Maximizing The Benefits Of The Last Ten Days Of Ramadan
By: Nurudeen Bala
Alhamdulillah for sparing our lives to witness the “last ten days” of Ramadan. Alhamdulillah for the gift of Islam! Alhamdulillah for the gift of the “Night of Decree “in this greatest month. May the Almighty Allah make it possible for us to witness this year’s “Night of Decree”.
As for “months”, Ramadan is the greatest “month” in Islam. As for “days” the first ten days of Zul-hajj are the best days in Islam. The Day of “Arafah” which is the 9th day of Zul-Hajj is the greatest of all days of the year in Islam. As for “nights” the last ten “nights” of Ramadan are the best “nights” in Islam. The “Night of Decree” (Lailaul Qatar) which is found in the last ten days of Ramadan of every year is the greatest of all nights in Islam. As for a “day”, Friday is the greatest day of all days in a week in Islam.
However, the last ten days (Ashra) in Ramadan comprises the vital “nights” of Ramadan as it unveils the night that is termed as mother of all nights that is the “Night of Decree”(Lailatul-Qadar). Lailatul -Qadr variously rendered in English as the Night of Decree, Night of Power, Night of Value, Night of Destiny, and or Night of Measures, is the night when the Qur’an was first sent down from Heaven to the world and also the night when the first verses of the Qur’an were revealed to prophet Muhammad (SAW) and it is described to be better than a thousand months of worshipping.
We are required in the last ten days of Ramadan to perform the following:
(1) Praying in the last ten nights of Ramadan. The mother of the believers Aisha (RA) said: During the last ten days of Ramadan, The Messenger of Allah (SAW) would wake his wives up during the night and then remain apart from them (that is, being busy in acts of worship). (Al-Bukhari and Muslim). Aisha (RA) said: The Prophet used to tighten his belt (i.e. work hard) and used to pray all the night and used to keep his family awake for the prayers. [Bukhari]. A narration in Muslim states: “He would strive [to do acts of worship] during the last ten days of Ramadan more than he would at any other time.”
(2) Seeking Lailatul-Qadr (the Night of Decree). Lailatul-Qadar is the greatest night of the year just like the Day of `Arafah being the greatest day of the year. It is a night about which Allah revelled a full Surah, Suratul-Qadr [Qur’an 97:1-5] and the 3rd to the 6th verses of Surat ad-Dukhan [Qur’an 44:3-6]. It is the night when the Qur’an was revealed. It is the night when the Message (the Final and seal of all messages) sent to Prophet Mohammad (SAW) started. It is the night when the light, that would illuminate mankind to the end of life, started. It is the night when every matter of ordainment is decreed. A person who misses Lailatul-Qadr is really a deprived person! What happens to the person who witnesses Lailatul-Qadr? and what should one do? Abu Hurairah (RA)reported that the Messenger of Allah, SAW, said: “Whoever stands (in prayer) in Lailatul-Qadr out of Imaan (faith and sincerity) and seeking reward then his previous sins are forgiven”. [Bukhari].
It is recommended to supplicate a lot during this night, it is reported from our mother Aisha (RA), that she said: “O Messenger of Allah! What if I knew which night Lailatul-Qadr was, then what should I say in it?” He said. – “Say.- Allahumma innaka ‘affuwwun tuhibbul ‘afwa fa’fu ‘annee. “O Allaah You are The One Who pardons greatly, and loves to pardon, so pardon me.”. [at-Tirmithi and Ibn Majah with a Sahih Isnad].
(3) Performing I`tikaf in the Masjid (seclusion in the Mosque). Another act performed by the prophet in the last ten days of Ramadan is I’tikaf. It is preferred for the one who is making I`tikaf to perform many supererogatory acts of worship and to occupy himself with prayers, reciting the Qur’an, glorifying and praising Allah, extolling His oneness and His greatness, asking His forgiveness, sending salutations on the Prophet, upon whom be peace, and supplicating Allah – that is, all actions that bring one closer to Allah. Included among these actions is studying and reading books of tafsir and hadith, books on the lives of the Prophets, upon whom be peace, books of fiqh, and so on.
(4) Increasing prayer and reciting the Qur’an. As Ramadan draws to its conclusion, we are required to put more efforts rather than get tired. Sincerely praying for forgiveness, reciting the holy Qur’an, sending salawat (blessings upon the Prophet) and offering optional (nafl) prayers are examples of beneficial acts of worship on these last nights.
(5) Giving Sadaqah During the Last Ten Nights. Giving sadaqah during the last ten nights is an act of worship that brings many blessings. It is a time for us to remember Allah and ask Him for His forgiveness. The reward for giving sadaqah during these days is multiplied many times over.
(6) Dua for Forgiveness. We are sinners and Ramadan is about to go. There is no better time to ask for forgiveness than the last ten days of Ramadan. Therefore, recite this dua as much as possible as even the Prophet (PBUH) has recommended it as the best dua for recitation in the last Ashra of Ramadan. Allaahummannaka ‘afuwwun, tuhibb al-‘afwa, afa’fu ‘anni. O Allah, You are the Most Forgiving, and You love to forgive, so forgive me.
(7) Dua for Guidance. We really need the Almighty Allah’s guidance. In the last 10 days of Ramadan, Allah SWT comes close to his worshippers and accepts duas with contentment for striving towards Him. Hence, there is no better time to seek guidance than Ashra-e-Nijat.Allāhumma Innī As’aluka al-Hudā Wat-Tuqā Wal-Afāfa Wal-Ghinā). O Allah, I ask You for guidance and piety, and abstinence (from the unlawful) and modesty, and contentment and sufficiency.
May the Almighty Allah accept from us!
Nurudeen writes from Kaduna, he can be reached via nurudeendauda24@gmail. com
