The last ten days of Ramadan (رَمَضَان) hold a special place in the hearts of Muslims (مُسْلِم) around the world. As the holy month draws to a close, these ten days offer an opportunity to deepen one’s connection with Allah (Arabic: الله- God) and intensify worship, seeking to maximize spiritual growth, personal reflection, and community bonding. Within these ten days, there are unique rituals, especially the observance of Laylatul Qadr (the Night of Decree – ليلة القدر), Itikaf (spiritual retreat – اعتكاف), and other acts of worship that elevate the significance of this period.
Let’s explore the spiritual importance of the last ten days of Ramadan, including the significance of Laylatul Qadr, the practice of Itikaf, and the other key elements that make this time sacred.
1. The Last Ten Days of Ramadan: A Time for Spiritual Devotion
The final ten days of Ramadan are often considered the most spiritually significant. During this time, Muslims are encouraged to intensify their worship and engage in extra acts of devotion. These days offer a chance to seek the mercy and forgiveness of Allah, as well as to strengthen one’s relationship with Him. While fasting continues during this period, Muslims dedicate more time to prayer, recitation of the Qur’an, and supplication.
The last ten days also offer a chance for reflection on the entire month of Ramadan. It is a time to evaluate the progress made in worship, to repent for any shortcomings, and to make sincere du’a (supplication) for oneself and others. Muslims believe that Allah is especially merciful and responsive during these final days, and that sincere efforts made in worship can result in tremendous rewards.
2. Laylatul Qadr: The Night of Decree
Among the last ten days, one night stands out as the holiest and most significant of all — Laylatul Qadr (the Night of Decree or Power). This night, mentioned in the Qur’an (القرآن), is believed to be when the Qur’an was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Muslims believe that this night holds great spiritual significance because it is a night of immense blessings, where Allah’s mercy, forgiveness, and generosity are abundant.
The Qur’an itself describes Laylatul Qadr in the following verses:
“Indeed, We sent it “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.” – (Qur’an, 97:1-3)
According to Islamic tradition, Laylatul Qadr falls on one of the odd-numbered nights during the last ten days of Ramadan, with the 27th night being the most widely observed by Muslims. However, there is some difference of opinion, and some scholars suggest that it could fall on the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th night.
The rewards of worshiping on Laylatul Qadr are immense. According to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), whoever prays and makes supplications on this night with sincere faith will have their past sins forgiven. The night is described as “better than a thousand months,” emphasizing the incredible value and opportunity it presents for spiritual elevation.
3. Itikaf: The Spiritual Retreat
Another important practice during the last ten days of Ramadan is Itikaf. Itikaf is a form of spiritual retreat where a Muslim withdraws from worldly distractions and spends extended periods in prayer, worship, and reflection, typically within a mosque. The practice of Itikaf has its roots in the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who would seclude himself in the mosque for worship during the last ten days of Ramadan.
During Itikaf, Muslims focus entirely on seeking Allah’s pleasure, reciting the Qur’an, making du’a, and engaging in additional acts of worship. It is a time for deep introspection and self-purification. The person performing Itikaf refrains from leaving the mosque unless necessary, and often avoids engaging in worldly activities such as work, socializing, or entertainment. The seclusion helps the individual disconnect from worldly distractions and center their heart and mind on spiritual matters.
The last ten days of Ramadan are especially significant for Itikaf because of the increased spiritual rewards that come with heightened devotion during this time. While Itikaf is not obligatory, many Muslims choose to observe it as a way to maximize the benefits of Ramadan, particularly in seeking Laylatul Qadr.
4. Increased Acts of Worship
In addition to Laylatul Qadr and Itikaf, the last ten days of Ramadan encourage an increase in acts of worship. While these acts are encouraged throughout the entire month, the final ten days hold a special focus on intensifying one’s efforts to seek the mercy of Allah. Some of the key acts of worship that Muslims engage in during this time include:
a. Recitation of the Qur’an
The Qur’an is at the heart of Ramadan, and the final ten days are no exception. Many Muslims aim to complete their recitation of the entire Qur’an during Ramadan, with the last ten days providing a final push to finish the recitation. The Qur’an is a source of guidance and reflection, and the spiritual impact of reciting it or listening to it during the last ten days is believed to be especially significant.
b. Additional Prayers (Nafl and Tahajjud)
During the last ten days, Muslims increase their voluntary prayers (Nafl prayers) and especially focus on the night prayer known as Tahajjud. Tahajjud is a prayer performed in the late night, after the ‘Isha prayer and before Fajr. Many Muslims make a special effort to offer these prayers during the last ten days, especially in hopes of catching Laylatul Qadr.
c. Supplication (Dua)
The last ten days are also a time when Muslims make heartfelt supplications (du’a – دعاء) to Allah. They ask for forgiveness for themselves and others, seek Allah’s mercy, and pray for guidance in the coming year. Many make specific prayers for their families, communities, and the broader Muslim Ummah (أمّةْ الإِسْلَامُ) community, asking Allah for protection, peace, and prosperity.
d. Charity and Acts of Kindness
Ramadan, as a whole, is a time for giving, but the last ten days are especially significant for charity. Muslims often make greater efforts to give to the less fortunate, whether through monetary donations or providing food and support for those in need. Zakat, the obligatory almsgiving, is often paid during this period as well, ensuring that those who are less fortunate can also partake in the blessings of Ramadan.
5. Seeking Forgiveness and Repentance
The last ten days of Ramadan are seen as a final opportunity to seek forgiveness for one’s sins. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) advised Muslims to make sincere repentance during this time, as Allah is especially merciful and generous during the final days of Ramadan. Muslims believe that Allah will forgive the sincere supplications and that no sin is too great to be forgiven if one turns to Him with a repentant heart.
One of the prayers often recited during the last ten days is:
“O Allah, You are the Most Forgiving, and You love to forgive, so forgive me.”
This prayer highlights the mercy of Allah and encourages Muslims to ask for forgiveness with sincerity and humility.
6. The Conclusion of Ramadan: Eid al-Fitr
As the last ten days of Ramadan come to a close, Muslims prepare for the celebration of Eid al-Fitr (الفطر عيد), the festival that marks the end of Ramadan. Eid is a day of joy, feasting, and community. It is a day when Muslims express gratitude for the strength and patience shown during the month of fasting. The day begins with a special prayer (Salat al-Eid) and is followed by communal gatherings, family visits, and giving of gifts. One of the key aspects of Eid is the giving of Zakat al-Fitr (الفطر زكاة), a form of charity intended to help those in need so that they can also celebrate Eid with joy.
Ramadan: A Time of Mercy, Reflection, and Devotion
The last ten days of Ramadan are a culmination of the month’s spiritual journey, offering Muslims a final opportunity to seek Allah’s forgiveness, deepen their faith, and strive for self-purification. Whether through the search for Laylatul Qadr, the practice of Itikaf, or increased worship and charity, these days hold immense significance and offer an opportunity for great spiritual reward. Muslims around the world cherish these final ten days as a time to renew their connection with Allah and to end Ramadan with a sense of peace, gratitude, and joy as they await the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.
