e Holy month of Ramadan is full of blessings and rewards for all Muslims. But, a special emphasis is placed on the last ten days of this month because of several reasons. The last ten days of the Holy month are prestigious as reflected from the recommendations and actions of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) during these days.
During these days, the Prophet (PBUH) and his companions would perform three essential tasks or practices. These are given below.
1. Worshipping during the Last Ten Days
According to a narration regarding the Prophet (PBUH) and his actions during the last ten days,
“He would strive [to do acts of worship] during the last ten days of Ramadan more than he would at any other time.”
Hazrat Aisha also reports that the Prophet (PBUH) would work hard during these days and pray all night and would also wake up his entire family to pray, worship and read the Quran.
2. Performing Itikaf in the Mosque
The act of Itikaf means secluding and isolating yourself in the mosque with pure intentions of increased and increased worship and praying. Muslims also perform Itikaf to get closer to Allah. This was a known practice of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
Abu Hurairah reports,
“Allah’s Messenger, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, used to perform i`tikaf for ten days every Ramadan, then when it was the year in which he was taken (died), he performed I`tikaf for twenty days.” [Bukhari]
Hazrat Ayesha also reports that the Prophet (PBUH) “used to perform itikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan until Allah the Mighty and Majestic, took him.” [Bukhari and Muslim]
Itikaf is a mustahabb (recommended) act and has many hidden benefits for all Muslims. Generally, the distractions and preoccupations of this world corrupt the mind. When one isolates, these distractions are reduced and one can easily devote the entire day to the worship of Allah. The benefits of Itikaf are given below.
a) Itikaf protects the heart from indulgence into physical things.
b) Itikaf protects from consequences of talking too much.
c) It also protects from sleeping too much.
d) It allows an individual to free himself from the worldly desires and turn towards Allah.
During itikaf, individuals are allowed to perform the following actions.
a) Voluntary praying
b) Quran recitation
c) Remembrance of Allah
d) Combing hair, cutting nails, cleaning the body, wearing nice clothes etc.
e) Bidding farewell to the wife.
3. The Night of Qadar
The night of Qadar is the greatest nights of Islam. Allah also revealed a complete Surah for this night. Allah says,
“Verily! We have sent it (this Qur’aan) down in the Night of Decree (Lailatul-Qadr). And what will make you know what the Night of Decree is? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. Therein descend the angels and the Rooh (ie. Jibreel [Gabriel]) by Allaah’s Permission with all Decrees, Peace! until the appearance of dawn.” [97:1-5]
