelation of a scripture and in its immense and quantified value (“better than a thousand months”). It is the ultimate and the most powerful of all possible focal points for the spiritual calendar of a Muslim. The search for this night in the last ten nights of Ramadan is the spiritual climax of the entire year.

Practical Reflection & Application

This verse is a direct and a powerful call to honor and to seek “Laylatu al-Qadr.” The practical application is to dedicate ourselves to worship during the last ten nights of Ramadan with a special and an increased effort. We should increase our prayers, our recitation of the Qur’an, our charity, and our supplications, with the sincere and the hopeful intention of catching this one, blessed night, a night whose value is greater than a lifetime.

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16. Rabbihim (رَبِّهِم) – Their Lord

Linguistic Root & Etymology

Rabb is the Lord, Cherisher, and Sustainer. Him is the suffix “their.”

The root for `Rabb` is R-B-B (ر-ب-ب).

• Morphology: `Rabbihim` (رَبِّهِم) is the noun `Rabb` (Lord) with the third-person plural possessive suffix `-him`.
• Extended Semantic Range: `Rabb` implies a nurturing master who lovingly guides His creation.
• Occurrences in Qur’an: The root `R-B-B` is extremely common, appearing over 970 times.

The verse states that the angels act “by the permission of their Lord (`Rabbihim`).” This highlights the angels’ perfect subservience and their relationship to God as their loving and commanding Master. It reinforces that all the magnificent events of the night are under the complete and perfect control of the `Rabb` of all creation.

Classical Exegesis (Tafsir)

In Surah Al-Qadr (97:4), the surah states that the angels and the Spirit descend “by the permission of their Lord.” The commentators explain that the use of the title “their Lord” (Rabb) in this context is a significant one. It highlights the relationship of loving and nurturing care that God has with His angels. They are the obedient servants of their “Lord,” the one who has created them, who sustains them, and who commands them. Their descent is a direct and an obedient response to the command of their loving Master.

Thematic Context

This connects to the surah’s theme of the perfect and the orderly nature of the divine kingdom. The surah is a picture of a perfectly administered cosmos. The theme is that the angels are not just impersonal forces; they are conscious and obedient servants who are in a direct and a submissive relationship with “their Lord.” The entire magnificent event of the Night of Power is a manifestation of the perfect and the harmonious functioning of the kingdom of the “Lord.”

Modern & Comparative Lens

The concept of God as the “Lord” is a central one in the Abrahamic faiths. The Arabic term “Rabb” is a particularly rich and a comprehensive one. It is not just a master, but also a loving caretaker and a guide. It is a relational term that is at the very heart of the Qur’an’s theology. It establishes a relationship that is based not just on power, but also on love, care, and a benevolent providence.

Practical Reflection & Application

This verse, in describing the relationship between the angels and “their Lord,” is a model for our own relationship with Him. The practical application is to strive to be a servant who is in a constant state of loving and obedient submission to our own “Lord.” We should be among those who do not act except by His “permission,” and who find their greatest honor in fulfilling the commands of their loving and nurturing “Rabb.”

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17. Rūḥ (الرُّوحُ) – The Spirit

Linguistic Root & Etymology

The root is R-W-Ḥ (ر-و-ح), meaning spirit, breath, or inspiration.

The Arabic root is ر-و-ح.

• Morphology: Ar-Rūḥ (الرُّوح) is a noun for spirit.
• Extended Semantic Range: The root signifies `rūḥ` (spirit), `rīḥ` (wind), and `rāḥah` (rest/comfort). It relates to the unseen, life-giving, and moving forces.
• Occurrences in Surah Al-Qadr and the Qur’an: The word `Ar-Rūḥ` appears once in Surah Al-Qadr. The root appears about 57 times. `Ar-Rūḥ` in the Qur’an can refer to the human soul, the divine inspiration, Jesus, and, most frequently, the Archangel Gabriel.

In this surah, `Ar-Rūḥ` is singled out from the angels to emphasize his supreme honor and importance. The consensus of scholars is that this refers to the Archangel Gabriel (`Jibrīl`), the very angel who brought down the Qur’an. His personal descent on this night, leading the angelic hosts, highlights the night’s immense significance and its direct connection to the act of revelation.

Classical Exegesis (Tafsir)

In Surah Al-Qadr (97:4), the surah states, “The angels and the Spirit descend therein…” The commentators are in unanimous agreement that “the Spirit” here refers to the Archangel Gabriel (Jibrīl). He is mentioned separately from the other angels, even though he is one of them, as a sign of his immense honor and his high and special station. He is the leader of the angelic host and the great ambassador of the divine revelation. His personal “descent” on this night is a sign of its unique and unparalleled importance.

