Ramadan is the most blessed month in the Islamic calendar, a period of 30 days that allows Muslims to reconcile spiritually and connect more with Allah. Muslims all over the world celebrate Ramadan enthusiastically and devotedly. Muslims prepare themselves for Ramadan and eagerly wait for this Holy month to begin. 30 days of Ramadan are divided into three decades, the first 10 days are the days of Mercy, the middle ten days are the days of forgiveness and the last ten days are the days of safety from the Hellfire. The last ten days hold great importance as it carries the night of decree when Allah SWT has decreed the Holy Quran upon His Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. The importance can be twice when you perform umrah through Ramadan Umrah packages in last 10 days of Ramadan. The authenticity of the Quran’s reveal is stated in the Holy Quran itself when Allah says, “The month of Ramadan is that in which was revealed the Quran, guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion” Al-Quran 2:185
The significance of the last 10 days of Ramadan
The night Allah decreed the Holy Quran is called the “Layla-tul-Qadr” or “the night of Power”. According to Islamic possessions, “The Quran” the night on which Allah first revealed the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ through the angel Gabriel is “Layla-tul-Qadr”. There is a chapter in the Quran “Al-Qadr” which puts light on the context of this magnificent night. It is believed to have taken place on one of the last 10 nights of Ramadan in 610 CE, though no one knows the exact date of Layla-tul-Qadr. Upon asking the Holy Prophet Muhammad about the exact day of the Night of power, He ﷺ said, “I was shown the night of Qadr, but then Allah made me forget about it”. So it is advised to search the night of Power on the last 10 days on odd nights that is why the last 10 days of Ramadan are considered very persuasive.
There is a lot to learn on how to maximize the last 10 days of Ramadan.
In the following subsections, we will highlight tips to maximize the last decade of Ramadan.
I’tikaf
I’tikaf is an Arabic word it means “to adhere or commit oneself to something”. According to Shari’ah, a person takes up residence in the Mosque in a specific way in the last decade of Ramadan. It is a voluntary ritual retreat. It requires keeping your worldly purists aside and to remember Allah in loneliness. It is the best thing that helps to recognise “Allah” to commit in the way of Allah. The intention to do I’tikaf is simple, you can make it in your heart, saying; O Allah! I am performing ten days of Sunnah I’tikaf to please You, Therefore accept my I’tikaf a pardon all my sins. Remember the practice of I’tikaf is only assisted with the last 10 days of Ramadan. During I’tikaf, an observer is retrained from mundane desires. It is the best time to meditate and for self-reflection. I’tikaf forms a close bond with Allah. During I’tikaf, a person ponders upon the Quran in a more profound way that helps to understand the messages of Allah and understanding the Quran relieves the broken heart and mends the stressed soul. I’tikaf helps in reforming one’s character and when A person spends time with Allah, and read Sunnah and Shariyah it helps him to be a better version of himself. I’tikaf protects against all sins, an observer is not supposed to talk to anyone during I’tikaf, eventually, it protects from lingual sins too. The reward of Ramadan is multiplied by 70, therefore observing I’tikaf in the last 10 days is a very significant way to earn maximum rewards of the blessed month of Ramadan.
The Night of Decree & the Odd Nights (Taaq Night)
One of the major perks of the last 10 days of Ramadan is “The night of Decree” which is one of the most revered occasions and, a hidden treasure that comes only in Ramadan. The importance of this night is marked in the Holy Quran. Allah has dedicated a whole chapter of the holy Quran in the admiration to “The Night of Qadr”. Al-Qadr in the 30th Para of the Quran says, “The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months” 97:3
It is worth mentioning that the exact date or day is not exposed. The Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ has recommended searching the night of Decree on the odd nights of the last decade of Ramadan i.e. 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th and 29th. It is hidden in the last 10 days of Ramadan
Muslims who observe the odd nights to search the night of Decree and dedicate themselves to remembering Allah, reciting the Quran, doing Dhikr (remembrance of Allah), seeking Allah’s mercy and repenting of their sins, are promised forgiveness.
Charity & Zakat
One of the most significant aspects of Ramadan is the communal feeling of compassion and sympathy linked with this blessed month. Providing charity is one way of showing benevolence to the deprived. There are millions out there who need our help right now. It has become a jiff of practice in the Islamic culture to pay zakat and charity in the holy month of Ramadan, just to magnify the blessings & rewards related to these Islamic contributions. Zakat is given to help the depressed. You can find trusts and charities where you can give charity to those who need it badly. One such place where you can contribute is Transparent Hands. Though it is not necessary to pay Zakat during the month of Ramadan, the act is appreciated more due to the rewards and blessings of Ramadan which is why Muslims prefer to pay Zakat in Ramadan than any other month. Imagine if you give anything in charity on the odd nights and it turns out to be “The Night of Power” how hefty and great reward you will be bestowed upon. Make sure to do charity in the last 10 days of Ramadan.
Purify your Intentions
Since actions are judged by intentions, the first step before undertaking anything is to make sure that your intentions are pure. Getting the rewards for good deeds that we do depends on the intention. If a person flaunts his noble deeds, he should be mindful that singing your praises wastes the essence of worship. The Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, “Actions are according to intention, and everyone will get what was intended”.
Your actions and worship should only please Allah, and not be acknowledged by humans. Purify your intentions, be heedful and keep reminding yourself, your actions are for Allah. My actions are to please Allah. Your intention must be to please Allah not to put your impression on humans.
Seek Allah’s Forgiveness and supplications taught by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
It is reported by Abu Huraira RA, The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, “On the first night of the month (Ramadan), the Satan is chained, the jinn are restrained, and the gates of Hellfire are closed and none of its gates is opened. The gates of Heaven are opened and none of its gates is closed. A heavenly caller announces O seeker of Allah! Come near! O seeker of evil, stop short! Allah will save them from the Hellfire and that is during every night of Ramadan. The Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ has taught multiple prayers from the safety of Hell. One of the significant prayers is “ALLAHUMMA AJIRNI MI AN-NAR”. O, Allah! Protect me from Hellfire. Recite it incalculably.
The last ten days are the days of safety from the Hellfire. Allah releases a huge number of humans from the curse of Hellfire.
Astagfirullah is a simple but very effective prayer. Recite Astagfirullah as much as you can.
Another significant supplication the Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ advised to recite in the last 10 days specifically. “ALLAHUMA INNAKA` AFUWWUN TUHIBBUL`AFWA` FA`FU`ANNI” O Allah! Indeed, You are the most forgiving, you love forgiveness, so forgive me”.
You can seek help by reading Islamic books regarding learn more about supplications.
Ramadan, Umrah and Umrah Packages
Ramadan carries immense rewards; to earn maximum rewards many Muslims mend their ways to the Holy city of Makkah to perform Umrah (the lesser pilgrimage). Umrah in the month of Ramadan is equivalent to Hajj (The Major pilgrimage). To avail themselves, of the best of rewards and Allah’s mercy Muslims enthusiastically make it to the majestic House of Allah “The Kaaba”. To enable Muslims to perform Umrah freely and easily, many travel agencies and Islamic Travels offer Umrah packages. So if you are willing to perform Umrah in 2023, avail Umrah packages 2023 in advance. If you are looking for Ramadan Umrah Packages, you can ask your travel agent for consultation regarding Ramadan umrah packages and make sure you inquire well about the reliability of your travel agent, the agency you are booking with and the terms and conditions of the packages to avoid any inconveniences.
