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

As we near the end of Ramadan, the effort we’ve been making can have a profound impact on us. We may feel physically tired and drained, but don’t let that stop you!

Now is the perfect time to dig in and really embrace the Last 10 Days of Ramadan. To help you stay motivated, here are 10 reasons why you should strive to make the most of this special time.

Reason 1: To turn it all around

Have you been struggling to maintain your Ramadan momentum? Don’t worry, it’s not too late! These remaining days of Ramadan are filled with immense power to help you reach your goals. Remember, it’s not how you started, but how you 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: To make up for lost time

If you’re feeling like time is slipping away from you, you’re not alone. Life’s demands can leave us feeling spiritually fatigued and overwhelmed by all that we have 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 those who may not have had the same opportunity to do good.

‘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: To not be deprived

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: To show gratitude

Do you ever think about how much we have to be thankful for? Advertising, social media, and even human nature can make us feel dissatisfied with what we have, but there’s so much to be grateful for; think of your family, your abundance, and even your health, all of these things that we often take for granted. Above all, we should be thankful for the greatest blessing of all: the faith that 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). Since then, the miracle of Islam spread for centuries, bringing light to the hearts of people around the world. Today, that message and the love of our Messenger (ﷺ) continue to bring 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: To gain forgiveness

We all need to be forgiven for the mistakes we make, knowingly or otherwise. Fortunately, Allah (SWT) loves those who turn to Him in repentance and seeks His forgiveness. 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: To emulate the Prophet (ﷺ)

It seems right that the Night of Decree is hidden within the last ten days of Ramadan. It gives us all an incentive to truly focus our efforts in the time that remains, so as not to miss out. And this is what our Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) used to do.

As Muslims, we strive to emulate our beloved Prophet (ﷺ) in every aspect of our lives to draw nearer to him and to Allah (SWT). Now it is widely known that the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) performed I’tikaf (seclusion in the masjid) on the last 10 nights of Ramadan, which is why many Muslims still follow this beautiful practice.

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: To welcome Allah’s (SWT) decree and blessings in the best state

On the Night of Decree, the fate of every living being, from their yearly provisions to their deaths, is revealed to the angels who descend to Earth to perform errands decreed by Allah (SWT). This night is filled with the mercy and blessings of Allah (SWT) so that peace reigns until dawn. As such, it is only fitting that we strive to be in our best spiritual state to truly welcome these blessings and the peace of 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: To fortify those good spiritual conditions

We are taught that how we spend the month of Ramadan will set the tone for our spiritual year ahead. As we strive to be at our best during this holy month, we cultivate good habits of worship, patience, restraint, and hopefully, a heart cleansed by the remembrance of Allah (SWT). Let us use this month to our advantage by strengthening these habits through acts of Sadaqah and extra prayers. When this month comes to an end, may we take with us these habits so that we can continue to work on our spiritual growth throughout the year.

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: To see off a beautiful guest in the best way

Ramadan is a truly special guest that comes to us with numerous blessings; it’s a great chance to pause our daily obligations, realign our goals, and receive a spiritual reboot. Moreover, we can never be certain that we’ll witness another Ramadan, which is why we should strive to bid this beautiful guest farewell with gratitude, worship, and generosity.

‘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: To come out of Ramadan with a clean slate

With all of the hard work and dedication you have put into this blessed month, wouldn’t it be great to come out with a clean slate? Allah (SWT) is so gracious and merciful that He gives us many opportunities to gain His forgiveness. We are fortunate to have the chance to have all of 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)

As Ramadan draws to a close, it’s important to remember that all Muslims, adults and children alike, should set aside time to pay their Fitrana. By paying your Fitrana earlier rather than later, you can ensure that your donation reaches needy cancer patients at our hospital in time for Eid. So, make sure to pay your Fitrana before the end of Ramadan!