Why was Laylat al-Qadr kept secret?

Hadrat Sayyiduna Imam Fakhr al-Din Raazi (Alayhir Rahmah) has stated in his famous exegesis ‘Tafsir al-Kabir’, There are several reasons why Allah has concealed the exact date of Laylat al-Qadr:

1. Allah has concealed many things such as His pleasure in obedience so that people would perform every form of worship, His wrath in sins so that people would avoid every single sin, His Awliya amongst His servants so that people would respect every single person, the fulfilment of supplications in making supplications so that people would make supplications abundantly, the Ism al-Azam amongst His names so that people would respect every name and the Salat al-Wusta amongst the Salah so that people would offer all the Salah.

Likewise, the acceptance of repentance has been kept secret so that people always repent of their sins and the time of death has also been kept secret so that people always fear it. Similarly, Laylat al-Qadr has been kept secret so that people respect all the nights of Ramadan.

2. It is as if Allah says to His servants, ‘I know your daring about sins; if I had declared a particular night as Laylat al-Qadr, and if you had committed sins knowingly even at this sacred night due to your lust, it would be more severe than committing sins unknowingly.’

According to a narration, once the Holy Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) entered the Masjid where he saw a man sleep (inside). He said, ‘O Ali! Wake him up so that he can perform Wudu.’ Having awoken the man, Sayyiduna Ali (Radi Allahu Anhu) said, ‘Ya RasoolAllah (SallAllahu Alayka wa Sallam) usually, you prefer to perform righteous deeds, why did you not wake him up yourself?’ He (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) replied, ‘I did not do so because his refusing you is not a Kufr; I did it to reduce his crime.’

It is an example of the mercy of the Beloved Rasool (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam). Considering this (hadith), imagine the mercy of Allah. It is as if Allah says, ‘If you had worshipped in Laylat al-Qadr after being aware of it, you would gain more reward than a thousand months worship but if you had sinned in it you would have been punished for a thousand months, and protection from punishment is better than earning reward.’

3. It is as if Allah says, ‘I kept this night secret so that people would struggle hard to acquire it and earn reward for their struggles.’

4. Since people are unaware as to which night Laylat al-Qadr is, they will try to worship Allah every night of Ramadan in search of Laylat al-Qadr. Referring to these people Allah admonished the angels, ‘You used to say that these humans will fight and shed blood, but (look) these are their efforts and struggles in a night that could be Laylat al-Qadr (they are not even certain of it) so what would have they done if I had told them the exact night…? (In other words, they would worship even more abundantly).’

This is the secret to the answer Allah gave to the angels when He said to them:

 إني جاعل في الأرض خليفة
“I am about to place My Caliph in the earth”.

The angels said:

قالوا أتجعل فيها من يفسد فيها ويسفك الدماء ونحن نسبح بحمدك ونقدس لك
They said, “Will You place (as a caliph) one who will spread turmoil in it and shed blood? Whereas we glorify You with praise and proclaim Your Sanctity”.

Then He (Almighty) said:

قال إني أعلم ما لا تعلمون
He said, “I know what you do not.”

Thus, the secret behind this statement has been revealed. [Tafsir al-Kabir, Vol. 11, Page 229]

Signs of Laylat al-Qadr

Sayyiduna Ubadah bin Saamit (Radi Allahu Anhu) asked the Noble Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) about Laylat al-Qadr. The Holy Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) replied:

"Laylat al-Qadr is in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan, i.e. 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, 29th or the last night of Ramadan. Whoever worships in this night with faith in order to earn reward will be forgiven for all his previous sins. Some of its signs are as follows:

» The night will be open, bright and extremely clear.

» It is neither too hot nor too cold.

» The weather is quite normal at this night and the moon is clearly visible.

» The devils are not struck with stars the whole night.

» There is another sign that is the rising of the sun without rays on the following morning, and the sun looks like the moon of the 14th night.

» Allah has prevented the devil to come out with the sunrise of that morning (apart from that one day, whenever the sun rises in the morning the devil also comes out)." [Musnad Imam Ahmad, Vol. 8, Page 414, Hadith 22829]

Reward According to Intention

Sayyiduna Abu Kabshah Ansari (Radi Allahu Anhu) heard the Holy Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) saying,

‘‘There are four types of people:

The first is a man to whom Allah granted wealth and knowledge and he practices abstinence, treats relatives well and knows the rights of Allah. He is in the best rank and stage.

