10 Steps to Maximising the Last Ten Days of Ramadan

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10 Steps to Maximising the Last Ten Days of Ramadan

The last ten days of Ramadan are very precious indeed:

Allah's Messenger used to exert himself in devotion during the last ten nights to a greater extent than at any other time." (Muslim).

Hazrat Aishah (Ra) reported that during the last ten days of Ramadan; the Messenger of Allah would wake his wives up during the night and then remain apart from them (that is, being busy in acts of worship). (Bukhari)

Hazrat Aisha (Ra) reported that with the start of the last ten days of Ramadan, the Prophet (Saw) used to tighten his waist belt (i.e. work hard) and used to pray all the night, and used to keep his family awake for the prayers. (Bukhari)

So we need to tighten all of our belts especially in these last ten days and do as much as we can to thank Allah and worship him and ask him for forgiveness.

Here are some ways that we can all make the best of these precious last ten days of this most blessed month:

1. Make a timetable for oneself for the last ten days

One should make a timetable for oneself so that one can make the best of these last 10 precious days.

One can include the times that one will read the Qur’an and how much one will read like one juz (Chapter) or half a juz etc as well as certain Nafil prayers one will do throughout the day and night and any worship that one will do etc.
One should strive to make time the to worship on at least the last odd nights of the last ten days as these are the nights where it is said that it is most likely to be Laylat ul Qadr (The night of power).

Making a structured timetable may help one to better organise oneself especially in these precious days 10 days.

2. Spend the last 10 days in I’thikaaf

I`tikaf is the seclusion and staying in the Masjid with the intention of becoming closer to Allah by doing constant remembrance, glorification and worship of Allah Ta’aala.

One should perform as many Nafil prayers as possible and recite much of the Qur’an and its meanings, read books on Islam and keep ones lips moist with the constant glorification and remembrance of Allah ta’aala.

`Aishah radhiya Allahu `anha reported that the Prophet, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, "Used to perform i'tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan until Allah the Mighty and Majestic, took him. (Bukhari and Muslim)

Abu Said reported that the Prophet (S) said: "Whoever makes I`tikaf with me is to make I'tikaf during the last ten [nights]." (Bukhari)

We can also do what’s called Nafil I’thikaf where one can obtain reward for as long as one is in the Masjid even if it is for a short while.

So every time we enter the Masjid we should make intention of doing Nafil I’thikaf for as long as we are in the Masjid we will get rewarded inshallah depending on how long we stay. If we don’t stay at the Masjid for the full ten days then we should at least strive to stay at the Masjid as much as possible during the odd nights or last 5-7 days.

3. Recite the Qur’an abundantly

Az-Zuhri used to say upon the coming of Ramadan, “It is only about reciting the Qur’an and feeding the poor.”

Ibn Al-Hakam said, “With the advent of Ramadan, Malik would completely forsake studying Hadith and having sessions with other scholars [so that he can concentrate on reading the Qur'an].”

Abdur-Raziq said, “When Ramadan came, Sufyan Ath-Thawri would give up all acts of (voluntary) worship and devote himself to the recitation of the Qur’an.”

Both fasting and recitation of the Qur’an in Ramadan act as intercessors with Almighty Allah for the true believer who observes them.

In this respect, the Prophet salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam said,

Fasting and the Qur’an will intercede on behalf of Allah’s servant on the Day of Judgment. Fasting will say, “O my Lord! I prevented him from food and desires during the day, so accept my intercession for him.” And the Qur’an will say, “O my Lord! I prevented him from sleeping by night, so accept my intercession for him.” The intercession of both will thus be accepted. (Ahmad)

This is the month of the holy Qur’an so we should strive to recite as much of it as we can especially during the last ten nights of Ramadan as there is a special merit to reciting the Qur'an in the nights of Ramadan. For indeed, the night brings an end to the busy daily affairs, the enthusiasm is roused and the heart and the tongue mount upon reflecting. And Allah is the one in whom we seek assistance.

Hazrat Anas radhiyallahu anhu reports that Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihi wasallam said: "Whoever reads the Quran, Allah grants that person ten good deeds for every letter. And for one who hears the Qur’an being recited, Allah grants a good deed for every letter, and such a person will be resurrected among those who will recite and ascend the stages of Jannat."

