In the previous series of Deen Digest, we are told that the most powerful night called Laylatul –Qadr falls with the last 10 days of Ramadan. This why Muslims are implored to prayer more and increase their good deeds through the last 10 days.
According to A’ishah bint Abubakar (may Allah be pleased with her and her father, Abubakar Sidiq), Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would exert his best (in worship) during the last 10 days (of Ramadan) more than at other times. Since the exact date of the Night of Decree in unknown to any human, Muslims are implored to “Seek it in the last 10 days, on the odd nights,” (Hadith, Bukhari and Muslim).
The big question: What’s the best way to spend the last 10 days of Ramadan as a Muslim?
1. Disconnect from distractive worldly tools
To have time to fully focus on spirituality, Muslims fasting in Ramadan are advised to completely dissociate themselves from anything that can cause distractions to them during prayers. They’re specifically expected to disconnect or temporarily deactivate their social media platforms and any other electronics like video games, mobile phones, television and the likes.
2. Give Sadaqah
The last ten days of Ramadan are a chance to achieve multiple rewards by giving sadaqah to those in need for the sake of seeking the pleasure of Allah, as this used to be the practice of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). According to Tirmidhi, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Sadaqah extinguishes sin as water extinguishes fire.” In another narration in Tirmidhi, the Prophet also said that Allah offers relief on the Day of Judgement for those who give sadaqah: “The believer’s shade on the Day of Resurrection will be their charity.”
Being generous in Ramadan is a great way to seek forgiveness in Allah and race toward Jannah Firdaus. Deeds are amplified in the last 10 days of Ramadan specifically. The rewards of giving sadaqah during Ramadan are increased by 70 and the reward for any righteous act during Laylatul Qadr is equivalent to having performed the same act for over 83 years! Donating to the Compassion platform of halafinder can help make it easier to give the poor and the needy among the Ummah around the world.
3. Observe I’tikaf (Seclusion)
I’tikaf was a practice of the Prophet to spend the last ten days and nights of Ramadan in the masjid for I’tikaf.
As a Mutakif (i.e. someone performing I’tikaf) staying in the masjid throughout the last 10 days of Ramadan, you’re expected to perform various forms of zikr (the remembrance of Allah), do more nawafil, recite and study the Quran, and make dua to Allah. Note that you are not expected to go outside the mosque except in case of emergencies.. No also that I’tikaf can also be done after Ramadan, and it is not compulsory you have to do it for 10 days; it can be a day, a couple of days or more.
Muslims believe that there’s no way you’ll miss the exact time of laylatul qadr if you in in seclusion during the last 10 days of Ramadan.
4. Perform Tahajud/Kiyamu Layl
“Whoever stands in the night prayer during Ramadan out of faith and seeking his reward, then all of his previous sins will be forgiven.” – Prophet Muhammad
In an attempt to meet up with Laylatul Qadri, a lot Muslims observe Tarawih and extensive prayer on the last 10 nights of Ramadan.
The exact date of Laylatul Qadr is unknown, although it is thought to occur on an odd night in the last 10 days of Ramadan (e.g. the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27 or 29th night). The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Seek it in the last 10 days, on the odd nights,” (Hadith, Bukhari and Muslim)
Praying in the middle of the night was a treasured ibadah of our beloved Prophet SWS. Abu Umama al-Bahili radhiAllahu anhu reports that the Messenger of Allah said, “Hold fast to night prayer, for it was the way of the righteous before you, a way of drawing closer to your Lord, an expiation for wrong deeds, and a shield from sin.” [Tirmidhi, and others].
5. Read and ponder on the Quran in the language you understand
If you’re lucky to know how to read and understand the Qur’an in Arabic, please devote more of the last 10 days to its reading. And don’t just read it; ponder on every verse you read and look for the best way to perfect your lifestyle following the guidance in the Book. In case you don’t understand Arabic, reading the Qur’an in any language convenient for you and ensure you reach each verse with its Tafseer (commentary) since your knowledge or previous experience in life also cannot be sufficient for the interpretation of the Qur’an.
Note that it’s not how many pages you flip that matters; it’s how much impact the verses you read have on your life. So read carefully and not too fast, as most people do. This is best way to get huge reward from Allah.
6. Increase Your Azkar
“Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest”.” [Quran 13:28]
In the last 10 days of Ramadan, strive hard towards getting closer to Allah spiritually by appreciating and praising Him throughout the days and night of the last 10 days. In addition, Prophet Muhammad recommended that we should use the last 10 days to seek for forgiveness from Allah by repeatedly say: Alahumma inaka ‘fuwwun, tuhibul ‘afwa, fa afwani meaning “Oh Allah, You are pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon me.’ “(Ahmad, Ibn Majah, and Tirmidhi).
It is believed that if you’re lucky to hook up with Laylatul Qadr, you will be completely forgiven for all the sins you’ ve committed in the past. Abu Huraira narrated that the Messenger said: Whoever stands (in prayer) in Laylatul Qadr while nourishing his faith with self-evaluation, expecting reward from Allah, will have all of his previous sins forgiven. [Bukhari and Muslim).
We all know that the modern world we live in is so complex and complicated that man struggles every day for survival. However, let’s find time from our ‘no time’ to allocate more time to the worship of Allah throughout the last 10 days, as no one knows the exact time our prayers would be answered, but we strongly believe that if we cut up with Laylatul Qadr within that last 10 day, our prayers will be answered and we shall be spiritually cleansed. May Allah accept all our ibadaat.
