“Inna Anzalna Fi Lailatul Qadr” (إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَاهُ فِي لَيْلَةِ الْقَدْرِ) is the opening verse of Surah Al-Qadr, the 97th chapter of the Qur’an. It means: “Indeed, We sent it (the Qur’an) down during the Night of Decree (Laylatul Qadr).”
This short, five-verse surah describes the night on which the Qur’an’s revelation began — a night the Qur’an itself calls “better than a thousand months.”
What Is “Inna Anzalna Fi Lailatul Qadr”?
“Inna Anzalna Fi Lailatul Qadr” is simply how many people refer to Surah Al-Qadr, using its opening Arabic words — similar to how Surah Al-Ikhlas is sometimes called “Qul Huwa Allahu Ahad.” It is not a separate dua or a different surah; it is the first line of the surah itself.
Surah Al-Qadr is located in Juz 30 (Amma Para), between Surah Al-Alaq and Surah Al-Bayyinah, and is one of the most frequently recited short surahs in daily prayers.
Surah Al-Qadr in Arabic Text
| # | Arabic Text |
|---|---|
| Bismillah | بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ |
| 1 | إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَاهُ فِي لَيْلَةِ الْقَدْرِ |
| 2 | وَمَا أَدْرَاكَ مَا لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ |
| 3 | لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ خَيْرٌ مِنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍ |
| 4 | تَنَزَّلُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ وَالرُّوحُ فِيهَا بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهِمْ مِنْ كُلِّ أَمْرٍ |
| 5 | سَلَامٌ هِيَ حَتَّىٰ مَطْلَعِ الْفَجْرِ |
Inna Anzalna Fi Lailatul Qadr in Roman English (Transliteration)
| # | Transliteration |
|---|---|
| 1 | Inna anzalnahu fi laylatil-qadr |
| 2 | Wa ma adraka ma laylatul-qadr |
| 3 | Laylatul-qadri khayrun min alfi shahr |
| 4 | Tanazzalul-mala’ikatu war-ruhu fiha bi-idhni rabbihim min kulli amr |
| 5 | Salamun hiya hatta matla’il-fajr |
Roman transliteration is approximate and meant only as a reading aid — it cannot replace learning correct Arabic pronunciation (tajweed).
Inna Anzalna Fi Lailatul Qadr Meaning / Translation (English)
| # | English Translation |
|---|---|
| 1 | Indeed, We sent the Qur’an down during the Night of Decree. |
| 2 | And what can make you know what the Night of Decree is? |
| 3 | The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. |
| 4 | The angels and the Spirit (Angel Jibreel) descend therein by the permission of their Lord for every matter. |
| 5 | Peace it is until the emergence of dawn. |
This English rendering follows the general sense given by widely used translations such as Saheeh International and Abdullah Yusuf Ali. Exact wording differs slightly between translators, though the meaning remains consistent.
Inna Anzalna Fi Lailatul Qadr Meaning in Hindi (हिंदी में अर्थ)
| # | हिंदी अनुवाद |
|---|---|
| 1 | निश्चय ही हमने इसे (क़ुरआन को) शब-ए-क़द्र (क़द्र की रात) में उतारा है। |
| 2 | और तुम्हें क्या पता कि शब-ए-क़द्र क्या है? |
| 3 | शब-ए-क़द्र हज़ार महीनों से बेहतर है। |
| 4 | उस रात फ़रिश्ते और रूह (जिबरील अलैहिस्सलाम) अपने रब की इजाज़त से हर काम के लिए उतरते हैं। |
| 5 | वह रात सुबह होने तक सलामती (शांति) वाली है। |
Different Hindi translators (Maulana Junagarhi, Ahmed Raza Khan, and others) may phrase this slightly differently, but the core meaning stays the same across reliable translations.
Inna Anzalna Fi Lailatul Qadr in Urdu
بیشک ہم نے اسے شبِ قدر میں اتارا۔
اور تمہیں کیا معلوم کہ شبِ قدر کیا ہے؟
شبِ قدر ہزار مہینوں سے بہتر ہے۔
اس رات فرشتے اور روح اپنے رب کے حکم سے ہر کام کے لیے اترتے ہیں۔
وہ رات صبح طلوع ہونے تک سلامتی والی ہے۔
Tarjuma and Tafsir: Context and Explanation
The word “Qadr” carries two related meanings in classical tafsir: decree/destiny and honor/greatness. Scholars explain both senses apply — it is the night when Allah’s decree for the coming year is made known to the angels (as also referenced in Surah Ad-Dukhan, 44:3–4), and it is a night of immense honor.