The reward for reading a letter of the Holy Qur’an in this blessed month is also very much increased so its 70 good deeds or MORE for reading just one letter so lets make the best use of these precious last few days and read as much of the Qur’an as we can!

4. Strive to gain forgiveness

One should strive and do their utmost to gain the mercy of Allah in these last ten days especially. If one leaves Ramadan without gaining the mercy of Allah then surely they are the most unfortunate ones and are the biggest losers in this world and the next.

Aisha (Ra) 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.' “

"Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa'fu 'annee" (Ahmad, Ibn Majah, and Tirmidhi).

Abu Huraira narrated that the Messenger said: “Whoever stands (in prayer) in Laylatul Qadr while nourishing his faith with self-evaluation, expecting reward from Allah, will have all of his previous sins forgiven.” (Bukhari and Muslim).

The best times to ask for forgiveness are just before the time of breaking ones fast and before Sehri after one reads the Tahajjud prayer. These are the times we should concentrate on repenting the most as these times duas are more readily accepted.

We should sincerely repent for past and present sins with the intention of not repeating them again and ask of Allah Ta’aala to help us prevent ourselves from doing them again and ask Allah to perfect our characters and to help us improve ourselves in everyway possible.

5. Do Parents Khidmat (Help)

We should always be the best towards our parents at all times and not even say “uff” to them and in Ramadan and in particular the last ten days we should increase ourselves in helping our Parents and being the best towards them and making them happy and smile.

A man asked Prophet Muhammad "What kinds of deeds are best in the sight of God?" He replied, "To pray on time, to be good and kind to parents, and to struggle in the path of God" (Al-Bukhari).

The reward for being good and kind toward one's parents was mentioned on several occasions by Prophet Muhammad (Saw), emphasizing that those who are obedient to their parents and to God also will be in the highest places in Paradise.

Allah (Glory and Greatness be to Him) mentions in Noble Qur'an:

"And your Lord has commanded that you shall not serve (any) but Him, and goodness to your parents. If either or both of them reach old age with you, say not to them (so much as) "Ugh" nor chide them, and speak to them a generous word. And make yourself submissively gentle to them with compassion, and say: O my Lord! Have compassion on them, as they brought me up (when I was) little." Noble Qur'an (17:23-24)

A man asked Prophet Muhammad(Saw) "What kinds of deeds are best in the sight of God?" He replied, "To pray on time, to be good and kind to parents, and to struggle in the path of God" (Al-Bukhari).

Prophet Muhammad (Saw) also indicated that the pleasure or anger of Allah is in the pleasure or anger of parents, and that Muslims who are kind to their parents earn forgiveness from Allah. The importance of gaining the pleasure of one's parents was also emphasized by Prophet Muhammad (Saw) when he said that the earnest prayers of parents for or against their child are always answered by Allah.

So if our parents are angry or unhappy with us then how do we expect our fasts and deeds to be accepted? How do we expect to gain the mercy and forgiveness from Allah? Now is the time to ask our parents to forgive us for any wrongs we have done towards them and any unhappiness we have brought towards them and start from now to make them the happiest so that Allah may be the happiest with us.

6. Do much Superogatory Prayers (Nafil)

Superogatory prayers(Nafil) are one of the best ways to get close to Allah Ta’aala as well as filling up our good deed accounts. We have to invest as much as we can into the hereafter to just to this world.

Abu Hurairah reports that the Prophet sallallahu alehi wasallam said: "The first thing that the people will be called to account for on the Day of Resurrection will be the prayers. Our Lord will say to the angels although He knows better: 'Look into the salah of my servant to see if he observed it perfectly or been negligent in it. So if he observed it perfectly it will be recorded to his credit, but if he had been negligent in it in any way, Allah would say: See if My servant has any supererogatory prayers. Then if he has any supererogatory prayers, Allah would say: Make up the deficiency in My servant's obligatory prayer with his supererogatory prayers.' Thereafter all his actions will be examined in like manner" (Abu Dawud).

