Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, holds immense significance for Muslims worldwide. It is a time of fasting, prayer, self-reflection, and worship. While every day of Ramadan holds value, the last ten nights of Ramadan are particularly special. These nights are filled with opportunities for heightened spiritual growth, forgiveness, and connection with Allah. They offer an unparalleled chance for Muslims to seek mercy, make Dua (supplication), and gain countless blessings.
This blog will explore the last ten nights of Ramadan, their significance, the special nights like Laylatul Qadr (the Night of Decree), and the duas that can bring us closer to Allah.
The Importance of the Last Ten Nights of Ramadan
The last ten nights of Ramadan hold immense spiritual value, and they are considered to be the most sacred part of the month. Allah Himself emphasizes the importance of these nights in the Quran, where He reveals that among the last ten nights is Laylatul Qadr, night of Power, a night that is better than a thousand months.
The last ten nights of Ramadan are special for several reasons:
Increased Blessings and Forgiveness: Allah’s mercy and blessings are abundant during these nights. It is said that the gates of Heaven are open, and the gates of Hell are closed during the last ten nights, with Allah granting forgiveness to those who seek it.
Laylatul Qadr (The Night of Power): This is the most important night in Ramadan, and it falls on one of the odd nights in the last ten days—usually the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th night of Ramadan.
A Time for Increased Worship: Muslims engage in more acts of worship during these nights, including reciting the Quran, praying additional nawafil (voluntary prayers), and making dua.
Spiritual Cleansing: The last ten nights provide an opportunity for Muslims to seek forgiveness for their sins and purify their hearts.
Engaging in Itikaf: A unique aspect of the last ten nights is Itikaf, a form of spiritual retreat. Muslims performing Itikaf seclude themselves in a mosque for worship and reflection, dedicating their time to connecting with Allah and distancing themselves from worldly distractions.
What is Laylatul Qadr?
Laylatul Qadr, also known as the Night of Decree, holds the highest spiritual significance among all the nights in Ramadan. It is mentioned in the Quran in Surah Al-Qadr , where Allah says:
“Indeed, We have sent it (the Quran) 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.” (Quran 97:1-3)
This night is an occasion for Muslims to seek forgiveness and mercy from Allah, as it is a night when divine decrees are made for the coming year. Muslims believe that whatever is decreed for them in the next year is written on this night.
Laylatul Qadr 2025:
In 2025, the last ten nights of Ramadan are expected to begin on the evening of 20 March, with Laylatul Qadr likely to occur on one of the odd-numbered nights in the final ten days of Ramadan. To maximize the blessings of this night, it is recommended to pray, seek forgiveness, and make duaa for personal and global well-being.
Significance and signs of Laylatul Qadr
The significance of Laylatul Qadr is immense:
A Night Better than a Thousand Months: The Quran describes Laylatul Qadr as a night that is better than a thousand months (Surah Al-Qadr 97:3). Worship during this night is rewarded exponentially, and the benefits of prayers and supplications made on Laylatul Qadr are multiplied by Allah’s mercy.
Forgiveness for Sins: Allah promises forgiveness to those who sincerely repent during Laylatul Qadr. It is a chance to cleanse one’s soul and start afresh.
Destiny is Decreed on Laylatul Qadr: One of the most remarkable aspects of Laylatul Qadr is that it is the night when Allah decrees the affairs of His creation for the coming year. Allah mentions in the Quran:
“Indeed, We sent the Quran 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 angels and the Spirit [Jibreel] descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter. Peace it is until the emergence of dawn.” (Surah Al-Qadr, 97:1-5)
Signs of Laylatul Qadr
The signs of Laylatul Qadr are believed to be subtle but clear:
The Night is Peaceful and Calm: Laylatul Qadr is described as a night of peace, free from the disturbance of harsh winds or heat. The weather is often calm, with a sense of tranquility in the atmosphere.
The Moon Appears Dim: The moon may appear dim or less bright on Laylatul Qadr, which is a sign that the night is special.
More,Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“Search for Laylatul Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten nights of Ramadan.”(Sahih Bukhari)
How to Make the Most of Laylatul Qadr?
To make the most of Laylatul Qadr, it is important to engage in extra acts of worship and prayer.
Pray Nafl Prayers: Perform additional prayers such as Tahajjud (night prayer), Salat al-Tasbeeh, and Duha.
Recite the Quran: Engage in reciting the Quran, especially Surah Al-Qadr, and reflect on its meanings.
Make Du’a: Ask Allah for forgiveness, mercy, and blessings. Some recommended duas include:
Dua for Forgiveness: “اللّهُمّ إِنّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ العَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي” (Allahumma innaka afuwun tuhibbul ‘afwa fa’fu ‘annee) – O Allah, You are the Most Forgiving, and You love to forgive, so forgive me.
