I asked Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri, "Did you hear Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) talking about the Night of Qadr?" He replied in the affirmative and said, "Once we were in I`tikaf with Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) in the middle ten days of (Ramadan) and we came out of it in the morning of the twentieth, and Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)delivered a sermon on the 20th (of Ramadan) and said, 'I was informed (of the date) of the Night of Qadr (in my dream) but had forgotten it. So, look for it in the odd nights of the last ten nights of the month of Ramadan. I saw myself prostrating in mud and water on that night (as a sign of the Night of Qadr). So, whoever had been in I`tikaf with Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) should return for it.' The people returned to the mosque (for I`tikaf). There was no trace of clouds in the sky. But all of a sudden a cloud came and it rained. Then the prayer was established (they stood for the prayer) and Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) prostrated in mud and water and I saw mud over the forehead and the nose of the Prophet.
Retiring to a Mosque for Remembrance of Allah (I'tikaf)
Sahih al-Bukhari - Hadith 2036
The Excellence of I'tikaf During Ramadan
I'tikaf, or spiritual retreat in the mosque, is a highly recommended practice during Ramadan, particularly in the last ten nights when the Night of Decree (Laylat al-Qadr) is sought. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his companions would seclude themselves in the mosque, devoting themselves entirely to worship, remembrance of Allah, and seeking this blessed night.
The Search for Laylat al-Qadr
The Prophet (ﷺ) initially instructed his companions to seek Laylat al-Qadr in the middle ten nights of Ramadan. However, through divine inspiration in a dream, he was informed of its exact date but later forgot it—a wisdom from Allah to encourage increased worship throughout the last ten nights. He then guided the Ummah to seek it specifically in the odd-numbered nights of the last ten days (21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, and 29th).
The Sign of Prostration in Mud and Water
The Prophet (ﷺ) was given a tangible sign for Laylat al-Qadr: he saw himself prostrating in mud and water. This vision was miraculously fulfilled when, despite clear skies, rain suddenly fell, creating the exact conditions he had foreseen. This demonstrates how Allah confirms His signs to His Messenger and validates his prophethood.
The Flexibility in Religious Guidance
When new revelation or divine inspiration came, the Prophet (ﷺ) immediately acted upon it and instructed his companions accordingly. His command for those who had been in I'tikaf to return to the mosque shows the importance of adapting to new religious guidance and the collective effort in seeking Laylat al-Qadr.
The Companions' Obedience and Eagerness
The immediate response of the companions—returning to the mosque without hesitation—exemplifies their perfect faith and obedience to the Prophet's teachings. Their actions serve as a model for Muslims to prioritize religious obligations and respond promptly to opportunities for increased worship and divine reward.