Eight Reflections on the Ten Blessed Nights of Ramadan
Guidance for Seeking Laylatul-Qadr and Maximizing the Last Ten Nights of Ramadan
The last ten nights of Ramadan are the most blessed nights of the entire year. These are nights of immense mercy, forgiveness, and the potential to attain Laylatul-Qadr – the Night of Decree, which is better than a thousand months of worship. Here are eight reflections to help us maximize these precious nights:
A Second Chance for Worship
After sunset on the 20th of Ramadan, the last ten nights begin, starting from the night of the 21st. These are the best nights of the entire year. So whoever missed out or fell short in the past days of Ramadan still has ten blessed nights ahead. Strive hard, race toward Allah, and let your motto be: “No one will outdo me in seeking the Most Merciful.”
Following the Prophet’s Example
Aishah (RA) said: “When the last ten (nights of Ramadan) entered, the Prophet ﷺ would tighten his waist-wrapper, enliven his nights, and awaken his family.” It was also said: “When the last ten days remained of Ramadan, he would not leave anyone in his household who was able to stand (in prayer) except that he would make them stand.” So strive in worship together with the members of your household to attain this great virtue.
The Virtue of Laylatul-Qadr
Allah the Exalted said: “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 it is until the emergence of dawn.” The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever stands (in prayer) on the Night of Decree, with faith and seeking reward, his past sins will be forgiven.” And he said: “Whoever is deprived of its good is truly deprived.”
“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 it is until the emergence of dawn.”
— Qur’an 97:3-5
Seeking Without Obsession
The scholars differed regarding the exact night of Laylat al-Qadr, reaching up to forty opinions. Do not preoccupy yourself too much with pinpointing the night or chasing after its signs the next day. Know that it is in the last ten nights, and more strongly expected in the odd nights than the even. Whoever stands in prayer throughout all ten nights has certainly attained Laylat al-Qadr. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Seek out Laylat al-Qadr in the last ten nights of Ramadan,” and “Seek out Laylat al-Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten nights of Ramadan.”
Night Prayer: The Core Worship
Strive in these nights with night prayer, whether at the beginning, middle, or end of the night. The night prayer of Ramadan—whether you call it Tarawih or Tahajjud—begins after Isha and continues until the Fajr adhan. It is authentically reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ prayed eleven or thirteen rak’ahs, lengthening his recitation, bowing, and prostration. Whoever increases the number of rak’ahs but lightens the recitation, there is no harm in that.
Recitation and Reflection
Increase in recitation of the Qur’an and in reviewing it with your family at home. Ibn Abbas (RA) said: “The Messenger of Allah ﷺ was the most generous of people, and he was at his most generous in Ramadan when Jibril would meet him; Jibril would meet him every night of Ramadan and they would study the Qur’an together.” Stay away from social media, idle talk, and anything that distracts you from worship in these ten nights.
The Power of Supplication
You must increase in supplication, especially the best du’a: “O Allah, You are Pardoning, You love to pardon, so pardon me.” Aishah (RA) asked: “O Messenger of Allah, if I know which night is Laylat al-Qadr, what should I say in it?” He replied with this beautiful supplication. Make this your constant prayer, especially at the time of suhur.
“O Allah, You are Pardoning, You love to pardon, so pardon me.”
— Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (Tirmidhi)
The Virtue of I’tikaf
Aishah (RA) reported that the Prophet ﷺ used to observe i’tikaf in the last ten nights of Ramadan until Allah took his soul, then his wives observed i’tikaf after him. I’tikaf is only valid in the mosques, as Allah says: “And do not have relations with them while you are secluded in the mosques.” This spiritual retreat allows for complete focus on worship during these blessed nights.
These last ten nights are a gift from Allah – an opportunity to seek forgiveness, draw closer to Him, and potentially attain the reward of worshiping for over 83 years (the equivalent of Laylatul-Qadr). Let us make the most of this time by increasing in worship, supplication, and reflection. May Allah accept our efforts and grant us the blessing of Laylatul-Qadr.
Qur’an 97:1-5 · Sahih al-Bukhari · Sahih Muslim · Sunan al-Tirmidhi · Fath al-Bari by Ibn Hajar
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