The significance of the last 10 days of Ramadan stems from Laylat al-Qadr, or the Night of Decree, which is hidden within this period. The night holds immense spiritual value and is considered better than a thousand months. Detecting Laylat al-Qadr requires intense worship and complete devotion to Allah through acts of worship and self-purification. Although the night may pass unnoticed, its impact is profound. Only a select few are privileged to witness the miraculous manifestations of Laylat al-Qadr. This blessed night marks a pivotal shift in their relationship with Allah, bringing them closer to His mercy and blessings. The virtue of Laylat al-Qadr lies in its ability to elevate believers spiritually and grant them abundant rewards beyond measure.
قال النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم: "تحروا ليلة القدر في العشر الأواخر من رمضان" صحيح البخاري
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Seek Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Decree) in the last ten nights of Ramadan." (Sahih al-Bukhari)
{ إِنَّآ أَنزَلْنَـٰهُ فِى لَيْلَةِ ٱلْقَدْرِ وَمَآ أَدْرَىٰكَ مَا لَيْلَةُ ٱلْقَدْرِ لَيْلَةُ ٱلْقَدْرِ خَيْرٌۭ مِّنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍۢ} ١-٣: ٩٧
Indeed, We sent the Qur'an down 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.
(Quran, 97:1-3)
Qualitative and Quantitative Acts of Worship
To maximize the benefits of the last ten days of Ramadan, it's essential to engage in both qualitative and quantitative worship. Ramadan is a time when ordinary deeds are multiplied in reward, with Allah's generosity increasing to seventy-fold. This month presents a unique opportunity to strengthen familial bonds and deepen one's commitment to serving loved ones. Tasks such as going to work, cleaning, cooking, teaching, caring, and educating, when done with mindful intentions, become acts of worship that amplify rewards.
Here are some acts of worship that, when practiced, can elevate your Ramadan to a higher level of spirituality and connection with Allah:
Engaging in additional prayers, such as Sunnah and Nawafil, is highly encouraged during Ramadan. These voluntary prayers hold rewards equivalent to obligatory prayers, each Fardh prayer multiplied by seventy to equal seven hundred. Moreover, during Laylatul Qadr, the reward for worship is magnified to equal that of one thousand months.
Incorporating Quranic recitation into prayers, the Quran holds immense reward during Ramadan, revered as the month of the Quran, holds special significance for Muslims worldwide. It is in the prayer where the recitation of the Quran reaches its pinnacle, making it the most optimal platform for its recitation. Integrating Quranic recitation into all prayers, be it obligatory, Sunnah, Nawafil, Taraweeh, or Qiyam, ensures an abundance of blessings and benefits.
A lover is granted more than a seeker, Allah grants His gifts to two types of people, those who harbor sincere love for Him and those who supplicate to Him for their needs. However, as stated in the Hadith Qudsi, the one who loves Allah and engages in His remembrance receives even greater blessings.
قال الله عزوجل في الحديث القدسي: "من شغله ذكري عن مسألتي أعطيته أحسن ما أعطي السائلين"
Allah Almighty said in the Qudsi Hadith: "Whoever becomes preoccupied with My remembrance instead of asking Me, I will grant him better than what I give to those who ask."
Remembrance (Thikr) is the cornerstone of quality worship, while supplication (Dua) holds significant importance, especially during fasting and the times of answered prayers. It's crucial to prioritize remembrance and glorification alongside supplication, ensuring a holistic approach to worship during Ramadan.
Charity, in its various forms, holds immense significance in Islam, serving as a means of purifying wealth, expressing gratitude to Allah, and aiding those in need. Among the different types of charity are Zakat, which is an obligatory form of giving based on one's wealth, and Sadaqa, which is voluntary giving from the heart. Sadaqa can take many forms, including Sadaqa Jaria (ongoing charity) like a Waqf building or digging a well, which continue to benefit people long after the initial donation. Additionally, simple acts of kindness such as offering a smile, helping someone in need, or providing food to the hungry also fall under the umbrella of charity. Each form of charity, whether obligatory or voluntary, serves to strengthen bonds within the community, alleviate suffering, and earn immense rewards in the sight of Allah.
