The Virtues of the Last Ten Nights of Ramadan and Laylat al-Qadr: A Time for Unmatched Blessings

Introduction: A Time of Divine Mercy and Spiritual Elevation

Ramadan, the month of fasting, prayer, and deep devotion, reaches its peak during the last ten nights. These nights are unlike any other, for among them lies Laylat al-Qadr (The Night of Decree)—a night that is “better than a thousand months.” It is during these final nights that believers strive harder in worship, seeking Allah’s mercy, forgiveness, and guidance.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) dedicated himself to worship in these nights more than at any other time of the year. Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) reported:

> “When the last ten nights of Ramadan began, the Prophet (peace be upon him) would stay up at night, wake his family, exert himself in worship, and tighten his waistcloth (i.e., dedicate himself fully to worship).”

(Sahih al-Bukhari, 2024; Sahih Muslim, 1174)

These final nights hold immense rewards for those who seek Allah sincerely. Let us explore their virtues and how we can maximize our worship during them.

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The Significance of the Last Ten Nights

1. They Contain Laylat al-Qadr

Allah describes this night as a time of immense blessings:

إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَاهُ فِي لَيْلَةِ الْقَدْرِ

“Indeed, We sent the Qur’an down during the Night of Decree.”

(Surah Al-Qadr, 97:1)

Worship on this night is more rewarding than 83 years of continuous worship!

2. The Prophet (peace be upon him) Intensified His Worship

He would seclude himself in i‘tikaf (spiritual retreat) in the masjid, focusing solely on worship and drawing closer to Allah.

3. A Night of Forgiveness

Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) asked the Prophet (peace be upon him) what to say if she found Laylat al-Qadr. He replied:

> “O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, and You love to forgive, so forgive me.”

(Sunan At-Tirmidhi, 3513; authenticated by Al-Albani)

This powerful supplication not only brings Allah’s forgiveness but also opens doors to countless blessings. If Allah forgives you, your needs will be fulfilled without even asking for them. Seeking His pardon is the key to both spiritual and worldly success.

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How to Maximize Worship in the Last Ten Nights

1. Increase in Night Prayers (Qiyam al-Layl & Tahajjud)

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

> “Whoever stands (in prayer) during Laylat al-Qadr with faith and hoping for reward, his past sins will be forgiven.”

(Sahih al-Bukhari, 1901; Sahih Muslim, 760)

2. Engage in Extensive Du’a and Dhikr

Some of the best dhikr include:

سبحان الله وبحمده، سبحان الله العظيم (Glory be to Allah and all praise is due to Him, Glory be to Allah the Almighty)

أستغفر الله (I seek forgiveness from Allah)

لا إله إلا الله (There is no god but Allah)

3. Recite and Reflect on the Qur’an

The Qur’an was revealed in Laylat al-Qadr, making its recitation highly rewarding:

إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَاهُ فِي لَيْلَةِ الْقَدْرِ

“Indeed, We sent the Qur’an down during the Night of Decree.”

(Surah Al-Qadr, 97:1)

This verse reminds us that engaging with the Qur’an during these nights is not just an act of devotion but a way to connect with the very essence of Ramadan. Reciting and reflecting on its meanings brings immense spiritual benefits and strengthens our relationship with Allah.

4. Perform Charity (Sadaqah)

The Prophet (peace be upon him) was described as:

> “The most generous of people, and he was even more generous during Ramadan.”

(Sahih al-Bukhari, 3554; Sahih Muslim, 2308)

Charity given in these nights could coincide with Laylat al-Qadr, multiplying its reward beyond imagination.

5. Engage in I‘tikaf (Spiritual Retreat)

The Prophet (peace be upon him) observed i‘tikaf in the mosque during the last ten days of Ramadan, dedicating himself entirely to worship. This practice allows believers to detach from worldly distractions and focus solely on their relationship with Allah.

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Stories of the Companions: Exemplary Devotion in the Last Ten Nights

The Companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) set the highest example in striving during the last ten nights of Ramadan. Their devotion, sincerity, and eagerness to seize these blessed moments remain a source of inspiration for all believers.

1. Umar ibn Al-Khattab’s Commitment to Worship

Umar ibn Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) would wake his household for prayer, saying:

> “And he would pray at night as much as Allah willed, until the last part of the night, when he would wake up his family, saying, ‘Prayer! Prayer!’”

(Al-Muwatta, 1/137; authenticated by Al-Albani)

2. Uthman ibn Affan’s Connection with the Qur’an

Uthman ibn Affan (may Allah be pleased with him) displayed an extraordinary relationship with the Qur’an. It was reported that:

> “Uthman ibn Affan used to complete the entire Qur’an in one night of prayer.”

(Sunan al-Darimi, 2/455)

3. Ali ibn Abi Talib: A Role Model in Devotion

Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him) would remind the people about the value of these nights, saying:

> “O people, Laylat al-Qadr is not given to anyone except those who strive in worship.”

(Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah, 2/65)

4. Abu Huraira: Immersed in Prayer and Remembrance

Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) would divide his night into three parts:

One-third for studying and teaching hadith.

One-third for prayer.

One-third for sleep.

> “I would divide my night into three parts: one-third for sleeping, one-third for prayer, and one-third for studying hadith.”

(Sunan al-Darimi, 1/146)

The Rewards of Laylat al-Qadr

The blessings of this night include:

1. Sins are forgiven for those who worship sincerely.

2. Angels descend, bringing peace and blessings until dawn:

تَنَزَّلُ ٱلۡمَلَـٰٓئكَةُ وَٱلرُّوحُ فِیهَا بِإِذۡنِ رَبِّهِم مِّن كُلِّ أَمۡرٍ ۝ سَلَـٰمٌ هِیَ حَتَّىٰ مَطۡلَعِ ٱلۡفَجۡرِ

“The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter. Peace it is until the emergence of dawn.”

(Surah Al-Qadr, 97:4-5)

Conclusion: Seize the Opportunity

The last ten nights of Ramadan are a golden opportunity to attain Allah’s mercy, forgiveness, and immense rewards. Every night could be Laylat al-Qadr—so treat each one as if it is!

May Allah grant us the ability to make the most of these blessed nights, accept our prayers, and allow us to witness Laylat al-Qadr with sincere devotion.