Thematic Context

This connects to the surah’s central theme of the majestic and the magnificent nature of the Night of Power. The surah is a description of a great and a cosmic event. The theme is that this night is so important that not only do the angels descend, but their great leader, “the Spirit,” descends as well. The presence of the very angel who brought down the Qur’an on this night is a powerful and a beautiful sign of its continuous and its living blessing.

Modern & Comparative Lens

The concept of “the Spirit” is a central and a profound one in all the Abrahamic traditions. In Islam, “ar-Rūḥ” most often refers to the Angel Gabriel, the Spirit of revelation. The surah’s depiction of his “descent” on this night is a powerful statement of his ongoing and his active relationship with the community of the believers. He is not just a figure of the past; he is a living and a present reality on this one, blessed night.

Practical Reflection & Application

This verse should fill our hearts with a profound sense of awe for the majesty and the blessing of the Night of Power. It is a night when we are in the company of the greatest of all the angels, “the Spirit.” The practical application is to be in a state that is worthy of this magnificent and honored guest. We should spend the night in a state of purity, of worship, and of the remembrance of God, with the hopeful and the beautiful awareness that we are in the presence of the very “Spirit” of the revelation itself.

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18. Salāmun (سَلَامٌ) – Peace

Linguistic Root & Etymology

The root is S-L-M (س-ل-م), which means peace, safety, and submission. Salām is peace.

The Arabic root is س-ل-م.

• Morphology: Salām (سَلَام) is a verbal noun meaning peace or safety.
• Extended Semantic Range: This is a foundational root in Islam. It gives us `Islām` (submission which leads to peace), `Muslim` (one who submits), `salāmah` (safety), and is used as a greeting.
• Occurrences in Surah Al-Qadr and the Qur’an: The word `salām` appears once in Surah Al-Qadr. The root is extremely common, appearing over 140 times.

The surah concludes by defining the very essence of the night as `Salām`. The grammatical structure (`Salāmun hiya`) emphasizes this, meaning “It is *nothing but* peace.” This peace is comprehensive: it is safety from evil and harm, it is the angels giving `salām` to the believers, and it is the divine decrees of goodness and peace that descend. The entire night is a sanctuary of divine peace.

Classical Exegesis (Tafsir)

In the final verse of Surah Al-Qadr (97:5), a definitive statement is made about the nature of this night. “Peace it is (salāmun hiya) until the emergence of the dawn.” The commentators have explained that the “peace” of this night is a comprehensive one. It is a night in which the believers are safe from all evils and harms. It is a night in which the angels are descending and are giving the salutations of “peace” to the worshippers. It is a night in which the decrees that are sent down are decrees of “peace” and of goodness. The very essence of this night, from its beginning to its end, is a state of pure, unadulterated, and all-encompassing “peace.”

Thematic Context

This is the beautiful and the perfect conclusion to the surah. The surah has described the immense power and the honor of this night. It now describes its essential quality. The theme is one of a perfect and an all-encompassing mercy. The night is a complete and a total sanctuary of “peace.” It is a divine and a merciful respite from the struggles and the anxieties of the worldly life.

Modern & Comparative Lens

The human search for “peace” is the ultimate and the most universal of all human quests. This verse is a powerful and a direct Qur’anic statement on this. It asserts that there is a time in the sacred calendar when the world is filled with a tangible and a divine “peace.” It is a beautiful and a profound vision of a moment of perfect and cosmic harmony.

Practical Reflection & Application

This verse is a direct and a beautiful invitation to seek out this divine “peace.” The practical application is to strive to be in a state of worship during the last ten nights of Ramadan, with the sincere hope of catching this one, special night. It is a call to open our hearts to the “peace” that is descending upon the world, and to allow that peace to enter our souls and to remain with us for the rest of the year.

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19. Shahr (شَهْرٍ) – A month

Linguistic Root & Etymology

The root is SH-H-R (ش-ه-ر), which means to be famous or visible. A shahr is a month, so named because of the “fame” or “visibility” (shuhrah) of the new moon that marks its beginning.

The Arabic root is ش-ه-ر.

• Morphology: `Shahr` (شَهْر) is a noun for a month.
• Occurrences in Surah Al-Qadr and the Qur’an: The word `shahr` appears twice in Surah Al-Qadr (as part of `alfi shahr`). The root appears about 21 times in the Qur’an.