عَنِ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ رضي الله عنهما، قَالَ: كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم أَجْوَدَ النَّاسِ بِالْخَيْرِ، وَكَانَ أَجْوَدُ مَا يَكُونُ فِي رَمَضَانَ حِينَ يَلْقَاهُ جِبْرِيلُ، وَكَانَ يَلْقَاهُ فِي كُلِّ لَيْلَةٍ مِنْ رَمَضَانَ فَيُدَارِسُهُ الْقُرْآنَ، فَكَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم أَجْوَدَ بِالْخَيْرِ مِنَ الرِّيحِ الْمُرْسَلَةِ
Narrated by Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was the most generous of people in doing good, and he was even more generous during the month of Ramadan when Gabriel would meet him. Gabriel would meet him every night of Ramadan to teach him the Quran. Indeed, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) was more generous with goodness than a blowing wind.
Dedicate time each day or night for I'tikaf, even if it's just an hour spent in seclusion for reflection and prayer. Disconnect from distractions and create a sacred space for spiritual contemplation. I'tikaf can be observed any time of day or night, for any duration, and in any peaceful place, with the condition of being devoted to it without any distraction.
I'tikaf offers a profound opportunity to disconnect from worldly distractions and gain clarity amidst life's complexities. It enhances self-awareness, illuminates personal strengths and weaknesses, and fosters spiritual and personal growth. Through this retreat, individuals can overcome spiritual fatigue and physical burnout, renew their sense of purpose, and deepen their connection to Allah. The experience often leads to inner peace, motivation for a righteous life, and heightened self-assurance propelled by divine obedience.
عَنْ عَائِشَةَ ـ رضى الله عنها ـ قَالَتْ: كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَعْتَكِفُ الْعَشْرَ الْأَوَاخِرَ مِنْ رَمَضَانَ حَتَّى تَوَفَّاهُ اللَّهُ، ثُمَّ بَعْدَهُ اعْتَكَفَتْ أَزْوَاجُهُ (صحيح البخاري)
From Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her): The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to observe I'tikaf during the last ten days of Ramadan until Allah took him, and then his wives observed I'tikaf after him. (Sahih al-Bukhari)
عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ : مَنْ اعْتَكَفَ فِي الْعَشْرِ الأَوَاخِرِ مِنْ رَمَضَانَ، فَكَانَ كَمَنْ اعْتَكَفَ مَعَ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم (صحيح البخاري)
Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "Whoever performs I'tikaf during the last ten days of Ramadan with steadfastness seeking reward, then all his past sins will be forgiven." (Sahih al-Bukhari)
Be among the Muqantireen, Muqantireen are those who diligently accumulate their good deeds until they form an arch (qantara), metaphorically representing a bridge of virtues and righteous actions. Similar to the formation of an arch, where individual stones are carefully placed to create a sturdy structure.
عن أبي هريرة رضي الله عنه قال : قال النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم: "من قام بعشر آيات لم يُكتب من الغافلين، ومن قام بمائة آية كتب من القانتين، ومن قام بألف آية كتب من المقنطرين." (صحيح البخاري و مسلم)
"Whoever stands in qiyam and recites ten verses will not be recorded among the heedless, whoever stands in qiyam and recites a hundred verses will be recorded among the devout, and whoever stands and recites a thousand verses will be recorded among the muqantireen." (Sahih al-Bukhari & Muslim)
An easy way to accumulate this amount of good deeds in one night during qiyam is by reciting Juzu' 29 and Juzu' 30 of the Quran during qiyam (night prayer). These sections alone yield 995 good deeds. Incorporating Al-Fatiha in your recitation boosts the total to 1002 good deeds. You have the flexibility to perform this recitation in 2 rakaa, 12 rakaa, or 20 rakaa of qiyam, allowing for varying levels of devotion in your worship.