Laylatul Qadr Dua: “اللهم اجعلنا من أهلها” (Allahumma ajilna min ahalaha) – O Allah, make us among its people.
Engage in Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah): Keep your tongue busy with the remembrance of Allah. The more you remember Him, the closer you come to His mercy.
Surah Al- Qadr and its Significance
Surah Al-Qadr is one of the most profound and spiritually rich chapters of the Holy Qur’an. Revealed in Makkah, this short but impactful surah consists of only five verses that highlight the immense blessings and unparalleled significance of Laylatul Qadr, the Night of Power, which is found in the last 10 nights of Ramadan
Blessings in Abundance: Reciting Surah Qadr brings immense blessings and rewards.
Guidance and Peace: Surah Al-Qadr helps to guide the believer, bringing peace to the heart and mind.
Forgiveness of Sins: Regular recitation of Surah Al-Qadr can lead to forgiveness from Allah.
Surah Qadr emphasizes the grandeur of Laylatul Qadr, marking it as the night when the Qur’an was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through Angel Jibreel (Gabriel). This night is described as more blessed than a thousand months, symbolizing over 83 years of worship.
It serves as a reminder of Allah’s immense mercy and an opportunity for Muslims to seek forgiveness, blessings, and closeness to Allah during this sacred time.
Explore the Itikaf
The word I’tikaf literally means to stay, to seize, or to hold fast; it is an invocation and an isolation in a mosque. The custom forbids any involvement with mundane ties so that a Muslim can exclusively appeal to a friendship with God.
Salient Features of I’tikaf:
Aim: The aim of I’tikaf is solitude, dhikr, and purification of the heart. It involves a deepening of the spiritual atmosphere for spiritually disembodying the presence of Allah’s infusing grace in the Muslim’s being-life.
Timeframe: Although I’tikaf is done generally during the last ten days of Ramadan, it can be shortened or lengthened according to one’s ability.
Focus on Worship: Ways to worship while in I’tikah include reading the Qur’an, praying extra prayers, making duaa, and engaging in dhikr.
The Last Ten Days of Ramadan: A Time for Reflection and Devotion
These last ten days of Ramadan have a considerable amount of spiritual beauty for Muslims all over the globe. These nights are days of immense vigour in worship, with reflections and supplication where believers seek to draw close to Allah. In these nights, Laylatul-Qadr (The Night of Power) is included, which is one night worth more than a thousand months. An opportunity to seek forgiveness, do as many favorable deeds as possible, engage in charity, and help the needy to obtain Allah’s mercy.
During such nights, people say extra prayers generally called Nafl prayers, do supplications like Dua for Forgiveness, and recite Qur’an in particular Surah Al-Qadr. Moreover, many are known to go on Itikaf committing themselves to worship in a mosque.
The Quran and Hadith accentuate the virtues of the last ten days. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) increased his worship during those nights and called upon his followers to do the same. Such a time, known for its great importance, serves to remind one to refocus on faith, Laylatul Qadr preparation, and reward that can change one’s life.
Night of Moon
Night of Moon, the last night of Ramadan, is known for its grandeur in the Islamic calendar. It is celebrated with much pomp as it marks the end of the holy month of fasting and announces the coming of Eid al-Fitr. On this night, Muslim eyes, full of hope, are directed toward the sky for the sighting of the new moon, which signals the termination of Ramadan and the joyous beginning of Eid celebrations. Joy befits preparation for the colorful event: purchasing new garments, gifts, and sweets.
Night of Moon is also a time for family gatherings, with people ushering in warm wishes and plans for Eid prayers. During this night, women in many cultures apply henna to their hands to usher in the festivities. On this night, one is reminded of the blessings of Ramadan, and it becomes a time for Muslims to reflect on their spiritual growth, marking their transition from fasting to feasting with gratitude and glee. It is worth mentioning that the Night of Moon and Laylatul Qadr can fall on the same night, which is the 29th night of Ramadan.
Conclusion
The last 10 nights of Ramadan are highly significant for each Muslim. These nights are used for spiritual reflection, seeking forgiveness, and the intensification of worship, of which the Night of Qadr is the most blessed. During these nights, Muslims try to strengthen their bond with Allah through prayer, asking for forgiveness and mercy, recitation of Surah Al-Qadr, and performance of nafl prayers.
The significance of these nights increases even further as we know them through Hadith and Ayat. Any act of worship, big or small, takes a tremendous reward. About Laylat al-Qadr, there cannot be enough said regarding its spiritual benefits and opportunities for personal transformation. This is a time for Muslims to become very sincere in performing their rites. During these nights as the Muslims enter the last segment of Ramadan, most recall some of the very important lessons.
