Once I went to Abu- Sa`id Al-Khudri and asked him, "Won't you come with us to the date-palm trees to have a talk?" So Abu Sa`id went out and I asked him, "Tell me what you heard from the Prophet (ﷺ) about the Night of Qadr." Abu Sa`id replied, "Once Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) performed I`tikaf (seclusion) on the first ten days of the month of Ramadan and we did the same with him. Gabriel came to him and said, 'The night you are looking for is ahead of you.' So the Prophet (ﷺ) performed the I`tikaf in the middle (second) ten days of the month of Ramadan and we too performed I`tikaf with him. Gabriel came to him and said, 'The night which you are looking for is ahead of you.' In the morning of the 20th of Ramadan the Prophet (ﷺ) delivered a sermon saying, 'Whoever has performed I`tikaf with me should continue it. I have been shown the Night of "Qadr", but have forgotten its date, but it is in the odd nights of the last ten nights. I saw in my dream that I was prostrating in mud and water.' In those days the roof of the mosque was made of branches of date-palm trees. At that time the sky was clear and no cloud was visible, but suddenly a cloud came and it rained. The Prophet (ﷺ) led us in the prayer and I saw the traces of mud on the forehead and on the nose of Allah's Messenger (ﷺ). So it was the confirmation of that dream."
The Excellence of Seeking Laylat al-Qadr
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari demonstrates the profound importance the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) placed upon seeking Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree). His persistent I'tikaf (seclusion) across different segments of Ramadan shows this night is not easily granted; it must be earnestly sought through dedicated worship and spiritual retreat.
Divine Guidance Through Dreams
The Prophet's dream of prostrating in mud and water was a divine sign from Allah. Scholars explain such true dreams are a form of revelation for prophets. The subsequent rainfall and physical evidence of mud on the Prophet's forehead confirmed the dream's authenticity, demonstrating how Allah guides His servants through various means when they sincerely seek His pleasure.
Wisdom in Concealing the Exact Night
Allah in His infinite wisdom caused the Prophet to forget the exact date, confining it to the odd nights of Ramadan's last ten days. This divine concealment encourages believers to intensify worship throughout these precious nights rather than limiting their efforts to a single night, thereby multiplying their rewards and spiritual growth.
The Practice of I'tikaf
This hadith establishes the Sunnah of performing I'tikaf during Ramadan's last ten days. The Companions' immediate compliance with the Prophet's instruction to continue their seclusion exemplifies the importance of following prophetic guidance without hesitation. I'tikaf serves to disconnect from worldly affairs and fully devote oneself to Allah's remembrance.
The Symbolism of Mud and Water
Classical commentators interpret the mud and water as symbols of humility and purity. Just as water cleanses physical impurities, the blessings of Laylat al-Qadr purify spiritual stains. The mud represents the believer's complete submission and humility before the Almighty, demonstrating that true worship requires both spiritual purity and physical humility.