The last 10 days of Ramadan are the most spiritually significant period in the Islamic calendar. As the month of fasting comes to a close, Muslims worldwide heighten their worship, seek Allah’s mercy, and prepare for the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.
These days provide a unique chance for deep spiritual growth, forgiveness, and drawing nearer to Allah. Here’s a guide on why these days are special and how to make the most of them.
Why the Last 10 Days Are Special?
The last 10 days of Ramadan carry immense spiritual significance. This period is a time for reflection, increased devotion, and seeking forgiveness from Allah. Muslims work harder during these nights, multiplying their acts of worship and striving for greater rewards. It is a chance to renew your faith, reflect on the past month, and set spiritual goals for the future.
Laylat al-Qadr (The Night of Power)
One of the most significant features of the last 10 days is Laylat al-Qadr (The Night of Power), which is described as more blessed than a thousand months. The Qur’an says,
إِنَّا أَنْزَلْنَاهُ فِي لَيْلَةِ الْقَدْرِ وَمَا أَدْرَاكَ مَا لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ خَيْرٌ مِّنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍ
“The Night of Power is better than a thousand months” (Qur’an, 97:3).
This is the night when the Qur’an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), making it a time for immense worship and seeking Allah’s blessings. While the exact date is unknown, it is believed to fall on an odd night in the last 10 days. During this time, increase your prayers, Qur’an recitation, and du’a, asking Allah for forgiveness and guidance.
I’tikaf (Spiritual Retreat)
The last 10 days are also marked by I’tikaf, a spiritual retreat in the mosque, where Muslims dedicate themselves entirely to worship. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) practiced I’tikaf during the last 10 days of Ramadan, isolating himself from worldly distractions to focus on prayer and remembrance of Allah.
If you cannot stay in the mosque, creating a space at home for quiet reflection and worship can still provide spiritual benefits.
Increased Acts of Worship and Charity
These final days are a time to amplify your worship. Beyond the daily prayers, consider performing additional prayers like Taraweeh and Tahajjud. Ramadan is a time of heightened spiritual devotion, but the last 10 days offer even greater rewards for extra acts of worship, such as reading the Qur’an and dhikr (remembrance of Allah).
Charity holds a special place in the last 10 days. Following the example of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who was especially generous during Ramadan, Muslims give Zakat (obligatory charity) and Sadaqah (voluntary charity) to support those in need. This is also the time to give Zakat al-Fitr (Fitrana), which ensures that the less fortunate can celebrate Eid al-Fitr.
Seeking Forgiveness and Du’a (Supplication)
One of the key goals of the last 10 days is seeking forgiveness. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) taught his followers to frequently recite the du’a:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي
“O Allah, You are the Pardoner. You love to pardon, so pardon me.”
The term “Afw” used in the dua refers to the complete erasure of sins, which is distinct from forgiveness (“Maghfirah”). By asking Allah for ‘Afw, we seek not just pardon but also the removal of any trace of our sins. This dua symbolizes humility, submission, and a desire to start anew without the burden of past mistakes.
Beyond this specific du’a, Muslims should engage in personal supplications (du’a) during these nights, asking for Allah’s guidance, mercy, and forgiveness. These last 10 days are the ideal time to make du’a for oneself, family, the ummah, and those in need. The doors of mercy are wide open, and sincere du’a is seen as one of the most powerful tools a believer has to change their destiny.
Preparing for Eid al-Fitr
As Ramadan nears its end, the anticipation of Eid al-Fitr, the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” builds. This joyous occasion is a celebration and a time of gratitude for successfully completing the month of fasting. Muslims begin preparing for Eid by fulfilling certain religious obligations, one of the most important being the payment of Zakat al-Fitr (Fitrana).
Zakat al-Fitr is a mandatory charity given by every adult Muslim with the financial means. The amount is usually measured as the cost of providing a meal to a needy person and must be given before the Eid prayer. This ensures that the less fortunate can also partake in the joy of Eid.
Zakat al-Fitr purifies the fasting person from any indecent act or speech during Ramadan. It provides for the poor so they can join in the celebrations of Eid.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“The fast remains suspended between Heaven and Earth until the fitr (alms) is paid.” (Ibn Majah).
In addition to Zakat al-Fitr, Muslims also give Sadaqah (voluntary charity) to thank Allah for the blessings they received during Ramadan. Muslims also use this time to perform extra acts of kindness, share food with neighbors, and spread goodwill in their communities.
Tips for Making the Most of the Last 10 Days
Here are some tips to make the best out of the last ten holy days of Ramadan:
- Plan Your Worship: Create a schedule for prayers, Qur’an recitation, and du’a to ensure you maximize these nights.
- Seek Laylat al-Qadr: Treat every night in the last ten days with equal devotion, as the exact night of Laylat al-Qadr is unknown.
- Practice I’tikaf: If possible, spend time in isolation for worship, even if it’s a brief period at home.
- Give Generously: Increase your charitable contributions, including Fitrana and Sadaqah, to help those in need.
- Seek Forgiveness: Continuously ask Allah for forgiveness, reciting the du’a taught by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
- Strengthen Your Du’a: Prepare a list of personal and communal supplications to ask for worldly and spiritual blessings.
Conclusion
The last ten days of Ramadan offer you a profound opportunity for spiritual renewal and divine mercy. You can seek Allah’s forgiveness and blessings through worship, charity, and sincere supplication while preparing your heart for Eid al-Fitr. This is also the perfect time to increase your generosity. Consider donating to the Muslim Food Bank and Community Services, helping to spread smiles and support those in need during this holy month.