Surah Al-Qadr: Meaning, Translation, and Tafsir of Surah 97

Quick answer: Surah Al-Qadr is the 97th surah of the Quran. It has 5 short verses and was revealed in Makkah according to most scholars. It says Allah sent down the Quran on the Night of Qadr (the Night of Power), that this night is better than a thousand months, that the angels and the Spirit descend in it, and that it is peace until dawn.

Note: This page explains the surah itself. For the dates and acts of worship of the night, read our guide to Laylat al-Qadr (Shab-e-Qadr). For the meaning of divine decree (taqdeer), read Qadr: Divine Decree in Islam.

Surah Al-Qadr at a Glance

• Names: Al-Qadr (the Power or the Decree)
• Number: 97, in Juz 30
• Verses: 5
• Revealed in: Makkah according to most scholars (some say Madinah)
• Main theme: The honour of the night in which the Quran was revealed

Surah Al-Qadr in Arabic With Transliteration and Meaning

Transliteration: Innaa anzalnaahu fee laylatil-qadr. Wa maa adraaka maa laylatul-qadr. Laylatul-qadri khayrum-min alfi shahr. Tanazzalul-malaa’ikatu war-roohu feehaa bi idhni rabbihim min kulli amr. Salaamun hiya hattaa matla‘il-fajr.

English meaning: Indeed, We sent the Quran down on the Night of Qadr. And what will make you know what the Night of Qadr is? The Night of Qadr is better than a thousand months. The angels and the Spirit descend in it by permission of their Lord with every matter. Peace it is until the emergence of dawn.

اردو مفہوم: بے شک ہم نے اس (قرآن) کو شبِ قدر میں نازل کیا۔ اور آپ کیا جانیں کہ شبِ قدر کیا ہے؟ شبِ قدر ہزار مہینوں سے بہتر ہے۔ اس میں فرشتے اور روح (جبریل) اپنے رب کے حکم سے ہر کام کے لیے اترتے ہیں۔ وہ رات طلوعِ فجر تک سراسر سلامتی ہے۔

These are plain-language meanings, not a replacement for a full translation. Read a trusted translation and tafsir alongside them.

Tafsir: Verse by Verse

Verse 1: “We sent it down”

The pronoun “it” refers to the Quran, even though the Quran is not named. This shows how well known and how great it is. Scholars explain that the Quran was sent down in full to the lowest heaven on this night, then revealed in pieces to the Prophet ﷺ over about 23 years. Others say the first revelation began on this night.

Verse 2: “What will make you know?”

This style is used in the Quran for matters that are beyond ordinary knowledge. The question increases the listener’s respect for the night before the answer is given.

Verse 3: “Better than a thousand months”

A thousand months is 83 years and 4 months. Worship in this night is better than worship in a thousand months that do not contain it. There is no point in guessing exactly how much more. Scholars add that the reward is a favour from Allah.

One report from Mujahid says a man from Bani Israel worshipped for a thousand months and the Companions were amazed, so Allah gave this ummah a night better than that. Scholars note that the chain of this report is weak, so treat it as a reported explanation, not as certain background.

Verse 4: The angels and the Spirit descend

“The Spirit” is explained by most scholars as Jibreel (peace be upon him), who is named separately to show his rank. They descend with Allah’s permission carrying every matter. This is linked in some tafsir to the yearly decrees being detailed on that night, which is why the night is called Qadr.

Verse 5: Peace until dawn

The whole night is peace and safety, with mercy and blessings for the believers, until the break of dawn.

Why Is It Called Laylat al-Qadr?

Scholars give three reasons. Qadr can mean honour and rank, as in “a night of great honour.” It can mean decree, as the decisions of the year are detailed for the angels. It can also mean narrowness, as the earth is crowded with angels descending. All three meanings fit.

What the Hadith Add

• Forgiveness. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever stands in prayer on the Night of Qadr out of faith and seeking reward, his previous sins will be forgiven” (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim).
• Search for it in the last ten nights. The Prophet ﷺ told us to look for it in the odd nights of the last ten nights of Ramadan (Sahih al-Bukhari). Allah has not fixed the exact night for us, so we should seek it on several nights. See Taraweeh and Tahajjud.
• The dua Aisha asked about. She asked what to say if she found the night, and the Prophet ﷺ taught her the dua below (Tirmidhi, authenticated by many scholars).

Transliteration: Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibbul-‘afwa fa‘fu ‘annee.

Meaning: O Allah, You are Most Forgiving and You love forgiveness, so forgive me.

You can say this dua often at any time. See also istighfar and how to make dua.

Lessons From Surah Al-Qadr

• The Quran is the reason for the night’s honour. Reading and understanding it is the best way to honour it.
• A short time can carry great reward. One sincere night can outweigh a lifetime of ordinary nights.
• Ask for forgiveness above all. The dua the Prophet ﷺ taught asks for pardon.
• Do not wait for one night only. Make worship a habit all year, with more effort in the last ten nights.

Reciting Surah Al-Qadr

It is easy to memorise and often recited in salah. No authentic hadith gives a fixed number of recitations or a special wazifa for this surah, so be careful with claims of that kind. Its value is in understanding and acting on it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many verses does Surah Al-Qadr have?

Five verses.

Is Surah Al-Qadr Makkan or Madani?

Most scholars say Makkan. Some say Madani.

Which Juz is Surah Al-Qadr in?

Juz 30.

What does “better than a thousand months” mean?

It means that worship in this night is better than worship in 83 years and 4 months of nights without it.

When is Laylat al-Qadr?

It is in the last ten nights of Ramadan, most likely on an odd night. The exact night is not known for certain. See the dedicated guide to Laylat al-Qadr.

Who is the Spirit in verse 4?

Most scholars say it is Jibreel (peace be upon him).

Conclusion

Surah Al-Qadr is five verses long, but it shows how much Allah honours the night when the Quran came down. Read it with its meaning, learn the dua of forgiveness, and prepare for the last ten nights of Ramadan.

Continue with Surah Al-Kausar, Surah Al-Maun and Surah An-Naba, or find a gathering near you on our Islamic events page.

Please confirm the Arabic text and rulings with a qualified scholar or a printed mushaf.