Page:Thomas Patrick Hughes - Notes on Muhammadanism - 2ed. (1877).djvu/143

 122 covered by any but the Prophet himself, and some of the Companions, although the learned doctors believe it to be on the twenty-seventh. Of this night Muhammad says in the Qurán (Surat-ul-Qadr):—

"Verily we have caused it (the Qurán) to descend on the night of power.

"And who shall teach thee what the night of power is?

"The night of power excelleth a thousand months;

"Therein descend the angels and the spirit by permission

"Of their Lord in every matter;

"And all is peace till the breaking of the morn."

By these verses commentators understand that on this night the Qurán came down entire in one volume to the lowest heaven, from whence it was revealed by Gabriel in portions as the occasion required. The excellences of this night are said to be innumerable, and it is believed that during it the whole animal and vegetable kingdom bow in humble adoration