The second is a man to whom Allah granted knowledge but he has no wealth. His intention is good and he says, if I had wealth I would act like so and so. This man is with his intention, and both these men are equal in reward.

The third is a man to whom Allah granted wealth but not knowledge. He spends his wealth without knowledge. He is not pious, does not treat his relatives well and does not recognise the rights of Allah in His blessing. This is the worst type.

The fourth is a man to whom Allah has not granted wealth or knowledge, he says, if I had wealth I would act like so and so (the third person). He is with his intention, and both these men are equal in sin.’’ [Jami’ Tirmidhi, Vol. 4, Page 146, Hadith 2332]

Blessings of Sahari

The beloved and the blessed Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) has said:

» Eat Sahari because it is a blessed (food). [Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 1, Page 633, Hadith 1923]

» The distinguishing factor between us and the people of the book (Ahl al-Kitab) lies in eating Sahari. [Sahih Muslim, Page 552, Hadith 1096]

» Allah and His angels send mercy upon the people who eat Sahari. [Sahih Ibn Hibban, Vol. 5, Page 194, Hadith 3458]

» Eat Sahari to gain strength for fast and take rest (siesta) in the afternoon to gain strength for worshipping at night. [Sunan Ibn Majah, Vol. 3, Page 321, Hadith 1693]

» Sahari is a blessing Allah has granted you (therefore) do not miss it. [Sunan al-Kubra, Nasai, Vol. 2, Page 79, Hadith 2472]

» There are three people who will not be held accountable no matter how much they eat, provided the food is Halal: (a) A fasting person at the time of Iftar. (b) The one who eats at Sahari and (c) A warrior that protects the Islamic border in the path of Allah. [At-Targhib wat-Tarhib, Vol. 2, Page 90, Hadith 9]

» Sahari is full of blessings, so do not miss it even if you drink just a sip of water. Allah and His angels send mercy upon the people who consume Sahari. [Musnad Imam Ahmad, Vol. 4, Page 88, Hadith 11396]

» Sayyiduna Irbad bin Sariyah has narrated that once the Beloved and Blessed Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) called him to eat Sahari with him during the month of Ramadan and said: ‘Come for a blessed breakfast.’ [Sunan Abi Dawud, Vol. 2, Page 442, Hadith 2344]

Sighting of the Crescent

Hadrat Sayyiduna Ibn-e-Umar (Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu) reported that the Messenger of Allah (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) has said,
 

لا تصوموا حتى تروا الهلال ، ولا تفطروا حتى تروه ، فإن غم عليكم فاقدروا له
“Do not commence fasting (Ramadan) till you see the new moon, and do not cease fasting (perform Eid) till you see it. But if the weather is cloudy, or there is a smog in the sky (which prevents sighting of the moon), then complete 30 days of the month.” [Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 1, Page 256]

In another narration, the Messenger of Allah (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said,
 

الشهر تسع وعشرون ليلة ، فلا تصوموا حتى تروه ، فإن غم عليكم فأكملوا العدة ثلاثين
“The month sometimes is of twenty-nine days, but do not fast till you see the moon. But if the weather is cloudy or there is a smog, then complete thirty days of the month.” [Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 1, Page 256]

Hadrat Shaykh ‘Abd al-Haq Muhaddith-e-Dehwli (Alayhir Rahmah) states:

According to the Islamic Law (Shari’ah), what the astrologers say or inform is not accepted and is unreliable. Neither the Messenger of Allah, his companions, their followers, nor the pious predecessors followed their utterances, and nor did they act upon them. [Ashi’ah al-Lam’at]

 

Hadrat Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu) reported that the Messenger of Allah (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) has said,
 

صوموا لرؤيته وأفطروا لرؤيته فإن غم عليكم فأكملوا العدة شعبان ثلاثين
“Commence the fast when you see it (the moon) and cease fasting (perform Eid) when you see it. But if the weather is cloudy, complete thirty days of Sha’ban.” [Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 1, Page 256]

Hadrat Sayyiduna Ibn ‘Abbas (Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu) reported that:

جاء أعرابي إلى النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم فقال إني رأيت الهلال يعني هلال رمضان، فقال أتشهد أن لا إله إلا الله؟ قال نعم، قال أتشهد أن محمدا رسول الله؟ قال نعم، قال يا بلال، أذن في الناس أن يصوموا غدا
A desert Arab came to the Holy Prophet and said, “I have seen the new moon i.e. the new moon of Ramadan.” He asked, “do you testify that there is no god but Allah?” he said: yes. He then asked: do you testify that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah?” He said, “Yes.” So, the Messenger of Allah said, “O Bilal, announce to the people that they must fast tomorrow.” [Sunan Abi Dawud, Vol. 1, Page 320 and Tirmidhi, Vol. 1, Page 148]

