Maximise your last 10 days; be like Muhammad (ﷺ)

As we approach the end of Ramadan, it’s normal to experience burnout from all the extra effort we’ve invested in various aspects of our lives.

Instead of giving up, now is precisely the time to dig in and really embrace the remains of the blessed month. To help us stay motivated, here are ten reasons why we should strive even harder to make the most of the last ten days.

Reason 1: Harness the power of last actions

If you’ve been struggling to maintain your Ramadan momentum this year, don’t worry – it’s not too late! The last ten days of the month are filled with immense power to help us reach our goals. Remember, it’s not how we start, but how we finish that really matters as stated in this hadith:

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: “…verily, the rewards of deeds performed, depend upon the last actions.” (Bukhari)

Reason 2: Harness the power of time

If you feel like there’s never enough time to get things done, you’re definitely not alone! Life’s demands can leave us feeling overwhelmed by everything we need to do for ourselves, our loved ones, and our Lord. That’s why the month of Ramadan is such a blessing, and even more so, the Night of Decree (Laylatul Qadr). On this night, a single good act is akin to having performed that act for a thousand months, which is an advantage for all of us who regularly fall short in fulfilling our noble intentions.

‘The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was shown the lifespans of the people (who had gone) before him, or what Allah willed of that, and it was as if the lives of the people of his ummah had become too short for them to be able to do as many good actions as others before them had been able to do with their long lives, so Allah gave him Laylatul Qadr, which is better than a thousand months.’ (Malik)

Reason 3: Maximise the value of Sadaqah

It’s hard to comprehend how one night can be better than a thousand months, but let’s think about the incredible value of giving Sadaqah on the Night of Decree or Laylatul Qadr. Just £20 given in Sadaqah on this night has the same reward as giving over £600,000! How could we possibly miss out on such a great opportunity?

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: “This month has come to you, and in it, there is a night that is better than a thousand months. Whoever is deprived of it is deprived of all goodness, and no one is deprived of its goodness except one who is truly deprived.” (Ibn Majah)

Reason 4: Take stock of our blessings

It’s easy to feel dissatisfied with what we don’t have if we take the blessings we already have for granted; water, food, shelter – but above all, the beautiful faith Allah (SWT) granted us.

It was on the Night of Decree that Allah (SWT) revealed the first verses of the Holy Qur’an to our Prophet (ﷺ), resulting in the influence of Islam around the world. Today, that message and the love of our Messenger (ﷺ) continues to bring peace and meaning to our lives.

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. (The Holy Qur’an 97:1-3)

Reason 5: Seek forgiveness

Forgiveness is a universal need, whether we make mistakes deliberately or unknowingly. Fortunately, Allah (SWT) loves those who turn to Him in repentance. Aisha (RA) reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) advised her to recite the following dua if she came upon the Night of Decree:

‘Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibbul-‘afwa, fa’fu ‘anni.’

‘O Allah, You are forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me.’ (Bukhari)

Reason 6: Follow in the footsteps of the Prophet (ﷺ)

It is fitting that the Night of Decree is concealed within the final ten days of Ramadan. It gives us the perfect opportunity for mobilising our efforts and maximising the potential of a night described as being better than a thousand months. After all, this is what our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) used to do.

Now, it is widely known that the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) performed I’tikaf (seclusion in the masjid) on the last ten nights of Ramadan. As we aspire to follow in his footsteps, many of us will also make a special effort to embrace the practice this year.

Aisha (RA) was reported to have said: “Allah’s Apostle (ﷺ) used to practice Itikaf in the last ten nights of Ramadan and used to say: ‘Look for the Night of Qadr in the last ten nights of the month of Ramadan.’” (Bukhari)

Reason 7: Be the best version of ourselves

On the Night of Decree, the fate of every living being is revealed to angels who descend to Earth and carry out special errands decreed by Allah (SWT). The night itself is filled with mercy and blessings and peace reigns until dawn. By being the best possible versions of ourselves, we prepare to embrace the rewards that await us from our Lord.

The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter. Peace is until the emergence of dawn. (The Holy Qur’an 97:3-5)

Reason 8: Lay the foundation for a new year

What unfolds in the year ahead depends on how we spent the month of Ramadan. Let us therefore use the final days of the blessed month to our advantage by elevating our remembrance of Allah (SWT), performing extra acts of Sadaqah, and increasing our prayers.

Aisha (RA) is reported to have said: “When the last ten days of Ramadan began, the Prophet (ﷺ) would tighten his waist-wrapper, spend his nights in prayer, and wake his family.” (Bukhari)

Reason 9: Express gratitude for seeing through another Ramadan

Each year, we look forward to the arrival of Ramadan and its blessings – a chance to set aside our daily routines, reflect on our lives, and experience a spiritual reboot. With the passing of time, we come to realise that we may never witness another Ramadan again. This is why we express our heartfelt gratitude when bidding farewell to our most cherished guest.

‘The Prophet (ﷺ) was the most generous of all the people, and he used to become more generous in Ramadan when Gabriel met him. Gabriel used to meet him every night during Ramadan to revise the Qur’an with him. Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) then used to be more generous than the fast wind.’ (Bukhari)

Reason 10: Complete Ramadan with a clean slate

Allah (SWT) is merciful and gives us many opportunities to gain His forgiveness. In Ramadan, we are fortunate to have a chance to have all our past sins forgiven, a promise not offered in many other situations. Here’s a hadith to keep in mind:

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: “Whoever establishes the prayers on the night of Qadr out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah’s rewards [not to show off] then all his past sins will be forgiven.” (Bukhari)

At the end of Ramadan, every Muslim who can afford to feed another makes a special payment called Fitrana. We use your Fitrana to feed needy cancer patients during Eid, ensuring nobody is excluded from the blessings of the occasion. As Fitrana is time-sensitive, please be sure to pay yours as soon as possible before Eid.