The last 10 nights of Ramadan sees Muslims increase their worship and good deeds in the hope of greater rewards, but what makes these nights more important for Muslims?
The word Ramadan stems from the Arabic word ramada, which means scorching heat. When deciding on the month’s names Ramadan fell during the scorching summer hence it was an apt name. Its name can also be looked to mean our scorching desire to gain rewards from God as well as the ability of this month to burn away our sins.
Laylat Al-Qadar
The importance of the last 10 nights lies in the hope of finding Laylat Al-Qadr (the Night of Decree/Power). This night saw the Quran be revealed and sent down from the seventh heaven to the first and was revealed over a course of 23 years to the Prophet (pbuh). It is a night to recognize the final guidance and message that was sent for mankind and to show gratitude to have this.
The night is also where all matters for the coming year are decreed. All aspects of people’s lives from their wealth, their troubles, deaths and sources of happiness are all confirmed upon this night. While this was already known to God he makes this known to his angels who in turn enact what has been written down for us. Hence, we should make sure to have full faith in our prayers during this time in the hope of it being fulfilled and enacted.
Laylat Al-Qadar is also the night of forgiveness. Whoever stays up all night in true faith and seeks forgiveness from God it has been said that the reward will be for all their previous sins to be forgiven. God has described this night to be better than a thousand months, equivalent to over eighty-three years. Gaining the rewards offered during this one night could be more than we can achieve in our lifetime.
There are hadiths which mention that Laylat Al-Qadr is found within the odd-numbered nights, i.e., on the 21st, the 23rd, the 25th, the 27th and the 29th of Ramadan with it more likely being on the night of the 27th. However, there are views that it also changes each year. Nevertheless, knowing its importance we should act and seek for this night in every one of the last 10 nights of Ramadan.
What to Do in the Last 10 Days of Ramadan
Unlike celebrations such as birthdays which revolve around our senses, Laylat Al-Qadr is an event which revolves around our spirit. The month of Ramadan sees us increase all forms of worship and with the distraction of worldly desires gone we use our energy to bring us closer to God. You might already be doing these during Ramadan but below are 3 easy ways to help get the most out of the last 10 days.
Increasing charity: You may already be giving donations during Ramadan but you can also think to increase these regular donations during the last 10 days. My 10 Nights is a great app that automates your donations over these 10 nights. It also provides the options of giving more on odd nights or on the 27th night. If you’re aware of how much Zakat you need to pay then this can be also paid during the last 10 days to get more reward.
Increasing prayers: This means prayers specifically pertaining to the night. If you are able to perform tarawih prayers then this is a great way to gain rewards but this can also mean praying tahajud.
Tahajud is a prayer that takes place in the last third of the night after you have woken up (before Fajr). It is the time of the night when God descends and grants people what they ask for in their prayers. The Prophet used to read 8 rakats and 3 witr but there is no required set format.
Performing tahajud prayer may seem daunting during any other time of the year but during Ramadan we only need to wake up a little earlier than we do for suhoor to perform this. An additional help is to create a du’a list during the daytime. We may not be able to remember everything at that time of the night but we can fall back on recalling the list we’ve prepared.
Increasing Quran recitation: The Quran is food for our souls and if this is an event for our spirit then we should increase this more than ever. It’s said that due to this blessed month angels come down with God’s mercy and they gather wherever God’s name is mentioned.
We should remove ourselves from worldly distractions and focus on what really matters. It is during the last 10 days that many people choose to perform itiqaf. This is where people seclude themselves either at home or in the mosque to only focus on worship – performing itiqaf was also a sunnah of the Prophet.
Due to the changes in sleep patterns it’s important to maintain your energy; you can find some methods for this in our article How to Maintain Energy Whilst Fasting.
Laylat Al-Qadr is a night no doubt we should all be striving to find and have our prayers accepted on. Whilst our energy levels may be lowest by the end of Ramadan we should stay focused and remember our intentions.
Don’t worry if you feel you haven’t taken enough advantage of the first 20 days, everyone can focus for these last 10. We can encourage ourselves to stay on track by doing it alongside our family or having regular check ins with our friends making sure we’re all taking advantage of this night.
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