I heard from Ubayy b. Ka'b a statement made by 'Abdullah b. Mas'ud in which he said: He who gets up for prayer (every night) during the year will hit upon Lailat-ul-Qadr. Ubayy said: By Allah I there is no god but He, that (Lailat-ul-Qadr) is in Ramadhan (He swore without reservation: ) By Allah, I know the night; it is the night on which the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) commanded us to pray. It is that which precedes the morning of twenty-seventy and its indication is that the sun rises bright on that day without rays.
The Excellence of Night Prayer
This narration from Ubayy ibn Ka'b, transmitted through the esteemed authority of Sahih Muslim, illuminates the profound virtue of Qiyam al-Layl (night prayer). Ibn Mas'ud's statement establishes that consistent devotion throughout the year increases one's likelihood of encountering Laylat al-Qadr, demonstrating that spiritual rewards are proportionate to one's effort and consistency in worship.
The Certainty of Laylat al-Qadr's Timing
Ubayy ibn Ka'b's emphatic oath "By Allah, there is no god but He" underscores the absolute certainty of this knowledge among the Companions. His unwavering affirmation that Laylat al-Qadr occurs specifically in Ramadan reflects the clarity of prophetic instruction received by the Sahaba.
The identification of the 27th night stems from direct prophetic command, showing that this knowledge was not based on personal reasoning but on divine revelation. This specific timing provides focus for believers while maintaining the wisdom of seeking the Night of Decree throughout the last ten nights.
The Divine Sign of Laylat al-Qadr
The remarkable description of the sun rising "without rays" on the following morning serves as a celestial confirmation. Scholars explain this as the sun appearing unusually mild and radiant without the customary sharp beams, symbolizing the peace and tranquility that descends during this blessed night until the break of dawn.
This physical manifestation serves both as a reward for those who worshipped and as a sign confirming the occurrence of Laylat al-Qadr, blending spiritual experience with tangible reality in accordance with Allah's wisdom.
Legal and Spiritual Implications
This hadith establishes the immense reward for night prayer throughout the year, with special emphasis on Ramadan. The concentration of effort during the last ten nights, particularly the 27th, follows the prophetic practice while maintaining the comprehensive approach to worship.
The narration demonstrates the Companions' meticulous preservation of prophetic teachings and their unwavering certainty in matters of religion, providing Muslims with clear guidance in seeking this most blessed night of the Islamic calendar.