Even though the holy and blessed month of Ramadan has a meaningful spiritual significance, however the last 10 days of Ramadan hold a different kind of power altogether. It is believed that the first revelation of the Holy Quran was revealed to our Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) on one of the last 10 days of Ramadan, but most think that it was 27th of Ramadan, also known as Laylat-ul-Qadar (the night of power).
Laylat-ul-Qadar (the night of power or the night of decree) is one of the most scared nights in the Islamic calendar and therefore Muslims all around the world seek this holy night in the last 10 days of Ramadan and pray for Allah’s mercy, forgiveness and a better fate in this life and hereafter.
Allah says in the Qur’an, “The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months,” (Qur’an, 97:3). The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever prays on Laylatul Qadr out of faith and sincerity, shall have all their past sins forgiven,” (Hadith, Bukhari and Muslim).
The exact date of Laylat-ul-Qadr is unknown, although it is thought to occur on an odd night in the last ten days of Ramadan (e.g. the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27 or 29th night). The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Seek it in the last ten days, on the odd nights,” (Hadith, Bukhari and Muslim).
SO HOW CAN YOU MAKE THE MOST OF THE LAST 10 DAYS OF RAMADAN? Well, here’s how!
GIVE SADKA
Ramadan is a beautiful start to help the needy and multiply that reward manifold by giving sadka or sadka jariyah in order to please Allah.
The rewards of giving sadaqa during Ramadan are multiplied by 70 and the reward for any righteous act during Laylatul Qadr is equivalent to having performed the same act for over 83 years!
PERFORM I’TIKAF
I’tikaf is great way to connect with Allah and reflect on life and how to implement religious practices in solitude. You can sit in i’tikaf from 1-2 days upto 10 days in a peaceful corner away from any worldly affair. Hazrat Aisha (RA) reported about our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) that: “He (SAW) used to perform Itikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan until Allah the Mighty & Majestic, took him.” (Bukhari). There are some basic rules for both men and women to follow when performing I’tikaf.
OFFER NAWAFIL & MAKE DUA
Besides the mandatory 5 prayers, you can offer extra nawafil to please Allah and the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) and make dua for yourself, your life, your family and your friends. Allah is the great giver of everything, therefore do not hesitate to ask him for anything in these last 10 days of Ramada.
RECITE SURAH LAYLAT-UL-QADAR IN ABUNDANCE
Indeed, We revealed [the Qur’an] during the Night of Decree. And what can make you know what is the Night of Decree? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter. Peace it is until the emergence of dawn. (97:1-5)
DUA FOR LAYLAT-UL-QADAR
Aisha reported: I asked: “O Messenger of Allah! If I realize Lailat-ul-Qadr (Night of Decree), what should I supplicate in it?” He replied, “You should supplicate: Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun, tuhibbul-‘afwa, fa’fu ‘anni (O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness; so forgive me).
You can learn to make the most of Ramzan here.
