Ayat 1. Verily! We have sent it (this Quran) down in the night of Al-Qadr (Decree)
Ayat 2. And what will make you know what the night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is?
Ayat 3. The night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is better than a thousand months (i.e. worshipping Allah in that night is better than worshipping Him a thousand months, i.e. 83 years and 4 months).
Ayat 4. Therein descend the angels and the Ruh [Jibrael (Gabriel)] by Allah's Permission with all Decrees,
Ayat 5. Peace! (All that night, there is Peace and Goodness from Allah to His believing slaves) until the appearance of dawn.
Tafseer of Surah Qadr Ayat 1 to 5. Allah indeed revealed this (Message) in the Night of Power: Cf. 44:3. The 21st, 23rd, 25th27th or 29th night of Ramadan, as well as other nights, have been suggested as the Night of Power. See, however, the Introduction to this Surah. It is best to take this in the mystic sense, which also accords with verse 3 below, which says that the Night of Power is better than a thousand Months. It transcends Time: for it is Allah's Power dispelling the Darkness of Ignorance, by His Revelation, in every kind of affair. 2. And what will explain to thee what the night of power is? 3. The Night of Power is better than a thousand Months. "A thousand" must be taken in an indefinite sense, as denoting a very long period of time. This does not refer to our ideas of time, but to "timeless Time". One moment of enlightenment under Allah's Light is better than thousands of months or years of animal life, and such a moment converts the night of darkness into a period of spiritual glory. 4. Therein come down the angels and the Spirit by Allah’s permission, on every errand: The Spirit: usually understood to be the angel Gabriel, the Spirit of Inspiration. 5. Peace!...This until the rise of Morn! When the Night of spiritual darkness is dissipated by the glory of Allah, a wonderful Peace and a sense of Security arise in the soul. And this lasts on until this life closes, and the glorious Day of the new spiritual world dawns, when everything will be on a different plane, and the chequered nights and days of this world will be even less than a dream.
.
English Translation of Hadith
Hazrat Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah [SAWW](PBUH) said, "Whosoever performs Qiyam during Lailat-ul-Qadr (Night of Decree), with Faith and being hopeful of Allah's reward, will have his former sins forgiven.''
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Lesson : Qiyam here means what keeps one awake to one's capacity and for worship and makes one perform Nawafil, impels one to beg pardon for sins from Allah, urges one to praise Him. Specially, if a person performs `Isha prayer and Fajr prayer in congregation, he will hopefully attain all those distinctions which are mentioned
Hazrat Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: I asked: "O Messenger of Allah [SAWW](PBUH)! If I realize Lailat-ul-Qadr (Night of Decree), what should I supplicate in it?'' He [SAWW](PBUH) replied, "You should supplicate: Allahumma innaka afuwwun, tuhibbul-afwa, fa fu anni (O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness; so forgive me).''
[At-Tirmidhi Hadith # 3513].
Lesson : Although no specific sign of Lailat-ul-Qadr has been mentioned in the Ahadith, some eminent scholars have stated, on the basis of their own experiences and observation that since angels descend on this night one feels a peculiar tranquility and peace of mind and one is overwhelmed with a unique tenderness of heart. The night is neither very hot nor very cold but a temperate one. Similarly, the sun that rises on the next day is also not very hot etc. etc. Allah knows the truth of the matter despite all that has been said in this regard. In any case, on this auspicious night every Muslim should earnestly pray to Allah for the forgiveness of his sins with reference to His Attribute of Forgiveness.
Hazrat Ubadah bin As-Samit (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah [SAWW](PBUH) came out to inform us about the Night of Qadr but two Muslims were quarreling with each other. So, the Prophet said, "I came out to inform you about the Night of Qadr but such and such persons were quarreling, so the news about it had been taken away; yet that might be for your own good, so search for it on the 29th, 27th and 25th (of Ramadan).
[Al-Bukhari Volume 3, Book 32, Number 240]
Lesson : We learn from this Hadith that Suhur is a distinctive mark with which Allah has blessed the Muslim Ummah. We learn from this Hadith that Lailat-ul-Qadr occurs in any of the last three odd nights - 25th, 27th and 29th - of the last ten nights of Ramadan. Its exact date has not been revealed for the reason that people keep themselves awake for prayer for a larger number of nights. Had its date been fixed, people would have kept awake for prayer only on that night.
1Hazrat Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah [SAWW](PBUH) used to seclude himself (in the mosque) during the last ten nights of Ramadan. He would say, "Search for Lailat-ul-Qadr (Night of Decree) in the last ten nights of Ramadan.''
