Muslims pray voluntary night prayers in congregation during the night of Ramadan. They pray voluntary prayers after performing Isha’, an obligatory evening prayer. (Hamdan Badrudin/BIO)
Ramadan, the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, is a special time for Muslims. It’s when the followers of Islam remember the time when the Holy Qur’an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad [peace be upon him], thus increasing the spiritual connection and doubling the blessings for the worshippers of Allah.
Within this month lies the precious Laylat al-Qadr, or Night of Decree and Power. This night, mentioned in the Qur’an, is highly valued as it is better than a thousand months. On this night, good deeds are multiplied, like those of 83 years of worship.
Bangsamoro Darul Ifta’ (BDI) recently announced that the upcoming moonsighting event to mark the commencement of Shawwal, as the Hadith dictates, shall take place on the 29th of Ramadan, falling on April 9, 2024. This marks a special occasion for the Bangsamoro community to come together in anticipation of the parting of this sacred month.
With this, Muslims, not just in the Bangsamoro region, hold the remaining nights of Ramadan in high regard and dedicate their efforts during the last ten nights of this holy month, following Prophet Muhammad’s teachings. They engage in various acts of worship, hoping to find this night and receive Allah’s forgiveness and immense reward for their devotion.
The Prophet said: “Whoever stays up and prays on Laylat al-Qadr out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.”
The following are acts of worship that Muslims may consider to perform during the last ten nights of Ramadan:
Give charity
Any good act such as charity during Laylat al-Qadr is rewarded. Muslims are encouraged to engage in various forms of charity, including providing food to those in poverty and offering financial assistance to those in need.
Muslims find charity to be one of the most effective ways to seek Allah’s forgiveness and pleasure. During Ramadan, many individuals and organizations give charity, hoping for Allah’s reward and forgiveness. (Alline Jamar M. Undikan/BIO)
Make du’a
Du’a is a prayer of supplication, where every Muslim has the chance to ask for Allah’s forgiveness for himself and for others. This is also the best way to ask Allah for whatever a Muslim’s heart desires.
Aisha [may Allah be pleased with her], said: I asked the Messenger of Allah: “O Messenger of Allah, if I know what night is the night of Qadr, what should I say during it?’ He said: “Say: O Allah, You are pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon me.” The transliteration of this Dua is ‘Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibbul ‘afwa fa’fu ‘annee”.
Muslims raise both hands while performing du’a. Any du’a not narrated in a Hadith (prophetic tradition) and not part of a specific act of worship is regarded as general du’a; in this case, there is nothing wrong with raising the hands. (Photo courtesy of Constantine Johnny/Getty Images)
Recite the Noble Qur’an
While the whole month is the time to read the Qur’an, it is also best to double the effort in reciting the Qur’an while pondering on its meaning and message.
The Qur’an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) on the night of Ramadan. During this month, it became a practice for Muslims to double their efforts in reciting the holy book, seeking multiple rewards from Allah. (Faisal Camsa Jr./BIO)
Perform voluntary night prayers
It is also best that a Muslim maximize his time by performing voluntary night prayers in line with the Prophet’s saying: “Whoever prays during (nights of) Ramadan with faith and hoping for its reward will have all of his previous sins forgiven.”
Muslims perform voluntary night prayers during Ramadan. Taraweeh and tahajjud are voluntary night prayers that can be done at home or in the masjid after Isha’. (Hamdan Badrudin/BIO)
Do I’tikaf
The prophet traditionally stays inside the Masjid during the last ten days and nights of Ramadan performing several acts of worship like making du’a or dhikr (supplication), reading the Noble Qur’an, praying voluntary prayers, and pondering on Allah’s revelations.
While a Muslim stays inside the masjid, his family will administer his food needs since he cannot leave the masjid except in case of emergencies. Shorter I’tikaf periods, like one night, a day, or a few days, are also encouraged.
A father and son staying in a masjid while reading the Noble Qur’an. Reading the holy book is just one of the acts of worship a Muslim may perform during I’tikaf. (Photo courtesy of Chadchai Ra-ngubpai/Getty Images)
Encourage your family
It is very important that a Muslim make his family get involved so that they can understand the significance of these nights and they can earn rewards together as a family. Allah says in the Noble Qur’an: “O you who have believed, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones.” [Al-Qur’an 66:6]
A Muslim couple teaching their children how to read the Noble Qur’an. In Islam, parents are encouraged to train their children on how to perform their duties as Muslims. (Michael Camsa/BIO)
Ramadan is nearly ending but Muslims can still maximize its remaining days and nights. The last ten nights of Ramadan are the best time to perform these acts and reap massive amounts of rewards which all Muslims need. Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim said: “The month of Ramadan is superior to all other months, and the last ten nights are superior to the other nights.” (Alline Jamar M. Undikan/BIO)