Many classical commentators, citing a narration attributed to the companion Ibn Abbas (RA), explain that the Qur’an was first sent down in its entirety to the “Bayt al-Izzah” in the lowest heaven on Laylatul Qadr, after which it was revealed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ gradually over approximately 23 years, according to circumstances and events. This explanation is found in works such as Tafsir al-Tabari and is reported with a chain graded sahih by Imam al-Hakim in his Mustadrak — but it remains a scholarly explanation of the verse rather than a directly stated Qur’anic fact, and readers should understand it in that light.
Verse 4 mentions that angels and “the Spirit” — understood by scholars to refer to Angel Jibreel (Gabriel) — descend on this night by Allah’s permission, carrying out matters decreed for the year ahead. Verse 5 describes the night as filled with “salam” (peace/safety) until dawn.
Which Surah Is This? Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Surah Name | Al-Qadr (القدر) — “The Decree” / “The Night of Power” |
| Surah Number | 97 |
| Number of Verses | 5 |
| Juz (Para) | 30 (Amma Para) |
| Position | Before Surah Al-Bayyinah, after Surah Al-Alaq |
| Meccan or Medinan | The majority of classical scholars hold it was revealed in Makkah (Meccan); a minority opinion holds it was revealed in Madinah. Scholars differ on this point, and no single view is treated as absolutely certain. |
Why Is Laylatul Qadr “Better Than a Thousand Months”?
The Qur’an states plainly in verse 3 that this one night carries more merit than a thousand months — roughly 83 years — of worship on any ordinary night. The Qur’an does not elaborate further on the exact mechanism of this superiority; scholars generally understand it as an expression of Allah’s immense mercy, granting extraordinary reward for sincere worship performed on this night. No specific worldly outcome is promised in the verse itself — the emphasis is on spiritual reward.
When Is Laylatul Qadr?
The Qur’an and Hadith do not specify one fixed calendar date every year. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ instructed his companions:
“Seek Laylatul Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten nights of Ramadan.” — Reported by Aisha (RA), Sahih al-Bukhari
Because of this, many Muslims pay particular attention to the nights of the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, and 29th of Ramadan, with the 27th night being popularly observed in many communities. However, scholars are clear that the exact night is not stated with certainty in any single hadith, and its concealment is generally understood to encourage sincere worship throughout the last ten nights rather than effort on one night alone.
Common Misconception: “Allahumma Inna Anzalna Fi Lailatul Qadr” — Two Different Things
Some search queries combine two separate texts into one phrase — “Allahumma Inna Anzalna Fi Lailatul Qadr.” It is important to be clear:
- “Inna Anzalna Fi Lailatul Qadr” is the opening verse of Surah Al-Qadr, a Qur’anic chapter.
- “Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun…” is a separate dua taught by the Prophet ﷺ, recited specifically when seeking Laylatul Qadr.
These are two distinct texts from two different sources. They are often searched together because both relate to the same night, but they should not be blended into one phrase or treated as a single verse.
The Dua of Laylatul Qadr
| Detail | Content |
|---|---|
| Arabic | اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي |
| Transliteration | Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibbul-‘afwa fa’fu ‘anni |
| English Meaning | O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness; so forgive me. |
| Hindi Meaning | ऐ अल्लाह! तू बहुत माफ़ करने वाला है, माफ़ी को पसंद करता है, तो मुझे माफ़ कर दे। |
| Urdu Meaning | اے اللہ! تو بہت معاف کرنے والا ہے، معافی کو پسند کرتا ہے، تو مجھے معاف فرما۔ |
| Source | Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Sunan Ibn Majah, and Musnad Ahmad, narrated by Aisha (RA) |
| Authenticity | Graded authentic (sahih) by several hadith scholars, including Imam al-Albani |
| When to Recite | Especially during the last ten nights of Ramadan, and any night one hopes may be Laylatul Qadr |
| How to Recite | Recited sincerely in personal supplication (dua), typically after night prayers (Tarawih/Tahajjud) or at any point during the night |
Background of the Inna Anzalna Fi Lailatul Qadr
Aisha (RA) reported that she asked the Prophet ﷺ, “O Messenger of Allah, if I know which night is Laylatul Qadr, what should I say?” He instructed her to recite this short dua. It focuses on seeking Allah’s forgiveness rather than worldly requests, reflecting the spiritual purpose of the night.
