The Last 10 Days of Ramadan

In the final days of Ramadan, many people choose to observe I‘tikaf (seclusion at the masjid).

If your circumstances do not allow for this, the guidance below offers practical ways to make use of the time. You may choose one or two to focus on this year.

Staying consistent in the final days

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)

Seeking out Laylatul Qadr

A single good act performed on Laylatul Qadr is akin to having performed that act for a thousand months. This mysterious night falls in the last ten days, although the exact date is hidden, as we attempt to find it.

‘Seek it in the last ten days of Ramadan, when there are nine days left, and seven days left, and five days left.’ (Bukhari)

Earning greater rewards

It’s hard to comprehend how one night can be better than a thousand months, yet a small Sadaqah made in the last ten days has the potential to earn greater rewards.

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)

Giving thanks for the Holy Qur’an

It was on Laylatul Qadr that Allah (SWT) revealed the first verses of the Holy Qur’an to our Prophet (ﷺ). What better time to give thanks for His message and His Messenger (ﷺ).

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)

Making Dua

Aisha (RA) reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) advised her to recite the following dua if she came upon Laylatul Qadr:

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

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

Supporting those observing I‘tikaf

If you are unable to observe I‘tikaf, you can still support those who are through practical help or encouragement.

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)

Receiving the decree of Allah (SWT)

Laylatul Qadr is understood as a night when angels descend with matters decreed by Allah (SWT), leading many to approach the final days of Ramadan with renewed focus on prayer and remembrance.

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)

Encouraging family involvement

For many households, the last ten days of Ramadan are a time to involve family members in prayer and reflection, including children and young adults.

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)

Giving thanks for seeing through another Ramadan

As time passes, the awareness that Ramadan may not return often leads people to express gratitude through increased generosity, in recognition of the limited time they have been given.

‘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)

Finishing the month with a clean slate

Forgiveness and renewal are central themes of Ramadan, particularly in its final days.

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)

As Ramadan draws to a close, many people think about giving Fitrana (Zakat ul Fitr). Giving early helps us prepare and share food provisions in time for Eid.