[Al-Bukhari Book 03, Chapter 32, Hadith # 237].
Lesson : We learn from this Hadith that (1). One should concentrate more on prayers and worship on the last ten nights of Ramadan than the first twenty nights, in the same way as one should do more worship in Ramadan than in the other months. 2. One should keep oneself awake for prayer, worship and glorification of Allah in the last ten nights of Ramadan so that one can attain the blessings of Lailat-ul-Qadr. 3. One should also persuade his family members to keep themselves awake for prayer and worship in the last ten odd nights of Ramadan so that they can also make efforts to please Allah. 4. Itikaf (seclusion in the mosque for prayers) in the last ten days of Ramadan is also a meritorious act for its being a practice of the Prophet [SAWW](PBUH).
Hazrat Zaid bin Khalid Al-Juhani (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah [SAWW](PBUH) said, "He who provides a fasting person something with which to break his fast, will earn the same reward as the one who was observing the fast, without diminishing in any way the reward of the latter.''
[At-Tirmidhi Hadith # 807].
Lesson : As mention in Hadith reward for providing drink and food to fasting person are due for awesome returns and we must make arrangements for poor and needy persons to have food on their table and in return earn enormous rewards in this world and hereafter.
By Noor Hani Salem
With Ramadan in the midst of summer this year, we need nothing more than hydration and good eating habits to keep us going. However, Ramadan is not only about omitting food and drink from sunrise to sunset. It’s not about sleeping all day and waking up an hour before sunset to prepare a meal. It’s not about indulging all night and sleeping all day. No, Ramadan is a spiritual car wash for our souls. It’s a time to check in on ourselves, omitting desires, and focusing on what we were initially created for: worshipping Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala (exalted is He).
While we focus on our spiritual upbringing, we also need to focus on our physical well-being. Instead of praying Maghrib and rushing to eat, set your intention to eat to nourish your body so that you can stand and pray. In this case, you make eating an act of worship and get rewarded for it, Allah (swt) willing. Set your intention to eat suhoor (the meal before sunrise) to worship and have energy all day. Set your intention to eat iftar (the meal after sunset) to worship and pray during the night. Now, let me share a few tips on what to eat to stay hydrated, energized, and motivated all day long. 1) Eat dates.
I personally don’t question any food that was eaten by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (peace be upon him) or recommended by him.
Anas Ibn Malik radi Allahu `anhu (may God be pleased with him) narrated: “The messenger of Allah ﷺ used to break his fast before praying with some fresh dates, but if there were no fresh dates, he had a few dry dates, and if there were no dry dates, he took some mouthfuls of water.” [Sunan Abu Dawud]
Fasting all day means facing difficulties reaching the required daily value for many essential vitamins and nutrients. Dates are known to provide many of these nutrients with just a few pieces:
Dates have immense health benefits, including high fiber, potassium, magnesium, copper, and B vitamins.
Dates are known to regulate blood sugar, weight loss, blood pressure, cancer, and arthritis. Dates also aid in facilitating oxygen to the brain and the formation of healthy skin.
Tip: Eat three or more dates at suhoor to give you energy all day. Break your fast on dates and pray Maghrib. This regulates your blood sugar and causes you to not overeat at iftar.
2) DON’T skip out on suhoor.
Yes, it’s 4 a.m. and yes it’s going to be difficult, but my number one piece of advice is don’t skip out on suhoor. The Prophet ﷺ advised us to eat suhoor and promisedbarakah (blessings) in it. Abu Hurairah (ra) narrated: “The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: ‘Eat suhoor, for in suhoor there is blessing.’” [Sunan Al- Nasa’i]
Eating a meal before sunrise will give you energy to keep going during the long day ahead of you.
If you skip out on suhoor, you are putting your body in starvation mode and actually only going to cause yourself to overindulge at iftar.
So, EAT SUHOOR!
Tip: Eat a light but nutritious, breakfast-like meal:
Try a zatar or cheese pie with some cucumbers. Tomatoes and a cup of fresh-squeezed orange juice are also excellent sources of vitamins and nutrients.
Have nutrient-dense whole-grain toast with almond butter, cashew butter, or all-natural peanut butter. Top with berries or banana slices.
Try some quinoa with almond milk, raisins, cinnamon, raw honey, and bananas. It will definitely give you fuel for the day.
A bowl of steel cut oats or whole grain cereal and organic milk/almond milk are also great.
