Why is the exact night of Laylat al-Qadr concealed?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Fasting

Book 9 · Issue 6 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

Some scholars posit that Allah concealed this night from the Ummah so that they would strive to seek it and exert themselves in worship throughout the entire month in hope of attaining it. This is analogous to how Allah concealed the hour of acceptance on Friday so that supplication would be frequent throughout the day, and how His Greatest Name and His pleasure in obedience are concealed so that striving for all of them is maintained. Similarly, the appointed time (of death) and the Hour of Judgment are concealed so that people remain diligent in action out of fear of them.

Supporting text

Al-Shafi'i suggested that the Prophet, peace be upon him, gave answers according to what was asked of him regarding the specific nights mentioned in the narrations, implying the night may shift yearly.