Abu Bakra said he heard God’s messenger say, “Seek it (meaning lailat al-qadr), on the twenty-first, twenty-third, twenty-fifth, twentyseventh, or on the last night.” Tirmidhi transmitted it.
Exegesis of the Hadith on Seeking Laylat al-Qadr
This tradition from Abu Bakra, recorded in Mishkat al-Masabih 2092, provides specific guidance on seeking the Night of Decree (Laylat al-Qadr) during Ramadan's final ten nights.
Scholarly Interpretation of the Specified Nights
The Prophet's instruction to seek Laylat al-Qadr on odd-numbered nights (21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th) reflects divine wisdom in concealing its exact timing, encouraging sustained worship throughout Ramadan's conclusion.
Classical scholars note that mentioning multiple possibilities preserves the night's sanctified ambiguity while directing believers toward periods of heightened spiritual potential.
Legal and Spiritual Implications
This hadith establishes the recommended practice (mustahabb) of intensified devotion during these specified nights through prayer, Quran recitation, and supplication.
The inclusion of "the last night" demonstrates comprehensive guidance, ensuring believers maintain spiritual vigilance until Ramadan's very conclusion.
Harmonization with Other Narrations
Scholars reconcile this with other hadiths mentioning different odd nights by concluding that Laylat al-Qadr shifts annually within the last ten nights, encouraging consistent worship throughout this blessed period.