The Excellence of Seeking Laylat al-Qadr

This noble hadith from the Mother of the Believers, 'A'isha (may Allah be pleased with her), contains profound guidance regarding the most blessed night in the Islamic calendar - Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree).

Scholarly Interpretation of "Old Number Nights"

The phrase "old number night" (al-witr) refers to the odd-numbered nights within the last ten days of Ramadan. The scholars have differed in specifying which exact night, with the majority opinion favoring the 27th night due to numerous supporting narrations.

Imam al-Nawawi explains that "al-witr" here means the odd nights: 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, and 29th. This ambiguity in precise identification is divinely intended to encourage increased worship throughout these blessed nights.

Wisdom Behind the Concealment

Allah in His infinite wisdom concealed the exact night to motivate believers to intensify their devotion during all the last ten nights. This mirrors the wisdom behind concealing the hour of answered prayer on Friday and the special hour during the night.

Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani notes that this concealment serves to test the sincerity of worshippers and reward those who exert themselves in seeking this noble night through persistent devotion.

Practical Implementation

The Prophet's guidance teaches us to particularly focus on the odd nights while maintaining worship throughout the final ten nights. Recommended acts include: standing in night prayer (qiyam), reciting Quran, making abundant supplication, giving charity, and seeking forgiveness.

The most authentic supplication for this night, as taught by 'A'isha, is: "Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul-'afwa fa'fu 'anni" (O Allah, You are Pardoning and love pardon, so pardon me).

Spiritual Significance

Laylat al-Qadr is better than a thousand months of worship. The Quran descended during this night, and Allah decrees all matters of the coming year. The seeker of this night demonstrates ultimate faith in Allah's promise and shows determination in attaining divine proximity.

As Imam al-Ghazali states, the one who finds Laylat al-Qadr in true worship has attained the ultimate spiritual treasure of Ramadan - the forgiveness of all past sins and the spiritual transformation that leads to eternal success.