Perform Ihya' more often, "Ihya'" encapsulates the concept of reviving or bringing back to life. Devout worshippers utilize this term to describe the practice of connecting by spending all night through continuous worship until Fajr. Through "ihya'", our hearts and souls are revitalized, reactivated by engaging in night-long worship sessions. As we remain physically awake, our hearts and souls emerge from dormancy, becoming fully alive and invigorated.
Tasabih Prayer, revolves around the repetitive recitation of this tasbih:
سبحان الله والحمد لله ولا إله إلا الله والله أكبر
Subhanallah wal hamdulillah wala ilaha illa Allah wal Allah akbar
The term "Tasbih" refers to the act of glorifying Allah.
عن ابن عباس رضي الله عنهما أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال للعباس:
"يا عماه ألا أعطيك؟ ألا أمنحك؟ ألا أحبوك؟ ألا أفعل بك عشر خصال إذا أنت فعلت ذلك غفر الله لك ذنبك أوله وآخره وقديمه وحديثه وخطأه وعمده، وصغيره وكبيره، وسره وعلانيته، عشر خصال. إن استطعت أن تصليها في كل يوم مرة فافعل، فإن لم تفعل ففي كل جمعة مرة، فإن لم تفعل ففي كل شهر مرة، فإن لم تفعل ففي كل سنة مرة، فإن لم تفعل ففي عمرك مرة" (أبو داوود و الترمذي)
Ibn Abbas said: 'The Prophet (peace be upon him) said to his uncle, al-Abbas: O uncle, shall I not give you? Shall I not grant you? Shall I not love you? Shall I not bestow upon you ten traits, if you do that, Allah will forgive your first and last sins, old and new, unintentional and deliberate, small and large, hidden and public, ten traits. If you are able to recite them once every day, then do so. If you cannot, then once every Friday. If you cannot, then once every month. If you cannot, then once every year. If you cannot, then at least once in your lifetime. (Abu Dawoud & al-Tirmithi)
In aligning our plans for this sacred month, we must strive to fulfill our duties to our Lord, families, community, and those in need. Here are some helpful tools to guide us in this endeavor:
1. Prioritize Children's Needs: Despite the demands of Ramadan and the approaching spring break, do not neglect your children's care. From nutritious meals to spiritual guidance, attending to their needs is an act of worship, especially during this blessed month.
2. Focus on Spiritual Growth: Utilize the last 10 days for intense devotion. Establish goals that you intend to uphold beyond Ramadan. Refrain from accepting non-essential invitations, limit distractions like TV or social media, and create a home environment conducive to worship.
3. Efficient Meal Planning: Plan and prepare light, nutritious meals ahead of time to streamline worship during Ramadan. Establishing a routine and compiling a to-do list before bed can help maintain focus on spiritual goals while ensuring essential tasks, like preparing healthy Iftar and suhoor, are not overlooked. Additionally, creating a shopping list before heading to the grocery store can help streamline meal preparation and optimize time and resources.
4. Embrace Sleep Adjustment: Recognize that sleep may be sacrificed to maximize worship during these nights of heightened spirituality. Like the Prophet (pbuh), who abandoned his bed during this time, prioritize acts of worship and spiritual rejuvenation. You can allocate more hours of sleep during the day, especially on the even nights of Ramadan, to ensure you have the energy to engage in worship during the odd nights.
5. Involve Children in Worship: Engage children in worship rituals to cultivate their spiritual development from an early age. Encourage them to participate in prayers, dhikr (remembrance of Allah), and other acts of worship alongside you. Prior to taking your children to the mosque, educate them about proper mosque etiquette.
6. Practice Complete Reliance on Allah: Instill in yourself and your children the concept of complete trust in Allah. Express gratitude and seek His guidance in all matters, especially concerning your children's faith, well-being, and future.
