Posted: Jan 26 2023
It is believed that on one day during the last 10 days of Ramadan, the Qur’an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through the Angel Jibrael. Many Muslims believe this to fall on the 27th night of Ramadan. This night is known as Laylatul Qadr.
During the last 10 days of Ramadan, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would perform I’tikaf, where he would stay in the Mosque worshipping Allah (SWT) by doing dhikr, making dua and reading the Qur’an. Performing I’tikaf is performed by many during the month and is encouraged.
Laylatul Qadr, the Night of Power, occurs on one of the last 10 odd nights of the month of Ramadan. While many think it falls on the 27th, it is wise to increase acts of worship on all the last 10 nights to seek Allah’s (SWT) forgiveness and to gain rewards. On these last nights and days, you could read Qur’an, feed the poor, help family, friends and neighbours, and follow the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The days should be used to fast, while the nights should be spent in prayer and remembrance of Allah (SWT).
On this night, the Prophet (PBUH) received the first revelation: Surah Al ‘Alaq, which means ‘the clot’, where Allah (SWT) explains that we were made from a clot of blood. The following verses were revealed: ‘Recite in the name of your Lord who created. Created man from a clinging substance. Recite, and your Lord is the most generous. Who taught by the pen. Taught man that which he knew not.’
In 2023, the month of Ramadan will begin on Wednesday, 22 March and end on 20 April with the celebrations of Eid Ul-Fitr.
The last 10 days will therefore fall on 10 April – 20 April 2023.
Duas made during Ramadan, including in the last 10 days, is likely to be accepted. This dua is recommended to be recited on Laylatul Qadr and throughout the last 10 nights of Ramadan: ‘Allaahumma innaka ‘afuwwun, tuhibb al-‘afwa, fa’fu ‘anni’. This dua translates as, “O Allah, You are the Most forgiving, and You love to forgive, so forgive me.”
“Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: ‘When Ramadan comes, the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained.’ (Sahih Al-Bukhari and Muslim)”
Ramadan is such a special month in which Muslims fast during the day and observe other forms of worship during the night.
Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar and translates to ‘scorching heat’, referring to the days in which it fell in the hot season. Muslims all around the world observe Ramadan, a month of fasting and abstaining from sinning, as well as seeking forgiveness from Allah (SWT). It is important to note that there are some people for whom fasting is not obligatory, whether it be for health or travel reasons or if they are a child.
Giving charity is a very rewarded act of worship, even more so during Ramadan. Allah (SWT) says in the Qur'an, “Those who give, out of their own possessions, by night and by day, in private and in public will have their reward with their Lord.” (2:274)
Furthermore, the importance of charity can be seen in this hadith: The Prophet, upon him, be peace, said: “The believer’s shade on the Day of Resurrection will be his charity.” (Al-Tirmidhi)
Click here to donate to Orphans in Need this Ramadan.