The Last Ten Nights of Ramadan

The final ten nights are the most spiritually important nights of Ramadan. Laylat al-Qadr occurs within them and is better than a thousand months. Its exact date is concealed, so Muslims are encouraged to seek it throughout the last ten nights, especially the odd-numbered nights.

Recommended actions

  • Increase night prayer, Qur’an recitation, dhikr, and charity.
  • Seek Laylat al-Qadr throughout the final ten nights, especially the odd-numbered nights.
  • Prepare a personal du‘a list.
  • Frequently say: Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibbul-‘afwa fa‘fu ‘anni (“O Allah, You are Pardoning and love to pardon, so pardon me”).
  • Consider i‘tikaf where practical.
  • Protect these nights from unnecessary distractions.

References

  • Qur’an 97:1–5 — the virtue of Laylat al-Qadr.
  • Sahih Muslim 1167 — seeking Laylat al-Qadr during Ramadan’s final ten nights.
  • Sahih al-Bukhari 2024 and Sahih Muslim 1174 — the Prophet ﷺ intensified his worship during the final ten nights.
  • Jami‘ at-Tirmidhi 3513 — the du‘a taught to ‘A’ishah رضي الله عنها.