I asked Abu Sa`id, and he was a friend of mine, (about the Night of Qadr) and he said, "We practiced I`tikaf (seclusion in the mosque) in the middle third of the month of Ramadan with the Prophet (ﷺ) . In the morning of the 20th of Ramadan, the Prophet (ﷺ) came and addressed us and said, 'I was informed of (the date of the Night of Qadr) but I was caused to forget it; so search for it in the odd nights of the last ten nights of the month of Ramadan. (In the dream) I saw myself prostrating in mud and water (as a sign). So, whoever was in I`tikaf with me should return to it with me (for another 10-day's period)', and we returned. At that time there was no sign of clouds in the sky but suddenly a cloud came and it rained till rainwater started leaking through the roof of the mosque which was made of date-palm leaf stalks. Then the prayer was established and I saw Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) prostrating in mud and water and I saw the traces of mud on his forehead."
Virtues of the Night of Qadr
Sahih al-Bukhari - Hadith 2016
The Search for Laylat al-Qadr
The Prophet's instruction to seek the Night of Decree in the odd nights of Ramadan's last ten days demonstrates divine wisdom. Though the exact date was revealed to him, the forgetting was divinely ordained to encourage sustained worship throughout these blessed nights.
This approach cultivates continuous devotion rather than concentrating worship on a single night, thereby increasing rewards and spiritual purification for the believers who diligently search for this holiest of nights.
The Significance of I'tikaf
The practice of I'tikaf (spiritual retreat) during the last ten days exemplifies complete devotion to worship. The Companions' immediate return for additional seclusion upon the Prophet's command shows their unwavering commitment to seeking Allah's pleasure.
This extension of I'tikaf emphasizes the special merit of these concluding nights and the importance of dedicating oneself entirely to worship during this sacred period.
Divine Confirmation Through Vision
The Prophet's vision of prostrating in mud and water, followed by its literal manifestation, serves as a miraculous sign confirming the authenticity of his guidance. This tangible fulfillment reinforces the certainty of his prophethood and the truth of his teachings.
The mud on the Prophet's forehead becomes a physical testament to the reality of divine communication and the truthfulness of his mission, strengthening the faith of the Companions and all subsequent believers.
Scholarly Commentary on Timing
Classical scholars deduce from this narration that Laylat al-Qadr shifts among the odd nights of the last ten days, with many emphasizing the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, and 29th nights. This divine arrangement ensures continuous worship throughout these blessed nights.
The wisdom behind concealing the exact night encourages believers to increase their worship throughout all these nights, thereby maximizing their spiritual rewards and drawing closer to Allah through sustained devotion.