Hadrat Shaykh ‘Abd al-Haq Muhaddith-e-Dehlwi Alaihir raHmah states:

It has been proven from the Hadith that a person who is Mastur-ul-Haal i.e. whose being a fasiq is not apparent, then his report or testimony is accepted for the beginning of the month of Ramadan. Stating the words of “Shahadah” (bearing witness) is not a condition. [Ashi’ah al-Lam’at]

 

 

..:: Important Notes on Sighting of the Moon ::..

1. There are a few ways of proving the sighting the moon:

A. News of sighting the moon – on the night of the 29th of Sha’ban when the sky is not clear (cloudy), then the news of sighting the moon given by a Muslim male or female, equitable or Mastur-ul-Haal (a person who’s inward state is concealed – whose fisq is not apparent) shall prove the beginning of Ramadan. In the case when the sky is clear, it is sufficient for a person who fulfills the above mentioned criterions to see the moon outside the place where inhabitants are, such as in an open field, or on a high place. Otherwise, there should be such a great number of people, who witness the sighting of the moon with their naked eye. For the rest of the 11 months, in the case of the sky not being clear, then there should be two (2) witnesses who are equitable (‘Aadil). In the case of the sky being clear, there should be such a great number of people giving witness (bearing testimony for their sighting of the moon) whose unanimity on speaking falsehood is merely impossible rationally. [Radd al-Muhtar – Vol. 2, Page 94-95, and in al-Bahr al-Ra’iq – Vol. 2, Page 269]

B. Shahadat ‘ala al-Shahadah (witness upon witness) – this is when the witnesses have not seen the moon themselves. However, those who did see the moon bore witness in front of them of their sighting, and made them witnesses upon this. So, in this way the sighting of the moon is proven, only on the condition that the people who saw the moon are unable and incapable to be present in order to give their witness directly [to the Qadhi or the ‘Alim if there is no Qadhi]. The way to give witness in this situation is that each person from the people who saw the moon with their naked eyes, makes 2 persons their witness and ask them to become their witness that, “I saw the moon on the night of such and such a day, and such and such a month of such and such a year.” Then each person from the secondary witnesses testify that, “Such and such a person, the son of such and such a person has made me a witness on their sighting of the moon on the night of such and such day, of such and such a month of such and such a year, and they have asked me to become their witness on this sighting.” [Radd al-Muhtar, Vol. 4, Page 409 and also in Fatawa al-Hindiyyah (‘Alamgiri), Vol. 3, Page 410]

C. Shahadah ‘ala al-Qada’ (giving witness in front of an Islamic Judge) – this means that in another city there came witnesses in front of an Islamic Judge or a Mufti who bore witness of their sighting of the moon, and the Judge or the Mufti has passed a verdict that the moon has been seen, and in the time of giving the witness there were 2 reliable, trustworthy, righteous men present in the Dar-ul-Qada (the Islamic Court) who saw and heard the witnesses giving their witness. These 2 witnesses came to a different city or town and bore witness that, “In such and such a city in front of us and in the presence of the Judge (or the Mufti) there came witnesses who testified that they saw the moon on the night of such and such a day and the Mufti has declared sighting of the moon on such and such a day”, then this shall also be proof of sighting of the moon. [Fatawa al-Imam al-Ghuzza, Page 6 and Fath al-Qadir, Vol. 2, Page 243]

D. Istifadah (well-circulated reports) – when there is such a Grand-Mufti in an Islamic city to whom the mass majority of people flock towards in order to gain Islamic rulings pertaining their everyday issues; and by whose fatwa the verdicts are given as regards to the beginning and the end of Ramadan and ‘Eidayn; and in such a city the general public do not start or terminate fasting according to themselves, then if numerous groups of people come from that city to another and bear witness all at once that upon the sighting of the moon on such and such a day, the fasting of Ramadan has commenced or that Eid was made, then this testimony shall also prove the sighting of the moon. However, if it is only rumours and no one knows who said it or on being asked how they knew the sighting of the moon, they say, “we heard” or “other people have said it”, then there is absolutely no Istifadah upon such reports. Also, in a city where there is no Islamic mufti or there is but he is incapable of issuing a Fatwa or is reliable and trustworthy but the general public in that city decide for themselves when to start and end Ramadan and Eid, (as is quite common nowadays,) then the unanimity or even the tawatur (mass-transmitted reports) from this city in this news can in no way prove the sighting of the moon. [Radd al-Muhtar, Vol. 2, Page 97 and Fatawa-e-Radawiyyah, Vol. 4, Page 553]

