Taking advantage of the last ten days of Ramadan
Time passes swiftly, and we are standing at the threshold of the last days of Ramadan already.
The last ten days hold utmost importance for believers. Here are a few facts and tips on how to spend these last ten days, before moving on to the well-deserved jubilation part, Eid.
The last ten days of Ramadan are of unequivocal importance. This is a month of mercy and forgiveness. Patience and mercy are virtues that promise high rewards in this month. Prayers, supplication, good deeds, charity, deeper introspection all gain intensity in the last ten days for the same reason.
Photo credit - Mohamed Rimzan
The night of Laylat Al Qadar (The Night of Decree) falls in these ten days, and worship in this night is worth the worship of a thousand months. Every good action is rewarded manifold as compared to being rewarded any other time throughout the year. The Quran was revealed in this night, and the verses state about the importance of Laylat Al Qadr as:
“The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months." [97:1-5]
In Islamic tradition, the exact date of this divine night is hidden, but followers are urged to reap its benefits by worship during the last ten nights, especially the odd numbered nights; as chances of Laylat Al Qadr occurring in odd numbered nights is high. Most Muslim cultures make special arrangements on the 27th night of Ramadan, because the date was mentioned as a probable one. However, its high probability does not negate the importance of other odd numbered nights. This year, the last ten days commenced yesterday, on 25th June 2016, making last night the first odd night in the ten days.
Photo credit - Gary McGovern
Etekaf is another tradition in the last ten days of Ramadan. It entails devoting ones whole time to worship and remembrance of God in isolation. This custom is optional, not mandatory.
We wish you fruitful last ten days of Ramadan. Make use of this time to be more generous and philanthropic, be more of every good virtue. And remember to carry on this attitude after Ramadan ends :)
Photo credit - Allen Kent
Feature photo credit - Irfan Ishak
