SURAH 97 — Al-Qadr — القدر — “The Night of Decree / Power”
• Revelation Order: 25
• Event Anchor: Early Meccan sanctification of revelation (c. 610–615 CE)
Explanation:
Al-Qadr celebrates the night of the Qur’an’s descent, presenting it as a moment of overwhelming divine mercy and cosmic significance. This fits the early Meccan period when Muhammad was still processing the magnitude of revelation and introducing its sacredness to a small group of followers. The emphasis on angels descending and the night’s surpassing worth reflects a need to elevate the community’s understanding of revelation’s spiritual prestige in a society dominated by tribal rituals and idol veneration. The surah reinforces the legitimacy and holiness of revelation at Islam’s earliest formative stage.
| Verse | Verse # | Meccan v Medinan | General Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indeed, We sent the Qur’an down during the Night of Decree. | 1 | Meccan | 6126 |
| And what can make you know what is the Night of Decree? | 2 | Meccan | 6127 |
| The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. | 3 | Meccan | 6128 |
| The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter. | 4 | Meccan | 6129 |
| Peace it is until the emergence of dawn. | 5 | Meccan | 6130 |