The last 10 days of Ramadan are the most spiritually significant period of the blessed month. Muslims worldwide seek forgiveness, offer additional prayers, and strive to attain closeness to Allah. One of the greatest rewards during these nights is seeking Laylatul Qadr, the Night of Decree, which holds immense blessings. It is believed to be a night when prayers are accepted, sins are forgiven, and destinies are written for the coming year.
Seeking Laylatul Qadr: A Night Better Than a Thousand Months
Laylatul Qadr, the Night of Decree or Night of Power, is one of the holiest nights in Islam. This night marks the momentous occasion when the Qur’an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Allah states in the Qur’an:
لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ خَيْرٌ مِّنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍ
“The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.”
(Qur’an, 97:3)
The Prophet (peace be upon him) further emphasized the importance of this night by saying:
“Whoever prays on Laylatul Qadr out of faith and sincerity, shall have all their past sins forgiven.”
(Hadith, Bukhari and Muslim)
Although the exact date of Laylatul Qadr is unknown, the Prophet (peace be upon him) advised:
“Seek it in the last ten days, on the odd nights.”
(Hadith, Bukhari and Muslim)
Muslims are encouraged to engage in acts of worship such as reciting the Qur’an, praying voluntary (nafl) prayers, making du’aa, and sending salawat (blessings upon the Prophet).
The Best Supplication for Laylatul Qadr
Lady Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) once asked the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him):
“O Messenger of Allah, if it is Laylatul Qadr, then what should I supplicate with?”
He replied with a powerful dua:
“Allahumma, innaka Afuwwun Karimun, tuḥibbu al-afwa fa‘afu anna”
“O Allah, indeed You are Pardoning and Generous; You love to pardon, so pardon us.”
Performing I’tikaf in the Last 10 Days of Ramadan
One of the most rewarding practices during the last 10 days of Ramadan is i’tikaf, a spiritual retreat that allows believers to disconnect from worldly distractions and focus entirely on worship. I’tikaf is traditionally performed in the mosque, but if that is not possible, a secluded space at home can be designated.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) would spend the last ten nights in i’tikaf, dedicating himself to prayer, dhikr, and Qur’an recitation. It is an opportunity to reflect on one’s faith, increase religious knowledge, and strengthen one’s relationship with Allah.
Giving Sadaqah During the Last 10 Nights
Charity, or sadaqah, is one of the most beloved acts of worship in Islam. The last 10 days of Ramadan offer an excellent opportunity to maximize good deeds and give in the way of Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was known to be the most generous during Ramadan, and he encouraged believers to follow this practice.
Giving sadaqah on Laylatul Qadr multiplies rewards immensely, as the blessings of this night are better than a thousand months. Whether donating to the poor, supporting Islamic education, or helping build mosques, every charitable act earns an immense reward.
Making Du’aa in the Last 10 Days of Ramadan
The last 10 days of Ramadan are the perfect time to sincerely turn to Allah in supplication (du’aa). Muslims are encouraged to ask for forgiveness, guidance, and blessings. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Du’aa is worship.”
(Hadith, Tirmidhi)
It is beneficial to make du’aa for oneself, one’s family, and the entire Muslim Ummah. One can also pray for relief from hardships, protection from trials, and success in this life and the hereafter.
✅ Things to Do in the Last 10 Days of Ramadan
- Seek Laylatul Qadr
- Pray extra Taraweeh and Tahajjud prayers.
- Recite the Qur’an and reflect on its meaning.
- Make sincere du’aa for forgiveness, guidance, and blessings.
- Perform I’tikaf (Seclusion for Worship)
- If possible, dedicate time for i’tikaf in the mosque or a quiet space at home.
- Minimize distractions and worldly affairs.
- Give Sadaqah (Charity) Generously
- Donate to the poor, sponsor an orphan, or support a good cause.
- Set up automated donations to ensure you give on Laylatul Qadr.
- Increase Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah)
- Frequently recite:
- SubhanAllah (Glory be to Allah)
- Alhamdulillah (All praise be to Allah)
- Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest)
- Astaghfirullah (I seek forgiveness from Allah)
- Frequently recite:
- Pray the Special Du’aa for Laylatul Qadr
- “Allahumma innaka Afuwwun Karimun, tuḥibbu al-afwa fa‘afu anna”
- (O Allah, You are Most Forgiving and Generous, You love to forgive, so forgive us.)
- Make Repentance (Tawbah) with Sincerity
- Ask Allah to forgive past sins and grant a righteous future.
- Avoid sins that weaken faith.
- Help Others & Strengthen Family Ties
- Call loved ones and make amends.
- Serve your family and community with kindness.
- Eat Suhoor & Take Care of Your Health
- Eating Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) is a Sunnah.
- Stay hydrated and get enough rest.
🚫 Things to Avoid in the Last 10 Days of Ramadan
- Wasting Time on Entertainment & Social Media
- Reduce watching TV, scrolling through social media, or engaging in useless conversations.
- Skipping Prayers or Being Lazy in Worship
- Don’t neglect obligatory Salah or delay them unnecessarily.
- Try to pray on time and in congregation.
- Arguing or Gossiping
- Avoid conflicts, backbiting, or speaking ill of others.
- Overeating at Iftar
- Don’t let food make you too tired for night prayers.
- Neglecting Laylatul Qadr Due to Uncertainty
- Since the exact night is unknown, don’t limit worship to only the 27th night.
- Being Inconsistent in Worship
- Keep the same energy throughout the 10 nights and beyond.
- Not Giving Charity Thinking It’s Too Small
- Even a small act of kindness can bring immense reward.
Conclusion: Make the Most of the Last 10 Days of Ramadan
The last 10 days of Ramadan offer a once-a-year opportunity to seek Allah’s mercy and maximize good deeds. Engaging in acts of worship, seeking Laylatul Qadr, performing i’tikaf, giving sadaqah, and making sincere du’aa can bring immense blessings. Muslims should take advantage of these sacred nights by increasing their devotion and striving for spiritual elevation.