Ibn ‘Abbas reported the Prophet as saying, “Seek lailat al-qadr in the last ten nights of Ramadan, on the twenty-first, twenty-third and twenty-fifth.” Bukhari transmitted it.
The Excellence of Seeking Laylat al-Qadr
The noble hadith from Ibn 'Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, directs believers to intensify their worship during the last ten nights of Ramadan, specifically highlighting the odd nights of the twenty-first, twenty-third, and twenty-fifth. This guidance from the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, emphasizes the importance of these particular nights for attaining the blessings of Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree).
Scholarly Commentary on the Specified Nights
Imam al-Nawawi, in his commentary on Sahih Muslim, explains that the Prophet's specification of these particular odd nights indicates their special merit while not excluding the possibility of Laylat al-Qadr occurring on other odd nights. The wisdom behind this variation is to encourage believers to worship throughout the last ten nights rather than limiting their efforts to a single night.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani, in Fath al-Bari, notes that the mention of specific nights in different narrations serves to motivate continuous worship. The twenty-first, twenty-third, and twenty-fifth are emphasized here, while other authentic traditions mention the twenty-seventh and twenty-ninth, demonstrating that Laylat al-Qadr rotates among the odd nights to reward those who consistently engage in worship.
Practical Implementation for the Believer
The classical scholars advise increasing one's devotion through additional prayers (particularly the night prayer), recitation of the Qur'an, supplication (du'a), seeking forgiveness (istighfar), and giving charity during these blessed nights. One should particularly focus on the supplication taught by the Prophet: "Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa'fu 'anni" (O Allah, You are Pardoning and love to pardon, so pardon me).
The wisdom behind concealing the exact night, according to Imam al-Ghazali, is to test the sincerity of worshippers and encourage them to exert maximum effort throughout all the last ten nights, thereby increasing their spiritual rewards and strengthening their connection with Allah through consistent devotion.