Don’t forget the dates.
3) Eat hydrating foods like watermelon, cucumbers, citrus fruit, and tomatoes.
It’s not only summer time, but we are fasting 17+ hours. Many of us have work and others are taking summer courses. We are going to lack energy and need as much nutrients as we can get from the food we eat. Hydrating ourselves with water-dense foods will keep our bodies from dehydrating in the heat.
Tip: Other foods with high water content include: lettuce, pineapple, berries, citrus fruit, and spinach.
4) Drink plenty of water between iftar and suhoor
Water is the most purifying drink; it cleans out toxins from your body and prevents you from getting headaches (especially when you’re not drinking or eating all day).
Tip: Skip the soda! Drinking soda with your iftar will only make you thirstier, and dehydrate your body more than it already is. Drink water with your meal and keep it at hand throughout the night. Break your coffee and tea addiction.
If possible, regulate your body to get rid of your caffeine addiction before Ramadan starts. If you are drinking 3-4 cups of coffee daily, and on the first day of Ramadan you don’t drink any, you may get headaches and lack energy.
Tip: If you really need energy, opt for dates instead. Coffee and tea are known to dehydrate the body even more.
I hope that you find these eating tips helpful! I assure you that making these small changes in your Ramadan and even regular diet, will substantially improve your overall health and fitness.
I still remember the moment vividly: I was 13 years old, and at a Muslim youth camp. A fellow teenage camper was talking about Ramadan when her voice started to tremble. As she described her inability to fast due to medication, the tears started to flow and her voice dissolved in grief. It was so poignant, but being a young, healthy person, I couldn't possibly truly understand that sense of loss she felt—until recently.
A few years ago at the age of 25 I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and found myself unable to fast.
During the first Ramadan that I could not fast due to the illness, I faced the stark reality: I would likely never fast again for the rest of my life. Long night prayers would be lost to me as well, as lack of sleep would exacerbate my symptoms just as surely as lack of food.
My mind flashed back to that fellow camper from years past, and I finally truly understood. Like her, I found moments when grief overwhelmed me, such as the time at a friend's house when I hung my head, sobbing, until her 7 year old daughter patted my leg and said, “Khala, Allah understands…He understands.”
Since then, I have wished that somewhere buried in those “How to be a Super Muslim During Ramadan” articles and khutbahs, there were more useful Ramadan resources for Muslims with a chronic illness. We eventually just learn to stumble our way through the month, and after crossing off the things we can't do, learn to figure out what we can do and how to survive the month without worsening our illness.
These are a few lessons I have learned these past few Ramadans as a young, non-fasting person:
Ramadan Prep:
The weeks before Ramadan require extra rest. Don't skip it; take it like a medicine otherwise you'll have less energy when you need it in Ramadan.
Conserve Energy:
Don't use up all your energy in the beginning of the month. If you end up staying up too late, attending or hosting too many iftars, or otherwise overdoing the stress on your body in the first part of the month, forget about having the strength to do any ibaadah (worship) in the last ten nights (ask me how I know!).
Pay Your Fidyah:
Have your fidyah arrangements planned out ahead of time and pay it promptly. Fidyah is the payment for missing the fast, and the details are beyond the scope of this article.
Illness and Ramadan-Move Beyond Your Grief:
It's okay to mourn what you have lost (ability to fast, to pray at night, etc.) but don't let that be a trick to prevent you from doing what you actually are able to do. I realized that with a shock one year when, after playing pity party for the first week of the month, told myself, “Wait. You can't pray qiyam, but you sure can pray your five prayers awesomely. Why aren't you doing that at least?”
Reading and listening to extra Qur'an, making extra dhikr are also acts of ibadah that can benefit those who may not be attend taraweeh or qiyam.
Consider priorities:
You may have to turn down some or all iftar invitations to preserve your health for prayers and worship. This is especially true in the summer months when iftar time is late. Don't let cultural or social pressures cause you to compromise on your health, especially during such an important month of worship.
Use Post-Iftar Time Wisely:
This is tricky but essential: when Isha is late, any taraweeh or qiyam can become a difficulty if not a near impossibility. This is particularly true for those whose illnesses will be exacerbated by lack of sleep and rest. Being able to restructure the time to get down to worship between Maghrib and Isha is going to be important during these summer months. I've found it difficult to apply this (especially as a wife/mother), because there's such a rush between Maghrib and Isha and so much to get done.