Rabi'ah ibn Malik al-Aslami reported that the Prophet sallallahu alehi wasallam said: "Ask (anything)." Rabi'ah said: "I ask of you to be your companion in paradise." The Prophet said: "Or anything else?" Rabi'ah said: "That is it." The Prophet sallallahu alehi wasallam said to him: "Then help me by making many prostrations (i.e., supererogatory prayers)." (Muslim)

The mother of the believers, Umm Habibah Ramilah bint Abu Sufyan (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that she heard the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) saying: “A house will be built in Paradise for every Muslim who offers twelve units of Prayers other than the obligatory ones in day and night, to seek pleasure of Allah.” (Reported by Muslim)

Here are some Nafil prayers we can all do everyday:

The Two Rakat before Fard of Fajr:

`Aishah, the mother of the believers, quoted the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) as saying: “The two rak`ah before Dawn (Fajr) Prayer are better than the word and all that which it contains.” (Reported by Muslim)

Salaatul Ishraaq (Sunrise prayer-15-20 mins after sunrise) 2 or 2x2 Rakat of Nafil

Rasulullah is reported to have said, 'He who performs Fajr Salat with Jamaat and remains seated in the same place while engaging in Dhikr until after sunrise and thereafter performs 2 Rakaats Nafil Salat, (Ishraaq), he will obtain the Thawaab of one Hajj and one Umrah.' (Tirmidhi).

Duha Prayer (Salaatul Chasht-Breakfast prayer to be prayed before Zawaal(Midday)

'Salat al-Dhuhaa consists of 2 - 12 Rakaats and it is preferable to perform 8 Rakaats.' (Raddul Mukhtaar vol.1 pg.505)

The Prophet (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) is reported to have said that: Whoever prayed twelve rakaats at the time of Chasht, then Allah will, as a reward, prepare a palace of gold for him in Paradise. [Mishkat, Tirmizi, Ibn Majah]

4 Rakah Sunnah before Fard of Zuhr, 2 Rakah Sunnah and 2 Rakah Nafil after Fard of Zuhr

Umm Habibah (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Whoever sticks to the habit of offering four rak`ahs before Noon Prayer and four rak`ahs after it, Allah will shield him against the Hell-Fire.” (Reported by Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi)

4 Rak'aah Sunnah of Asr

Messenger (sallallaahu 'alayhe wa sallam) said: "May Allaah have Mercy on the one who offers four (rak'ahs) before 'Asr prayer." (Abu Dawud)

If anyone enters a mosque, he should offer two rak`ahs before sitting.

Abu Qatadah (may Allah be pleased with him) the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) as saying: “If any one of you enters a mosque, he should pray two rak`ahs before sitting.” (Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

2 Rakat after doing Wudu (Ablution)

Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said to Bilal (may Allah be pleased with him): “Tell me about the best of your deeds (i.e. one which you deem the most rewarding) since your embracing Islam because I heard your footsteps in front of me in Paradise.” Bilal (may Allah be pleased with him) replied: “I do not consider any act of mine more rewarding than that whenever I make ablution at any time of night or day, I perform Prayer for as much as was destined for me to do.” (Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)”

The MOST REWARDING Superogatory Prayer of all is Tahajjud

Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) has said: In Paradise there is a castle reserved for those who read Tahajjud and the Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) further adds, those who pray at night will enter paradise without having to account for their acts in this life.

It is recommended that you recite in your prayers as much of the Sacred Quran as you know. If you happen to know by heart the whole of the Sacred Quran you may, in at least 3 nights or most 4 nights of Tahajjud effectuate the complete reading of the Sacred Quran.

Otherwise, you may recite 3 Surah Ikhlas (Qul Hu Allahu Ahad) after your "Alhamdu..." in every Rakat and you will thus derive full benefits of the full recital of the Sacred Quran in every Rakat.

During the month of Ramadan one should awake a little earlier for Sehri and make time to pray Tahajjud Salaah for the reward is magnified so much more in Ramadan and duas are even more readily accepted than at any other time of the year. We should be reading Tahajjud EVERY night in the last ten days of Ramdan for any of these nights may be the night of POWER.

The dua's at the time of Tahajjud are very readily accepted by Almighty Allah and one should repent and ask of Allah and try to cry in their dua's at this time, if one cannot cry due to the hardness of ones heart due to sin then at least one should make the face as if one is crying. Just as a mother tends to her baby quickly and promptly when it cries the same way Allah attends to his servant quicker when they are crying.

