Like every other month on the lunar calendar, Ramadan arrives with its unique hopes. For Muslims across the globe, observing the holy month of Ramadan includes spiritual cleansing. The remaining days of the month also follow the same protocols, but the last 10 days are extra special. Al-Qadar or “The Night of Decree,” an event marking the celebration of Allah’s greatest revelation to mankind, the Quran, falls somewhere on these days. With that said, the anticipation of receiving Allah’s mercy and forgiveness intensifies during this period. Here are the special significance of the last 10 days of fasting.
1. Looking for Laylat al-Qadr (The Night of Decree)
The search for the Night of Decree (or Laylat al-Qadr) is one of the reasons why the last 10 nights of Ramadan are solemn. It is said to be a night that is better than 1000 months and is when the Quran was revealed to our beloved prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It is on this blessed night that a Muslim’s dua (prayers) have the chance of being accepted, their sins forgiven, and their destiny rewritten for the rest of the year.
Muslims believe that it falls on the odd nights of the last 10 days, which are the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, and the 29th. Since the exact date is not known, Muslims try to spend the last 10 days worshipping in hopes of experiencing this blessed night.
2. Enhancing Worship and Encouraging Devotion
Worship and devotion are at their peak towards the end of Ramadan. Most Muslims, particularly during the last 10 days, partake in I’tikaaf. It is a time of retreat where they close themselves off in the mosque for waiting periods. These are not idling times but are actively filled with profound prayers, Quran reading, and contemplation. And when it comes to I’itikaaf, it enables worshippers to concentrate on their connection with Allah without any disturbances.
Muslims worldwide indulge in additional activities of worship these days. These days have the special significance of the last 10 days of fasting such as:
Reciting Salah: Ramadan places a heavy emphasis on reciting the Quran and also includes the practice of extra Sunnah prayers.
Additional Dua and Supplications: During these days Muslims pray for their friends, family, and the entire Ummah collectively asking for forgiveness, direction, and grace.
3. Time for Reflection and Repentance
Reflection, repentance, and seeking forgiveness are possible during the last 10 days of Ramadan. It is believed that Allah’s mercy is abundant during this period, and anyone who sincerely repents is forgiven. Nights within these final days are considered an opportunity for deep reflection on a person’s actions throughout the month of Ramadan, and attempts should be made to make amends for any shortcomings.
During the last stages of fasting, Muslims evaluate their relationship with Allah and seek the needed strength to renew their intentions and purify their hearts. These reflections enable one to work towards improvement not only for the month of Ramadan but continuously for the rest of the year.
The practice of I’tikaf
This can be practiced voluntarily by going to the mosque to worship during the last 10 days of Ramadan, or it can be done at home. The culture encourages I’tikaf, as deep self-reflection that is performed while worshiping Allah outside must be done with the right mentality and mindset. These traditions are permissively measured, meaning that this type of worship. It is deeply rooted in the aesthetics of the culture and is done in a masjid. I’tikaf during Ramadan is rooted within the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who used to spend the last 10 days of Ramadan in i’tikaf.
Worshippers in i’tikaf spend their time praying, reciting, and making dua of Allah. This form of seclusion gives those around them a break from worldly distractions. It enables them to devote themselves entirely to their relationship with God. Traditionally, the Sawab of i’tikaf is performed at the mosque, but it is not prohibited to do so in one’s house as long as one removes distractions and concentrates on acts of worship.
Spiritual Benefits of the Last 10 Days of Ramadan
In the last 10 days of Ramadan, one can enjoy the best spiritual benefits. Why are these days so special? Here are some of the major points of the special significance of the last 10 days of fasting:
1. Allah’s Forgiveness and Mercy
One magnificent matter of focus during the last ten days remains the mercy of Allah. Sawab e Ramdan has a lot of rewards in it for at e Muhammad (Saw), especially in the last 10 customize, pend are most generous thankout prevents Tawbah.
During these days, Muslims make earnest Dua in hopes of earning Allah’s forgiveness. Ramadan is a festive time with abundant opportunities for spiritual detoxification, renewal, and purification.
