๏ Indeed, We descended it in the night of discipline – laylatu l-qadr. (1) What made you know what the night of al-qadr is? (2) A night of discipline is better than unabashed emotions, (3) descended the angels and the spirit therein, by the permission of their lord, for every affair. (4) Peaceful it is, until the emergence of the dawn. (5) ๏
— al-qadr, 97/1-5
The knowledge and guidance mentioned in the previous chapter is sent down in laylatu l-qadr.
al-qadr (qāf-dāl-rā) means measure, standard, or laws. The night of qadr refers to a period of discipline, one where set measures are respected and adhered to. This is better than pursuing fragrant, unbridled inclinations and emotions.
alf (hamza-lām-fā) of verse 3, although commonly translated as “thousand,” is related to the verb allafa, which means to be inclined towards something in affection (e.g. _al-anfāl_⋆8/63).
shahr (shīn-hā-rā) is usually translated as month. Its root is related to:
- made it apparent, conspicuous, manifest, notorious, notable, commonly known, or public
Since ‘a night of discipline’ is better than alfin shahrin, I believe the phrase is in reference to unchecked emotional behaviour, which is the opposite of disciplined behaviour. In other words, a set period of discipline is of greater benefit than following ones emotions and inclinations unreservedly – alfin shahr. Through a level of discipline, the guidance of God becomes apparent in every affair.
This is a period of peace for the believer, until a new dawn is reached, where the process starts again.
A lack of discipline can result in rejecting God's book, as per the next chapter.
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Tagged: #chapter-097 #annotations #qaf-dal-ra #hamza-lam-fa #shin-ha-ra