God’s messenger spent the first ten nights of Ramadan in devotion, and spent the middle ten nights in devotion in a round Turkish tent, after which he raised his head and said, “I have spent the first ten nights in devotion seeking this night, then I spent the middle ten nights in devotion, and after that I had a heavenly visitant and was told that it is in the last ten, so he who has engaged in devotion along with me should do so during the last ten nights, for I was shown this nights, then was caused to forget it, but I have seen myself prostrating in water and clay on the morning following, so seek it among the last ten and seek it in every night with an odd number.” He said: Rain fell that night, the mosque which was a thatched building dripped, and my eyes saw God’s messenger with traces of water and clay on his forehead on the morning after the twenty-first night. Bukhari and Muslim agree on the subject-matter, the wording being Muslim's up to “and was told it is it the last ten”, the remainder being Bukhari's. In the version of ‘Abdallah b. Unais he said it was the twenty-third night.Muslim transmitted it.
Commentary on the Night of Decree
This narration from Mishkat al-Masabih (2086, 2087) reveals profound wisdom regarding Laylat al-Qadr. The Prophet's gradual search demonstrates that spiritual rewards increase through persistent worship. His initial devotion in the first ten nights establishes the foundation, while intensified worship in the middle ten prepares the heart for divine reception.
Divine Guidance Through Dreams
The heavenly visitant directing the Prophet to the final ten nights illustrates Allah's mercy in guiding His servants to optimal times for worship. The subsequent dream showing prostration in water and clay serves as a celestial sign, confirming the night's occurrence during rainy conditions.
Practical Implementation
The instruction to seek Laylat al-Qadr in the odd-numbered nights of Ramadan's final decade provides a structured approach while maintaining an element of divine mystery. This encourages continuous worship throughout these blessed nights rather than focusing on a single night.
Historical Verification
The physical evidence of water and clay on the Prophet's forehead on the twenty-first morning serves as tangible confirmation for the companions. This meticulous recording of details underscores the authenticity of Islamic transmission and provides practical identifiers for recognizing this blessed night.