The last ten nights of Ramadan hold particular significance and are the final third of a beautiful month of worship and fasting. The last ten nights begin from the night before the twenty-first fast and are a time when Muslims increase their worship in the final stretch of the holy month.
The final ten nights
These final ten nights are a time where extra reward and blessings may be available. According to the Sunnah, these are the nights when the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) would increase his worship.
“The Prophet would exert himself in worship during the last ten nights more than at any other time of the year.” (Muslim)
Below are several reminders of the acts of worship which you can complete to make the most of these special last ten nights.
Understanding The Night of Power
During these ten nights, is also the most important night of the entire year. The Night of Power, or Laylat Al Qadr, is the night mentioned in the Qur’an and is said to be better than a thousand nights.
“We have indeed revealed this in the ‘Night of Power’. And what will explain to you what the night of power is? The Night of Power is better than a thousand months. Therein come down The Angels and the Spirit by Allah’s permission, on every errand. “Peace! This until the rise of Morn!” (Holy Qur’an 97:1-5)
Increased Worship
On this special night, during the last ten nights, you should increase your prayer and recitation of Qur’an and perform good actions.
“Whoever spends Laylat al-Qadr in prayer, believing in Allah and seeking His reward, will be forgiven all of his past sins.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
Verily, the month of Ramadan has come to you all. It is a blessed month, which Allah has obligated you all to fast. During it, the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are shackled. In it there is a night that is better than one thousand months. Whoever is deprived of its good, then he has truly been deprived. (Ahmad)
Laylat Al Qadr can fall on any of the last ten nights during Ramadan but some sources report that it can be on an odd night. For also those observing Ramadan, the last ten nights of this month are a time to exert oneself in remembrance of Allah (swt).
Aim to complete extra prayers during these nights. Make sure you complete all sunnah prayers and attend Tarawih prayers at your local masjid. You can also complete additional (nafl) prayers to earn extra reward.
Abu Hurairah (radhi Allaahu anhu) that the Messenger of Allaah (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) said: “Whoever performs the night prayer on the night of Al-Qadr with Eemaan (firm belief) and seeking reward will have all his past sins forgiven.” (Bukhari)
Increase in Du’a
During these final nights you should increase the du’a that you make.
“O Messenger of Allah! If I find the Night of Al-Qadr what should I say?” He (saw) replied, Say : “O Allah! Verily You are the Oft-Pardoning, You love to pardon, so pardon me.” (Ahmad)
Allaahumma innaka ‘afuwwun, tuhibb al-‘afwa, fa’fu ‘anni
There are a number of other special du’a you can make which are short and easy to remember but will hold extra importance during the last ten nights:
Allaahummah-dinee wa sadd-dadnee
O Allah! Direct me to the Right Path and make me adhere to the Straight Path.
Allaahumma innee as-aluka Ridaaka wal Jannah wa a’audhu’bika min sakhatika wan-naar
O Allah, I ask of Your pleasure and for Paradise, and I seek refuge from Your displeasure and from the Hellfire.
Increase in good deeds
In addition to extra prayer, there are many honourable deeds that can be performed for the sake of Allah (swt), and which will bring extra reward. This includes acts of charity such as helping one another, preparing and serving iftar for others or donating online your Zakat and Sadaqah.
Ramadan is a time of reflection and understanding of the blessings that we have. Around the world millions of people do not have enough food to eat or access to clean, safe water. Communities across Pakistan and Uganda live in severe, long-term poverty and life expectancy is low due to lack of sanitation or adequate medical care. This is also the case for large regions in Turkey, who were recently struck with devastating earthquakes.
Your donation can change lives and bring you extra reward during these final nights of the holy month. When you give to others for the sake of Allah (swt) your actions count as worship and earn extra blessings. Your generosity can ensure that people in Turkey, Uganda and Pakistan can receive food, clean water, education, livelihood support and more, helping them to recover from devastating flooding and break free from the cycle of poverty.
Keep hopes alive this Ramadan
Al-Wahab Foundation is working across Pakistan, Turkey and Uganda delivering your Zakat and Sadaqah to people in desperate situations. Our teams are on the ground, reaching those in rural and remote areas, providing relief through your donations. We are committed to ensuring that with your help, we create long-term, sustainable aid programmes that empower people through education and livelihood to put an end their daily struggles to survive.
Donate today and fulfil your worship for Ramadan.