The `shahr` (month) is the unit of time used to measure the immense value of Laylat al-Qadr. The declaration that this one night is better than a thousand of these units provides a tangible, though almost unbelievable, metric for its worth.

Classical Exegesis (Tafsir)

In Surah Al-Qadr (97:3), a stunning statement of value is made about the Night of Power: “The Night of Power is better than a thousand months.” The commentators explain that this is a statement of its immense and incomparable spiritual value. The worship performed on this single night is “better” in its reward than the worship performed over “a thousand months” (which is over 83 years) that do not contain this night. This is a magnificent and an unparalleled gift of mercy from God to this Ummah.

Thematic Context

This connects to the surah’s central theme of the immense honor and the blessing of the Night of Power. The surah is a call to recognize the unique and the unparalleled value of this night. The theme is one of a divine and a merciful “spiritual shortcut.” God, in His grace, has given the community of the Prophet Muhammad a single night in which they can earn a reward that is greater than a lifetime of worship. This is a direct result of the great blessing that was sent down on that night: the Qur’an.

Modern & Comparative Lens

The concept of a “sacred time” that has a special and a concentrated spiritual value is a feature of many religious traditions. The Islamic concept of the Night of Power is a particularly powerful and a specific one. The number “a thousand” in classical Arabic can also be used to denote a countless and an immeasurable multitude, suggesting that the value of this night is, in fact, incalculably great. It is a night of infinite spiritual possibility.

Practical Reflection & Application

This verse is a direct and a powerful motivation for us to seek out the Night of Power. The practical application is to dedicate ourselves to worship during the last ten nights of Ramadan with a special and an increased effort. We should be like a wise merchant who knows that on one of these nights, there is a spiritual “market” where the profits are greater than a lifetime of normal trade. It is a call to seize this unmissable and life-changing spiritual opportunity.

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20. Tanazzalu (تَنَزَّلُ) – They descend

Linguistic Root & Etymology

The root is N-Z-L (ن-ز-ل), which means to descend. The verb tanazzalu (Form V) is an intensive form, meaning to descend in succession or in great numbers.

The Arabic root is ن-ز-ل.

• Morphology: Tanazzalu (تَنَزَّلُ) is a Form V imperfect tense verb. The Form V pattern (`tafaʿʿala`) often implies a repetitive, continuous, or intensive action.
• Extended Semantic Range: While `anzala` (Form IV) means to send down all at once, `tanazzala` (or `nazzala`, Form II) implies a descent that happens in stages, repeatedly, or in great numbers.
• Occurrences in Surah Al-Qadr and the Qur’an: The root appears twice in Surah Al-Qadr (`anzalnāhu` and `tanazzalu`). It is a core root, appearing over 290 times.

The choice of the verb `tanazzalu` for the angels is deliberate. It conveys that their descent is not a single, instantaneous event. Rather, they descend continuously throughout the night, in vast and successive waves, filling the earth with their blessed presence from sunset until dawn.

Classical Exegesis (Tafsir)

In Surah Al-Qadr (97:4), the surah states, “The angels and the Spirit descend therein…” The commentators explain that the use of the intensive verb “tanazzalu” signifies that the descent of the angels on this night is not a small affair. They “descend” continuously and in vast, uncountable numbers, filling the space between the heavens and the earth. This magnificent and continuous descent is one of the unique and special blessings of this one, single night.

Thematic Context

This connects to the surah’s central theme of the majestic and the magnificent nature of the Night of Power. The surah is a description of a great and a cosmic event. The theme is that this night is so important that the angelic host “descends” to the earth in its entirety. The earth, on this night, becomes a place of celestial and divine celebration. It is a night when the unseen world and the seen world come together in a unique and a blessed way.

Modern & Comparative Lens

The concept of a special time when the “heavens are open” or when the celestial and the terrestrial realms are in a state of close communion is a central feature of the mystical experience in many traditions. This verse is a powerful and a beautiful Qur’anic description of this. It is a vision of a cosmos that is alive with a constant and a dynamic traffic between the heavens and the earth.

Practical Reflection & Application

This verse should fill our hearts with a sense of the immense and the blessed nature of the Night of Power. It is a night when the angels are “descending” all around us. The practical application is to strive to be in a state that is worthy of this noble company. We should spend the last ten nights of Ramadan in a state of worship, of purity, and of the remembrance of God, with the hopeful and the beautiful awareness that we are surrounded by the blessed and the merciful presence of the angels of our Lord.