Amazing Link between First Revelation and Laylatul Qadr

While looking to verify something different in Surat Al-‘Alaq 96, I counted the number of words and letters in the first five ayat (96:1-5), which is said to be the first portion of the Quran to be revealed to prophet Mohammad (pbuh). The results are 21 words and 76 letters. If we add these two sums (something I often do with meaningful results), the total is 97, which is the number of Surat Al-Qadr, describing Laylatul Qadr, the night in which the Quran was sent down to the prophet.

It was the Spirit Jibreel (archangel Gabriel) who “brought it [the Quran] upon your [Mohammad’s] heart” (2:97), and the verse number that mentions this is also numbered 97! We can consider this to possibly mean all the Quran came down into the prophet’s heart, of which portions would be revealed over time. And it could also be that these five ayat were revealed in that same night. And so a connection between the sum of words and letters in these first revealed words and the night of their revelation could be made.

Are Muslim Women Deprived of Prayer and Rewards from Ramadan and Laylatul Qadr for having Menses?

This Quora post answers a question from a Muslima who repeatedly missed praying on Laylatul Qadr because of menstruation. Clearly she believes that women should not pray during their menstruation and therefore by adhering to this rule, she missed the night or nights considered by those around her to be that singular night. Quranists would say there is no such prohibition to begin with; still others would say that Laylatul Qadr was only the night in which the Quran was sent but that the notion of our prayers being given a higher value on a specific recurring night more than any other is erroneous. Without delving into those issues relating to Quran vs. Hadith, the answer linked above offers reassurances directly from the Quran that she has not been and will not be deprived of rewards and that such presumptions are unfounded. 

When Exactly Is Laylatul Qadr?

The Quran does not direct us to look for that specific night, and so we are not given “directions” or “signs” to it. We are always looking for shortcuts to “get to paradise quick” or guarantee our place in paradise. Some say if you offer a specific du’a it will be better than another and some people are anxiously searching to “get the right night.” But Allah is eternal and not restricted by time.

Surat Al-Qadr 97, Night of Celestial Power

This spectacular sura appears to be simple and easy to understand, but examined in greater depth, unleashes its power, as shown in the analysis below.

A Different Perspective on Sura 97 and Laylatul Qadr

Although I’ve presented a longer and somewhat unusual analysis of the meaning of Laylatul Qadr or “the Night of Decree/Power,” it’s important to present alternate (and shorter) views on this important subject. Here is a different and valid interpretation of that important night from Quora, exploring traditional and Quran-based interpretations, which I found also meaningful, and more in line with the traditional understanding that this night occurs in the lunar calendar-based Ramadan. It gives Quranic references with interesting possible explanations.