E. Termination of the number of days in a month – when 30 days of a month have passed then the sighting of the moon for the next month is proven. However, if upon the witness of one person the starting of Ramadan was accepted, and by this calculation 30 days of Ramadan had passed, but because of the sky not being clear the moon could not be seen, then the termination of the number of days in the month does not suffice, but in fact another fast should be kept. [Radd al-Muhtar, Vol. 2, Page 97]

2. If the moon has been sighted according to the Shari’ah rules and conditions, then the sighting of people in the west is a certain proof of sighting of the moon for people living in the east. [Fatawa al-Imam al-Ghuzza Pg. 5]

3. A calendar or a timetable does in no way prove the sighting of the moon. [Radd al-Mohtar, Vol. 2, Page 94]

4. Media reports do not in any way prove the sighting of the moon. Most of the time newspaper reports or reports from TV or the radio are just guesses and no more than rumours here and there. And even if the news is correct, but because of the sighting of the moon not being proven by Shari’ah rules and regulations it cannot be accepted in anyway. [Anwaar al-Hadith, Chapter 6]

5. Letters also do not prove sighting of the moon, as one person’s handwriting can be identical to another. Hence there is doubt and it does benefit any knowledge of full certainty. [al-Durr al-Mukhtar and also in al-Hidayah]
 

6. News given via a telephone (or mobile) telegram or any satellite link is more unreliable than a letter as in a letter the addressee recognises the signature, writing and the stamp of the writer. Also in a letter, there is even a slight indication that the handwriting is of the actual writer, which is not present in the news given by a telephone or another satellite link.

Furthermore, when the witness is behind a veil then their witness is not reliable as one voice is identical to another [Fatawa-e-‘Alamgiri, Vol. 3, Page 357], then how is it possible that the sighting of the moon be reliable or even accepted when this news has reached via telephone, telegram (or similar) technological equipment?! Plus the fact that in worldly matters and affairs, news received via the telephone is not accepted, nor is it reliable, then how can it be reliable in matters related to the religion; where one has to be extremely careful.

7. Radio or Television: there are much more complexities and difficulties in receiving the news and accepting its reliability from a radio or a television than to receive it from a telegram or a telephone, as one can ask questions and receive answers via a telephone or a telegram whereas this is not the case on the radio or the television (when the news is given, discussions and debates are a different matter).

Conclusively, these new technological equipments can be used to spread news worldwide, but they cannot be accepted in the matters as related to giving Shahadah witness. This is why in the court the judge does not give a verdict until the witnesses do not present themselves in the court to give their witness account. Telephone calls or news received from the telegram or radio, television are totally unaccepted.
 

The Messenger of Allah has stated: “But if the weather is cloudy, wait till thirty days of the previous month have passed.”

But it is quite a saddening and disappointing fact to see people in these days (most of them being neglectful of their prayers and the obligatory fasts) rise in uproar on receiving the news on the radio or the telephone or the television about the sighting of the moon. May Almighty Allah give them the guidance to act upon the sayings of the Beloved Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam).

8. In a country where there is no Islamic Ruler, and nor is there any Qadhi appointed for the task (of accepting or refusing the witnesses), then the Grand-Mufti of a city who has beliefs in conformity with Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama’ah (Sunni) is the subordinate. Wherever, there is no mufti, then the witness (Shahadah) for the sighting of the moon shall be presented in front of the general public (of Muslims). [Fatawa-e-Radawiyyah – Vol. 4, Page 547]

It has been stated in “al-Hadiqah al-Nadiyyah Sharh Tariqah al-Muhammadiyyah” - by Imam al-’Allama ‘Abd al-Ghani al-Nablusi al-Dimishqi - that:
 

When an era is without any Islamic Ruler who suffices the Muslims for their affairs which pertain to the religion, then all the Islamic affairs and rulings shall be referred to the scholars of Islam (the ‘ulama), and in every aspect of their life, Muslims are obliged to consult these ulama. These ulama shall be considered the ‘Islamic rulers’ and the ‘Islamic judges’. Then, if it is impossible for the unanimity of the Muslims to appoint one specific scholar, then the people of each and every district or town shall follow their ‘Ulama. Then, if there are innumerable ‘Ulama in one district, then amongst them the ‘Aalim who has the most knowledge as regards the Islamic rulings, he shall be followed, if they are all equal (in knowledge) then a raffle should be taken (as to draw out the name of the ‘Aalim who shall be appointed as the vice of the Qadhi in that district).