Salaatul Tasbih

Our beloved Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) had taught this Nafil prayer to his Uncle, Hazrat Abbas (RA) and told him; He who performs this prayer will have his past and future sins forgiven.

The Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) has recommended to read this prayer daily on each Friday or once a month or once a year, in case of this not being possible, to read it even once in one’s life. This Nafil prayer provides limitless benefits both in the material and spiritual life.

Ibn al Mubarak says: “The tasbih prayer is a greatly desired act and it is desirable that one should punctually observe it and never neglect it.

How to perform this Salaah

‘Ikrimah reports from Ibn ‘Abbas that the Messenger of Allah said to ‘Abbas ibn ‘Abdal-Mutalib: “O ‘Abbas, O Uncle, shall I not give you, shall I not present to you, shall I not donate to you, shall I not tell you ten things which, if you do, Allah will forgive your first and last sins, past and present sins, intentional and unintentional sins, private and public sins? The ten actions are: pray four rak’at, reciting in every rak’ah al-Fatihah and a surah. And when you finish the Qur’anic recitation of the first rak’ah, say, while standing, ‘Subhanallah, al-hamdulillah, wa la ilaha illallah, wa Allahu Akbar‘ ['Glory be to Allah. All praise is due to Allah. There is no God except Allah. Allah is the greatest.'] Fifteen times. Then make ruku’, and while you are in ruku’, say the same ten times; then stand, and say the same ten times. Then go down and make sajdah, and while you’re in sajdah, say the same ten times. Then sit after the sajdah, and say the same ten times. Then make sajdah, and say the same ten times. Then sit after the second sajdah, and say the same another ten times. That is seventy-five [repetitions of the phrases] in each rak’ah. Do that in each of the four rak’at. If you can pray it once a day, do so. If you cannot, then once every Friday. If you cannot do that, then once a year. And if you cannot do that then once in your life. “

We should try to read it EVERY night in the last ten days of Ramadan and get COUNTLESS rewards inshallah

Also don’t forget that the Reward of Salaah multiplied 70 times or more by use of Miswaak

‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) has reported that,

“The prayer before which the Miswak is used is seventy times more excellent than that before which it is not used.”

7. Increase in Dhikr (Rememberance of Allah)

We should glorify Allah night and day, especially in these last ten days of the blessed month of Ramadan. Remembering Allah much through acts of dhikr brings much peace and tranquillity to the heart. It also gives us a sense of taqwa (fear of allah), a consciousness that makes us realise that Allah Almighty is ever near and that we should always strive to please Him.

"…Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest." (13:28)

Remembrance of Allah indeed is the greatest virtue. (29:46).

Here are some beneficial Dhikr and glorification we can do throughout the last ten days and nights of this blessed month and throughout the year Inshallah:

Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said: "Is anyone of you incapable of earning one thousand Hasanah (rewards) a day?" Someone from the gathering asked, "How can anyone of us earn a thousand Hasanah?" Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said: "Glorify Allah a hundred times by just saying “Subhanallah” and a Good deeds will be written for you, or a thousand sins will be wiped away.” (Muslim 4:2073)

Hadhrat Abu Dharr [Ra] narrated that Rasulallah [Saw] said: “Should I not tell you of one treasure of the unlimited treasures of Paradise?” I replied spontaneously “Oh Rasulallah (Saw) that would be an honour indeed!” Rasulallah (Saw) said: “That rare treasure is LA HAWLA WA LA QUWWATA ILLA BILLAH.” (“The strength to do good and to refrain from evil comes from the grace and mercy of Allah!”) - (Ibn Majah)

Hadhrat Jaa'bir [Ra] narrated that Rasulallah [Saw] said: “For the person who recites SUB-HAN'ALLAH HIL AZEEM WA BI-HAM'DIHI, [Pure and perfect is Allah in his glory and praise], - A date palm will be planted for him in Paradise” (Tirmidhi)

The Virtues of reading the First Kalimah: The word of purity or the kalima-e-tayyabah.

