One of the holiest nights in Islam is Laylatul Qadr or Shab-e-Qadr. According to Muslims, this night is more honorable than a thousand months of worship. However, the Quran and Hadith do not specify the exact date of this night. Islamic scholars say that there are some important religious and moral teachings behind it.
In a hadith narrated by Hazrat Ubada ibn Samit (RA), it is said that once the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) was asked about the Night of Power, he said that it is more likely to occur on the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan – on the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or 29th. Whoever stands in prayer on this night out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.
The Hadith also mentions some of the signs of this night. It is said that the night of Shab-e-Qadr is usually calm, clear and peaceful – not excessively hot or cold. A kind of radiance is felt in the sky and the night may seem like a moonlit night. The next day the sun rises with a soft light, as if spreading a soft glow like a round moon.
In another narration, Hazrat Ubada ibn Samit (RA) said, one day the Holy Prophet (PBUH) went out to inform his companions of the exact date of Shab-e-Qadr. But at that time, a quarrel was going on between two Muslims. Seeing this, he said, “I came to inform you of Laylatul Qadr, but I forgot it due to the quarrel between so and so. Perhaps there is some good in it for you. Search for it on the ninth, seventh and fifth nights.” (Sahih Bukhari)
According to Islamic thinkers, there are several important wisdoms behind keeping the Night of Power indefinite.
First, if the specific night were known, many people would only worship on that night and neglect worship on the other nights of Ramadan.
Thirdly, if they knew the specific night and were unable to worship that night for some reason, many would become disappointed and lose interest in worshipping later.
According to religious analysts, keeping the night indefinite encourages Muslims to strive to worship more on each night of the last ten days of Ramadan. Worshipping Allah with sincere intention creates an opportunity to receive Allah’s mercy on each night.