How to Recite Surah Al-Qadr and the Dua
- Surah Al-Qadr can be recited in daily obligatory prayers, Tarawih, Tahajjud, or as part of daily Qur’an recitation.
- It is commonly recited by those who have memorized it, similar to other short surahs of Juz 30.
- The dua “Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun…” is recited as a personal supplication, not as part of the formal prayer itself, and can be repeated throughout the night.
- Recitation should be done with correct pronunciation where possible; beginners can use transliteration as a temporary aid while learning proper Arabic articulation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Mixing the surah and the dua into one phrase, as discussed above.
- Assuming a guaranteed specific night — scholars differ, and no hadith fixes one exact date every year with certainty.
- Reciting without understanding meaning — taking a little time to learn the translation adds to the reflection (tadabbur) encouraged in the Qur’an.
- Expecting only worldly results — the Qur’an and hadith emphasize spiritual reward and forgiveness on this night, not specific worldly promises.
FAQs About Inna Anzalna Fi Lailatul Qadr
1. What does “Inna Anzalna Fi Lailatul Qadr” mean?
It means “Indeed, We sent it (the Qur’an) down during the Night of Decree.” It is the first verse of Surah Al-Qadr.
2. Which Surah is “Inna Anzalna Fi Lailatul Qadr”?
It is Surah Al-Qadr, the 97th chapter of the Qur’an, consisting of 5 verses.
3. Is “Allahumma Inna Anzalna Fi Lailatul Qadr” an authentic dua?
This exact combined phrase is not found in any hadith. The correct dua taught by the Prophet ﷺ for Laylatul Qadr is “Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibbul-‘afwa fa’fu ‘anni,” reported separately in Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah, and Musnad Ahmad. It should not be confused with the Qur’anic verse “Inna Anzalna.”
4. When is Laylatul Qadr?
It falls within the last ten nights of Ramadan, most likely on one of the odd nights (21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th), based on the hadith of Aisha (RA) in Sahih al-Bukhari. The exact night is not stated with certainty.
5. Is Surah Al-Qadr Meccan or Medinan?
Most scholars consider it Meccan, though a minority hold it was revealed in Madinah. This remains a point of scholarly difference.
6. What is the virtue of Surah Al-Qadr?
It describes Laylatul Qadr as “better than a thousand months” (97:3) and explains that angels descend on this night by Allah’s permission. Separately, Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim report that whoever stands in prayer on Laylatul Qadr with sincere faith, seeking reward, will have their previous sins forgiven.
Conclusion On Inna Anzalna Fi Lailatul Qadr
“Inna Anzalna Fi Lailatul Qadr” is the opening verse of Surah Al-Qadr, describing the night the Qur’an’s revelation began — a night the Qur’an itself describes as better than a thousand months. Understanding its Arabic text, meaning, and context, alongside the separate dua taught for seeking this night, helps in approaching the last ten nights of Ramadan with clarity and sincerity, rather than relying on unverified claims or mixed-up phrases.
Key Takeaways Of Inna Anzalna Fi Lailatul Qadr
- “Inna Anzalna Fi Lailatul Qadr” is verse 1 of Surah Al-Qadr (Qur’an 97:1), not a separate dua.
- Surah Al-Qadr has 5 verses and is located in Juz 30, Surah number 97.
- The Qur’an describes Laylatul Qadr as “better than a thousand months.”
- Scholars differ on whether the surah is Meccan or Medinan, and on the exact night Laylatul Qadr falls each year.
- The dua “Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibbul-‘afwa fa’fu ‘anni” is a separate, authentically reported supplication for Laylatul Qadr, distinct from the Qur’anic verse.
- Translations in English, Hindi, and Urdu may vary slightly in wording between scholars, though the core meaning remains consistent.
- The Prophet ﷺ instructed seeking Laylatul Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten nights of Ramadan (Sahih al-Bukhari).
Thank you for reading Inna Anzalna Fi Lailatul Qadr!
Also Read:
Also check out “Wish Dua” for deeper insights into naming traditions.