Lā ilāha illā-llāh, Muḥammadur Rasūlu-llāh

(There is no god except Allah, Muhammad (Saw) is His Messenger)

Hadrat Zaid bin ‘Arqam (Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah ( ) said: “Whoever says La ilaaha illal-laahu… sincerely will enter the Paradise.”

It was said: And what is the [sign of] sincerity? He said: “That this kalimah stops him from those things which Allah has forbidden.” (Tabaraani in Awsat-ul-Kabeer)

The Virtues of reading the Third Kalimah: The word of glorification or the kalima-e-tamjeed

Subhāna-llāhi, wa-l-hamdu li-llāhi, wa lā ilāha illā-llāhu, wa-llāhu akbar. Wa lā hawla wa lā quwwata illā bi-llāhi-l-aliyyi-l-azīm

Glory be to Allah. And praise be to Allah. And there is no god except Allah. And Allah is the Greatest. And there is no power and no strength except with Allah, the Most High, Most Great.

Ibn Mas’ood (Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah ( ) said: “When I met Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) in the night of Mi’raaj he asked me to convey his Salaam to my Ummah and to tell them that the Paradise has a fertile soil and sweet water, and is like a vast field. And its plants are [the words above].” Another version says: “Whoever recites the words above, a tree in Paradise is planted for him for each word he says.” (Virtues of Dhikr; Tirmidhi)

Virtues of reading the Fourth Kalimah: The word of Oneness of Allah or the kalima-e-tawhid:

Lā ilāha illā-llāhu waḥdahu lā sharīka lahu lahu-l-mulku wa lahu-l-ḥamdu yuhyi wa yumītu wa huwa ḥayyu-llā yamūtu abadan abada, ḏū-l-jalāli wa-l-ikrām, biyadihi-l-khayr, wa huwa alā kulli Shay-in qadīr.

There is no god except Allah, Who is Alone and has no partners. For Him is the Dominion and for Him is all praise. He gives life and causes death. And He is Living and will never ever die. Owner of Majesty and Honor: In His Hands is all goodness. And He has power over all things.

Abu Hurairah (Allah be pleased with him) reports that the Messenger of Allah (Saw) said: “A person who recites: Laa ilaaha illal-laahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu wa huwa ‘alaa kulli shay-in qadeer, a hundred times daily will have reward equal to that of freeing ten slaves and one hundred good deeds will be written for him, and one hundred of his sins will be lifted from him, and for the whole day, he will remain immune from the Shaytaan until the evening, and on the Day of Judgment, no one will exceed him in merit except one who has done [these phrases] more.” (Bukhari,Book #75, Hadith #412)

Its SO easy and quick to Earn 500 good deeds in a few minutes in Ramadhan.

If you were to manage 500 good deeds every day of Ramadan, you would receive (70 times 500 = 35000) multiplied by 30 days..........1,050,000 deeds! One million fifty thousand deeds!

Just say Subhanallah 100 times, Alhamdullilah 100 times, Allahu Akbar 100 times, La ilaha il Allah 100 times and Astaghfar allah 100 times.

8. Make much dua

We should be very busy in Dua as much as we can especially in the last ten days and nights of the blessed month of Ramadan. How unfortunate is the one who does not make use of these last ten nights to supplicate to his lord.

We find many reassurances throughout the Quran for those who make Dua.

Allah the Exalted, has said: "And your Lord says: Pray unto me: and I will hear your prayer" (Quran 40:60), "Call upon your Lord Humbly and in secret" (Quran 7:55), "When My servants question thee concerning Me, I am indeed close (to them): I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calleth on Me" (Quran 2:186),

"Is not He (best) who listens to the (soul) distressed when it calls on Him, and who relieves its suffering." (Quran 27:62)

Aisha radhiallaahu anha said, "No believer makes Dua and it is wasted. Either it is granted here in this world or deposited for him in the Hereafter as long as he does not get frustrated."

In fact, it is a gaining Allah’s displeasure and anger to never make Dua, "Whosoever does not supplicate to Allah, He will be angry with Him." [Saheeh Jaami`as-Sagheer #2414]

So let us occupy ourselves in much Dua especially the times when it is most readily accepted like just before we break our fasts and also at Tahajjud time. Thos who do not make the best of this opportunity has surely lost out greatly.