 

9. The testimony of a Fasiq-e-Mau’lin (an open transgressor) such as the one who neglects establishing prayer, or prays the salah but frequently neglects praying with the congregation (jama’ah), shaves or trims his beard less than a fist, is not be accepted. Likewise, the evidence of an infidel (non-muslim), bad madhhab (follower of a deviant), an insane or an immature shall not be accepted.

10. On sighting the moon, the supplications as mentioned in the Ahadith should be read.

11. It is makruh (disapproved) to point finger towards the moon even though it may be to indicate to others the location of the moon. [Bahar-e-Shari’at, Chapter 5, Page 685, al-Durr al-Mukhtar and also in Fatawa-e-‘Alamgiri, Vol. 1, Page 184]

12. It is wajib (necessary) for the Muslims to follow the Islamic dates and years (which are proven by the sighting of the moon). It is not permissible to follow the dates on the calendar, whose dates have been fixed following non-Islamic rules and regulations (such as the Gregorian English calendar). [al-Tafsir al-Kabir, Vol. 4, Page 445]
 

— — —
Extracted From
Anwaar al-Hadith, Chapter 6, Pages 242 to 248
by Hadrat Allama Mufti Jalal al-Din Qadiri al-Amjadi
English Translation: Mawlana Kalim al-Qadiri [Bolton – U.K.]

Tanam Farsoodah Jaa Paarah (with English Translation)

A Persian Masterpiece in Praise of The Most Beloved ﷺ by Hadrat Molana Nur ad-Dīn Abd ar-Rahmān Jāmī رضي الله عنه


تنم فرسودہ جاں پارہ ز ہجراں، یا رسول اللہﷺ

دلم پژمردہ آوارہ ز عصیاں، یا رسول اللہﷺ


Tanam farsoodah, jaan parah ze hijrañ Ya Rasool Allah ﷺ 

Dilam pazh murdah, aavaarah, ze isyaañ Ya Rasool Allah ﷺ


My body is frail, my soul is in pieces due to your separation, O Messenger of Allah! ﷺ

My heart is weak and wandering, due to my sins, O Messenger of Allah! ﷺ



زجام حب تو مستم ، با زنجیر تو دل بستم

نمی گویم کی من بستم سخنداں، یا رسول اللہ ﷺ


Ze jaame hube tu mastam, ba zanjeere tu Dil bastam, 

Namigoyam ke man hastam sukhandaañ Ya Rasool Allah ﷺ



I am drowning in your love, by your chain of love my heart is bound,

Yet I do not say that I know the language of love O Messenger of Allah! ﷺ





چوں سوۓ من گذر آری، من مسکین  ناداری

فداۓ نقش نعلینت کنم جاں، یا رسول اللہ ﷺ


Choo sooe man guzar aayee mane miskeen naadaree,

Fidaa e naqsh e naalaaynat kunam jaañ Ya Rasool Allah ﷺ



When you pass by me,then even in my immense poverty,

Ecstatically, I will sacrifice my soul on the impression of your Blessed Sandals O Messenger of Allah! ﷺ



ز کردہ خیش حیرانم، سیاہ شد روز عصیانم

پشیمانم، پشیمانم، پشیمان، یا رسول اللہ ﷺ


Zi kardah khaishe khayraanam, syaah shud rooze isyaanam,

Pashemaanam pashemaanan pashemaan Ya Rasool Allah! ﷺ



I am worried due to my deeds; that I will be blackfaced on The Day of reckoning,

I am distressed! I am distressed! distressed O Messenger of Allah! ﷺ




چوں بازوۓ شفاعت را کشا بر گناہگاراں

مکن محروم جامی را در آں، یا رسول اللہﷺ


Chooñ baazoo e shafa'at raa kushaa bar gunahgaaraan,

Makun mahroom JAMI raa dar aañ Ya Rasool Allah.



When you spread out your arms to intercede for the sinners,

Then do not deprive JAMI of your exalted intercession 

O Messenger of Allah!ﷺ

- - -

Taken from the Kalaam of Huzoor Molana Abd ar Rahman Jami Alayhirrahmah

- - -

Transliterated and Translated by

Faqeer Mohammed Shakeel Qadri Ridawi 

٢٠  شوال   ١٤٣٦