The last ten days of Ramadan are very special. They are the grand finale of Ramadan and a chance for redemption for those who were unable to complete everything they intended to do earlier.
How should we try to make the most of the last 10 days and nights of Ramadan? This article will answer that question.
A roadmap for the last ten days of Ramadan
There are many ways to increase the number of good deeds during the last ten days, and one of them is to exert oneself fully, as one does not know if one will live to see the next Ramadan. Not only that, but the blessings of the month of Ramadan are drawing to a close. Aisha (RA) narrated: [1]
With the start of the last ten days of Ramadan, the Prophet (PBUH) used to tighten his belt (i.e., work harder), pray all night, and keep his family awake for prayers.
Therefore, it is important to strive to emulate the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in order to make the most of the last ten days of Ramadan.
To do I’tikaf
Performing I’tikaf in the mosque is one of the acts that the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) used to perform during the last ten nights of Ramadan. Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated: [2]
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to perform I’tikaf during the last ten days of Ramadan until Allah the Mighty and Majestic took him.
What exactly is I’tikaf?
I’tikaf means remaining in the mosque full-time and not leaving at all, except in emergencies, during the last ten nights of Ramadan, and abstaining from anything other than prayer, dhikr, reciting the Quran, etc. A shorter period is also encouraged. However, engaging in anything other than the worship of Allah invalidates I’tikaf.
Prayers and the search for forgiveness
Seeking forgiveness is encouraged during the last ten days of Ramadan. Since Ramadan is the time when prayers are most likely to be accepted, making Dua (supplication) for oneself as well as for the Ummah as a whole is an excellent thing to do.
Laylat al-Qadr, or the Night of Decree, is one of the most special nights not only of Ramadan, but of the entire year. The Prophet Muhammad said: [3]
Whoever establishes prayers on the Night of Qadr with sincere faith and hopes to obtain rewards from Allah (not boasting), then all his past sins will be forgiven.
For prayer, it is advisable to prepare a list of Duas well in advance and try to memorize them. If you are looking for Duas, you are in luck – you can use our free ebook, « 25 Blessed Duas from the Holy Quran, » which offers 25 Quranic Duas in Arabic with English translations . Here is one such Dua, from the ebook itself:
You can also consider taking one surah a day and reflecting on it. Read the translation and the Tafsir of the Quran, recite it, and try to memorize as many portions of the Quran as possible.
Finally, try setting goals for Ramadan and regularly assess yourself to see if you have achieved them. It is also helpful to have a list written down.
May Allah help us all to bear witness to Laylat al-Qadr and to accept our prayers!
References
Sahih Bukhari Book 32 Hadith 11
Sahih Bukhari Book 33 Hadith 02
Sahih Bukhari Book 02 Hadith 28