2. A Time for showing Gratitude
Fasting serves as a reminder for many, an opportunity to deepen their appreciation for the mercy of Allah. The last 10 days of Ramadan serve as a moment for Muslims to appreciate the continuous blessings from Allah throughout the month. Muslims strive to use this period to evaluate the past month, appreciate the mercy of Allah, and solemnly decide to devote themselves to worshiping Allah.
3. Stronger Opportunity to One’s Faith
The believer’s life is changed so long as the last ten days are spent in a generous donation of time towards prayer. Muslims pay special attention to charitable behavior through charitable donations and other forms of social service. Muslims use this opportunity to deepen their faith and draw closer to Allah. The experience coupled with fasting and worship fosters a feeling of strong piety, humility, and mental connection with Allah enabling Muslims to live spiritually rich lives.
Laylat al-Qadr: The Night of Power
The special significance of the last 10 days of fasting is due to Laylat al-Qadr (The Night of Decree). Although not mentioned in the Quran, this night is said to be “better than a thousand months”. Meaning that anything done on this night holds greater value than on any other night. For this reason, Muslims go out of their way to observe it by staying up in prayer, reading the Quran, and making sincere duas.
While the night of Laylat al-Qadr is not known, it is thought to be on the odd-numbered nights of the last ten days of Ramadan. Many Muslims are under the assumption that it is most likely to occur on the 27th night of Ramadan, although there is no proof of this. Therefore, Muslims increase their worship for the last 10 days hoping to attain the rewards of Laylat al-Qadr.
Conclusion
The special significance of the last 10 days of fasting of a Muslim life. People seek Allah’s Forgiveness, punishments, and blessings throughout their lives, and as the month of Ramadan approaches, the focus intensifies through prayer and showing satisfaction mentally. It is a month for self-reflection to gain the true meaning of life, and achieve ultimate devotion and recognition of Allah’s blessings during Laylat al-Qadr.
For ordinary Muslims, these days are the last chance to get maximum rewards and start fresh spiritually, while for faithful worshippers, these days can change a life if used in i’tikaf or active participation in extra worship activities.
FAQs
What is the significance of Laylat al Qadr?
Known as the Night of Decree, Laylat al-Qadr is known to fall in the last 10 days of Ramadan. Many Muslims believe that this night can exceed the rewards of a thousand months.
Why are the last 10 days of Ramadan special?
The period of the last ten days of Ramadan is important due to Laylat al-Qadr, marking the day the Quran was revealed. Devotion, praying, reflection, and asking forgiveness from Allah are usually heightened during this period.
What is I’tikaf?
I’tikaf or I’tikaf refers to the last 10 days of Ramadan when Muslims withdraw from public life and retreat to the mosque to focus on praying, reciting the Quran, or reflecting. It allows them to reach spiritual clarity.
How can I make the most of the last 10 days of Ramadan?
In the last 10 days of Ramadan, you can increase your worship, say extra prayers, make supplications, read the Quran, and prepare to celebrate Laylat al-Qadr.
What is the significance of fasting during the last 10 days?
Fasting enhances the devotion of the spirit and prepares for the blessings of Laylat al-Qadr during the last days of Ramadan. The participant is encouraged to seek forgiveness and think deeply about the purpose of Ramadan.
What should I do on Laylat al-Qadr?
During Laylat al-Qadr, additional focus is given to specific prayers, supplications, and reciting the Quran. Allah is likely to show them great mercy and forgiveness. Intense devotion during this period is common.
Can I perform I’tikaf at home?
Though I’tikaf is best performed at a mosque, you can also perform it at home by worshipping, praying, and reflecting.
Does everyone celebrate Laylat al-Qadr on the 27th night?
A lot of people think that Laylat al-Qadr takes place on the 27th night. However, the actual date is unknown. It is one of the odd nights in the last ten days of Ramadan.
What can I ask for during the last ten days of Ramadan?
It’s truly up to each person, however, most Muslims prefer to ask for forgiveness, guidance, and grace for not only themselves, but their family, friends, and the whole Ummah.
How do I know if I’ve experienced Laylat al-Qadr?
You would know if you’ve experienced it as the night brings a sense of peace, calmness, and zum. If you worship and seek out the blessings from Allah, you are believed to receive peace from him.