The Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) said, "If any Muslim
comes out of Ramadan without gaining forgiveness and goodness, he is a real
loser." (Ibn Hibban and At-Tabarani)
The last ten days of Ramadan are very special days in the
life of every Muslim. According to Muslims, they are the most blessed days in
the blessed month of Ramadan, the month the Holy Quran was revealed. Muslims
believe that although the Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) was promised Paradise, he
used to exert himself even more in worship during these last ten days, hoping
to draw closer to Allah. The Prophet's wife Aisha (may Allah be pleased with
her) said, "With the start of the last ten days of Ramadan, the Prophet
used to tighten his waist belt and used to pray all the night, and used to keep
his family awake for the prayers." (Bukhari)
For Muslims, the last ten days should be a time to perfect
one's fast and avoid anything that may break it. It is a time to give more
charity and to settle disputes and forgive one another. It is also a time for
soul searching, evaluating one's life, supplicating, and asking forgiveness.
This should be done sincerely because if Allah accepts the supplications, the
reward is the remission of one's sins.
The best time to do it is in the last part of the night. Abu
Hurayrah reported that the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) said, "When the last one
third of the night remains, our Lord, the Glorious One, descends towards the
lower heaven and proclaims: 'Is there anyone supplicating to Me so that I grant
his supplication? Is there anyone begging of Me for anything so that I grant
him his wish? Is there anyone who seeks My forgiveness so I forgive him?'"
(Bukhari and Muslim)
During the last third of Ramadan, one should recite more
Quran and remember Allah more often, even constantly.
The last ten days are also known for Itekaf (spiritual
retreat). The Prophet (p.b.u.h.) used to perform Itekaf in the mosque during
the last ten days of Ramadan, barely sleeping during that time. Itekaf requires
a total devotion to Allah; it is a sort of vacation with Him. The time is spent
worshiping, performing extra Salah (ritual prayers), reciting Quran, making
Thikr (remembrance of Allah) and duaas (supplications). One should leave behind
the cares of this world, and even eat and sleep in the mosque. Those who cannot
perform Itekaf for ten days, should try to do it for a shorter time, if only
for one night or a day or two.
Laylat Al-Qadr also occurs during the last ten days of
Ramadan. The Prophet (p.b.u.h.) said, "Any Muslim who stands in Prayer
during Laylat Al-Qadr out of faith and sincerity, his previous sins will be
forgiven.
