As we approach the last 10 nights of Ramadan, I wanted to share the following to help us all end this Ramadan in an awesome manner! Let’s begin by looking at what Allah (swt) says in the Qur’an:
Allah says: "Laylah al-Qadr is better than 1000 months." [Sûrah al-Qadr: 3]
We know that laylatul Qadr falls in the last 10 nights of Ramadan by consensus of majority of scholars. The majority opinion also says that it is more than likely to be one of the odd nights.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Seek Laylah al-Qadr in the last ten nights of Ramadan, in the odd nights." [Sahîh al-Bukhârî (2016) and Sahîh Muslim (1167)]
So how can you make the most of this amazing night? Here are a few tips:
Charity!
Ramadan is a month of giving, so, increase in your giving in the last 10 nights. Just imagine this: you give just £10 every night in the last 10 nights, you are bound to catch laylatul Qadr right? Now imagine this £10 given on that night being equal to, or better than, giving that £10 every single day for a thousand months! That would be the equivalent of giving over £300,000!! If you think that’s mind-boggling then add to that the reward of giving in Ramadan and how rewards are multiplied in this blessed month! Can you really afford to miss out?
Recite the Qur’an
Ramadan is the month of Qur’an. Take out a few moments to recite even a page of the Qur’an and remember the recital on laylatul Qadr will be manifold insha’Allah.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Whoever reads a letter from the Allah’s Book, he will be rewarded for it. And that reward will be multiplied by ten. I am not saying that “alif, laam, meem” is one letter, but “alif” is a letter, “laam” is a letter and “meem” is a letter.” (At-Tirmithi)
So what then of the rewards of reciting so many letters of the Qur’an on a night which is better than a thousand months?
Remove a Hardship
The Prophet (pbuh) is reported to have said: Whoever removes from a Believer a hardship from the hardships of this life (the dunya), Allah (God) will remove from him a hardship from the hardships of the Day of Judgment.
What better night to remove a hardship from a believer than this blessed night? You may be able to remove a hardship by giving in charity, giving somebody food, shelter or by just being there for them. Do not lose out on such an enormous reward for doing something so small. Go out and find somebody hungry, somebody poor or homeless or just donate something to charity and help remove a hardship from a believer.
Make Dua
Yes, Make dua! How often have we forgotten to do such a simple thing subhanAllah. What an amazing opportunity for dua. Imagine this: It is Ramadan, it could be laylatul Qadr and if you get up for Tahajjud, Allah is waiting to hear from you and to listen to your request! What more could you ask for? Also, repeat often the recommended dua for laylatul Qadr:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي
Allahumma innaka `Afuwwun TuHibbul `Afwa Fa`fu `Annii.
'O Allah, you are the Forgiver, You love to forgive, so forgive me.'
Salaah
Increase in your nawafil salaah in the last 10 nights. Push yourself to attend the Masjid every day for taraweeh and tahajjud. If you are unable to then spend as much time as possible standing in prayer at home. Take some rest in between for the other duties mentioned above as well.
Finally, if you are able to, then, make itikaaf. Seclude yourself at the Masjid and increase in your ibaadah. Always remember: any good deed you do, would be better if it was done on laylatul Qadr than having done that deed for a thousand months! Is there really any other motivation we need? I leave you with the following:
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever fasts Ramadan with faith, seeking Allah's reward, will be forgiven all his past sins. Whoever observes Laylah al-Qadr in prayer, with faith, seeking Allah's reward, will be forgiven all his past sins." [Sahîh al-Bukhârî (1910)]
It’s only 10 days and 10 nights. Make them the best 10 days and 10 nights of your life so far :)
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