(1–5) “In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful. Indeed, We sent it down on the Night of Decree. And what will make you comprehend what the Night of Decree is? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. The angels and the Spirit descend during it, by their Lord’s permission, for every matter. It is peace until the break of dawn.”

The Most High says, explaining the excellence and lofty status of the Quran: “Indeed, We sent it down on the Night of Decree,” just as He says: “Indeed, We sent it down on a blessed night.” This is because Allah [Most High] began sending it down (1) in Ramadan, [on] the Night of Decree. Through it, Allah bestowed a universal mercy upon His servants for which they can never thank Him adequately.

It is called the Night of Decree because of its tremendous standing and excellence before Allah, and because the life spans, provisions, and divinely decreed matters that will occur during the year are determined on that night.

He then magnified its importance and exalted its standing, saying: “And what will make you comprehend what the Night of Decree is?” That is, its affair is momentous and its significance immense.

“The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.” That is, its excellence equals that of a thousand months. A deed performed during it is better than a deed performed over a thousand months [devoid of it]. This is something at which (2) discerning minds are bewildered and intellects are astonished: Allah bestowed upon this community, limited as it is in strength and capacity, a night in which deeds equal and surpass those performed over a thousand months—the lifetime of a long-lived man, exceeding eighty years.

“The angels and the Spirit descend during it”—meaning that they descend abundantly during it—“for every matter. It is peace,” meaning that it is free of every harm and evil because of its abundant goodness, “until the break of dawn.” That is, it begins at sunset and ends at dawn (3).

Hadiths concerning its virtue, its occurrence in Ramadan and during its final ten nights—especially the odd-numbered nights—have been transmitted through numerous independent chains. It continues to occur every year until the Hour is established.

For this reason, the Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—would observe spiritual retreat and devote himself more intensely to worship during the final ten nights of Ramadan, hoping to attain the Night of Decree. [And Allah knows best].

Commentary on Sūrat Lam Yakun

It is Medinan.