"I said to Ubayy bin Ka'b: 'O Abu Al-Mundhir! How do you know that it is the night of the twenty-seventh?' He said: 'Rather, the Messenger of Allah informed us that it is a night (after which) the sun rises without rays, so we counted and we remembered it. By Allah! Ibn Mas'ud learned that it is in Ramadan and that it is the nigh of the twenty-seventh, but he did not want to inform you lest you would depend on it."
The Book on Fasting - Jami' at-Tirmidhi
Hadith Reference: Jami` at-Tirmidhi 793
Hadith Commentary
This narration from Ubayy bin Ka'b (may Allah be pleased with him) addresses the identification of Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree). The wisdom of the Prophet (peace be upon him) in describing its sign—the sun rising without rays—demonstrates divine guidance in recognizing this blessed night without explicit disclosure.
Ibn Mas'ud's caution reflects profound scholarly insight: concealing the precise date prevents reliance on a single night and encourages worship throughout Ramadan's last ten nights. This aligns with the Quranic wisdom of keeping Laylat al-Qadr's exact timing concealed (Surah al-Qadr), motivating believers to increased devotion and seeking divine pleasure through sustained effort.
The methodology of the Companions—combining Prophetic instruction with practical observation—exemplifies proper Islamic learning. Their careful counting and preservation of this knowledge, while being mindful of its potential misuse, provides a balanced approach to religious matters that scholars throughout generations have emulated.