7. Prepare for Eid: Plan and prepare for Eid celebrations ahead of time to avoid last-minute stress. Remember to maintain modesty and avoid extravagance during the festivities. Support Muslim-owned businesses for your Eid shopping to contribute to the community. Surprise the kids with thoughtful gifts to make Eid their unique and favorite celebration throughout the year. Consider wrapping some halwa or preparing goodie bags for their classmates, especially if they attend public school, as an act of da’wa.
8. Reflect on Personal Shortcomings: Use this time for introspection and seek forgiveness for past mistakes. With the reduced influence of Shaytan during Ramadan, take the opportunity to acknowledge your shortcomings and bad habits. Sincerely ask Allah for guidance and forgiveness, avoiding denial and excuses, as these will be futile on the Day of Reckoning.
9. Strengthen Family Bonds: Acts of kindness and kinship during these days are greatly rewarded. Prioritize spending time with family and extend gestures of love and care to relatives, setting a positive example for your children. Mend any broken relationships, seeking Allah’s pleasure and satisfaction. Take advantage of the multiplied rewards during this month. Always remember, those who initiate efforts to reform relations are the most esteemed in the eyes of Allah.
10. Intensify Devotion: It's essential to recognize that engaging in Ihya', Qiyam, and Tahajjud during the last 10 days of Ramadan doesn't imply delaying Taraweeh prayers. Taraweeh should still be performed promptly after Isha'. The purpose of praying later at night is to add extra prayers and demonstrate our utmost commitment to worship. It's about increasing our good deeds and forging stronger connections with Allah by showing Him the best of our efforts. During these blessed nights, we should dedicate ourselves entirely to worship, avoiding distractions, and utilizing our time after Isha' for acts of devotion. Remember, staying up all night should be filled with acts of worship, not idle activities.
Acts of worship recommended in the last 10 days of Ramadan:
Engaging in the recitation of the Quran, Thikr (remembrance of Allah), and Tasbeeh (glorification of Allah), along with performing regular Sunnah and Nawafil prayers, observing Tahajjud (night prayers), and reviving the night with worship (Ihya') are all essential during the last 10 days of Ramadan. Additionally, making lengthy and sincere Duaa (supplications), giving charity, feeding the needy, seeking knowledge, speaking kind words, sharing a smile, taking a nap with the intention of strengthening the body for worship, eating Suhoor, and maintaining ties of kinship are acts of devotion that help maximize the spiritual benefits of this blessed period and bring us closer to Allah's mercy and forgiveness.
The last 10 days of Ramadan present a unique opportunity for spiritual growth and self-reflection. As mothers, teachers, aunts, or grandmothers, let us embrace this chance to strengthen our connection with Allah, nurture our families, and serve our communities, all while striving to embody the true essence of Ramadan. May Allah bless us all with the strength and guidance to make the most of these blessed days.
The objective of Fasting:
Revisiting the objectives of fasting before Ramadan ends as outlined in the Quranic verses is essential, let's reflect on the anticipated outcomes:
Attaining righteousness: Fasting is a pathway to cultivating righteousness within oneself, fostering discipline, and nurturing a deeper connection to moral principles "So that you may become righteous" (Quran 2:187).
Expressing gratitude: Through fasting, individuals express gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon them, fostering a sense of appreciation and acknowledgment of divine providence "So that you may express gratitude" (Quran 5:89).
Seeking guidance: Ramadan fasting serves as a period for seeking divine guidance, enabling believers to reflect, seek clarity, and align their lives with the guidance provided by Allah "So that you may be guided" (Quran 2:186).
Reflecting on these objectives, the projected results of Ramadan fasting include spiritual growth, increased gratitude, and a strengthened connection with the divine, leading to a more righteous and guided way of life.
اللهم إنك عفو تحب العفو فاعف عني
O Allah, You are the Forgiver, and You love forgiveness. So forgive me.