What is the name of the night the Qur'an was revealed?

Answer Details

The Qur'an was first revealed on Laylat al-Qadr, meaning "The Night of Power" or "The Night of Decree." This is confirmed in the Qur'an itself: Surah Al-Qadr (97:1) states, "Indeed, We sent it [the Qur'an] down during the Night of Decree." Similarly, Surah Al-Dukhan (44:3) states, "Indeed, We sent it down during a blessed night."

Laylat al-Qadr occurs during the last ten nights of Ramadan, and the Qur'an describes it as "better than a thousand months" (97:3), meaning worship on this single night is more valuable than worship over a thousand months. The Prophet (peace be upon him) encouraged Muslims to seek it in the odd-numbered nights of the last ten days of Ramadan.

The other nights have different significance. Laylat al-Miraj is the night of the Prophet's ascension to the heavens, during which the five daily prayers were prescribed. Laylat al-Tahajjud is not a specific historical night but refers to the time of voluntary night prayers. Laylat al-Bara'ah (the Night of Salvation) is observed in the middle of the month of Sha'ban and is associated with forgiveness.