Watch How Much Time You Spend Eating:
One of the things I remember about fasting is how much more time there seems to be in the day when you're not spending any on food and drink. So for those of us who cannot fast, we can reconsider how much time we choose to spend on eating during the Ramadan days. This doesn't mean skipping meals, but perhaps minimizing meal prep times, or skipping the non-essential snacks and “comfort foods” that may take up time to prepare and eat but are not essential to our health (like a leisurely snack of tea and cake). This frees up valuable time for worship.
Don't be Shy to Get Help:
Your caregivers and friends are still there to help and support you, even when they are fasting. There is this tendency, since we are not fasting, to not ask others for help because they are fasting and we don't want to burden them. This can lead to burnout and disease flare-ups, so we have to be open and ask for help when it's needed even though we may feel bad about it. For those of us who have family responsibilities, it is important to be honest about our limits.
My husband will ask me in all honesty: “Can you do _________, or are you too tired?” and he trusts that I will be candid and not try to push myself to be the “Super-Wife.” This however has taken a lot of communication on my part, and understanding and compassion on his. It means that he has to eat a solitary suhoor, and sometimes even a solitary iftar on occasion if I am not feeling well. I have had to learn to put away my desire to do things perfectly, and allow him to help and support me in order to be well.
The Final Stretch:
All those beautiful and inspiring articles about how you've got to push your hardest, turn the last ten days into a sprint for the finish, and do what you've never done before? Lovely for the average folk, but it's not going to apply to you if your illness is of the type that flares up due to lack of rest. Take the advice that will benefit and craft your own schedule. You're not in Ramadan to aggravate your illness; rather you need to worship Allah in a way that recognizes that your body has a right over you. Always look for quality over quantity.
Ramadan conjures up so many feelings for those who deal with illness. There is the loss of the ritual worship (fasting, sometimes Qiyam), and even some of the usual habits and routines require change to accommodate life with an illness. It leaves a person with a sense of loss, and yet eventually we learn to create our own Ramadan routine that will allow us to participate in the month and yet stay healthy.
If your heart aches over the loss of fasting, remember this: the One who has ordained fasting has also ordained for you this illness as a test, so rejoice in the fact that there is mercy and wisdom behind his decrees. I take comfort in the fiqhi ruling that states that whenever fasting becomes harmful for a person, then in that case, fasting actually takes the ruling of haraam (forbidden). Therefore, by abstaining from fasting, I am preserving my health and, Allah willing, earning reward by avoiding this harm on my body. In the end, there is always some divine wisdom that we may never see:
“And Allah knows, and you know not” (al-Baqarah: 216).
Hazrat Sahl bin Saad (May Allah be pleased with him): The Messenger of Allah [SAWW](PBUH) said, "In Jannah there is a gate which is called Ar-Raiyan through which only those who observe Saum (fasting) will enter on the Day of Resurrection. None else will enter through it. It will be called out, "Where are those who observe fasting?'' So they will stand up and proceed towards it. When the last of them will have entered, the gate will be closed and then no one will enter through that gate.''
[Al-Bukhari Book 03, Chapter 31, Hadith # 120].
Lesson : This Hadith tells us about the special distinction of those who observe Saum. "Only those who observe Saum'' signify the faithful who not only observe Saum during the month of Ramadan but also frequently observe voluntary fasts over and above the obligatory ones, otherwise Saum of Ramadan are compulsory for every Muslim. Similar is the case of the people of Salat, people of Sadaqah and people of Jihad, who have been mentioned in the preceding Ahadith otherwise all Muslims are on par so far as the Salat, Sadaqah, etc., are concerned.
Hazrat Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah [SAWW](PBUH) said, "When Ramadan begins, the gates of Jannah are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained.''
[Al-Bukhari Book 03, Chapter 31, Hadith # 123].
Lesson : This is a special distinction of the month of Ramadan during which Muslims become more inclined towards the worship of Allah. They pay greater attention to the recitation of the Qur'an, remembrance of Allah, worship, and seeking pardon for sins.
Lesson : Qiyam here means what keeps one awake to one's capacity and for worship and makes one perform Nawafil, impels one to beg pardon for sins from Allah, urges one to praise Him. Specially, if a person performs `Isha prayer and Fajr prayer in congregation, he will hopefully attain all those distinctions which are mentioned 
in this Hadith.
[SAWW](PBUH) said, "Whosoever performs Qiyam during Lailat-ul-Qadr (Night of Decree), with Faith and being hopeful of Allah's reward, will have his former sins forgiven.''