Allah Almighty says in the Qur'an:

"When my servants ask you concerning me, (tell them) I am indeed close (to them). I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calls on me." [2:186] The place of duaa is so high to Allah, that the Prophet had said: "Nothing is more honourable to Allah the Most High than du`a."[Sahih al-Jami` no.5268].

He also said: "The most excellent worship is du`a." [Sahih Al-Jami` no. 1133];

9. Seek out Laylatul Qadr (Night of Power)

So valuable is this Night of Qadr that the Quran devotes a special surah to
it “Lailatul Qadr is better than a thousand months” [97:3] This one night surpasses the value of 30,000 nights. The most authentic account of the occurrence of the Night indicates that it can occur on any one of the last ten, odd numbered nights of Ramadan. We should strive to stay up at least on the odd nights of the last ten days because if we pray on these nights then surely we would have caught this most powerful night and this would mean we would have a reward of 83 YEARS OF WORSHIP!

Some special prayers and Dhikr for Laitul Qadr

1. Seeking Forgiveness.

Hazrat Aa'ishah radhiyallahu anhaa asked the Prophet sallalahu alayhi wasallam that if she happened to get the night sublime what prayer should she say. The Prophet sallalahu alayhi wasallam replied that she should say the following prayer :

"Allahumma innaka afuwwun kareemun tuhib-bul af-wa fa-afo anni"

(O Allah, You are the One who grants pardon for sins, loves forgiving, so forgive me.)

2. Reciting Astaghfar.

The following should be recited as much as possible:

"Astaghfirullah hallazi la-ila-ha illa huwal Hayyul Qayyumo wa atu-bu ilaihe"

(I seek forgiveness from Allah, the Almighty; there is no God but He. He is self-Existent, the Eternal and I return to Him)

3. Reciting Surah `Inna anzalnahu...'

"Inna anzalnahu fee lailatul Qadr, Wa maa adraka maa lailatul Qadr.
Lailatul Qadri khairum min alfi shahr. Tanazzalul malai-katu var-roohu
fee ha bi izni Rabbihim min kulle amr. Salaamun heya hatta matla-il fajr."

Want all your lifes previous sins forgiven?

Abu Hurayrah (radhiallahu `anhu) narrated that the Messenger (sallallahu
`alayhi wa sallam) said: "Whoever stands (in qiyaam) in Laylat ul-Qadr out of faith and expectation (of Allah's reward), will have ALL of his previous sins forgiven." (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

It is also the Night when all ordainments for the year are decreed. Allah (T)
said, which means:

{By the manifest Book (the Quraan) that makes thing clear. We sent it (this
Quraan) down on a Blessed Night (i.e. the Night of Qadr) in the month of
Ramadaan. Verily We are ever warning [mankind that Our Torments will reach
those who disbelieve in Our Oneness of Lordship and in Our Oneness of
Wordship]. Therein (that night) is decreed every matter (amran) of
ordainment} (The Smoke 44:2-5)

SO LET US WORSHIP ALLAH EVERY ODD NIGHT (21,23,25,27,29) IN THE LAST TEN DAYS OF RAMADAN AND GAIN THE COUNTLESS REWARDS AND FORGIVENESS THAT IS PROMISED TO THOSE PEOPLE WHO STAND IN PRAYER ON THESE MOST IMPORTANT AND BLESSED NIGHTS!

10. Assess and evaluate yourself and make the changes for the rest of the year!

While the practice of fasting during Ramadan is widely followed, the instruction about self-evaluation has largely been forgotten.

Self-evaluation means to assess where you are in life, set goals for the future, and think of what you can do to get there. The process of self-evaluation makes you pro-active in directing your life. Unless we take the initiative our lives will be shaped by circumstances.

We need to assess ourselves and since this month made us prevent ourselves from doing many of the sins we may usually do why should we go back to those sins now that we have stopped or reduced them?

Let us continue with the good habits that we have gained and acquired in Ramadan and take them with us throughout the rest of the year.

If we continue the rest of the year with the evil we committed before Ramadan then know that we are risking the acceptance of all of our fasts and good deeds because Ramadan is not merely just for abstaining from food and evil for just one month but is a time to train ourselves to change for the better in everyway so that we may become god fearing and pious and continue that way the rest of the year.

We should strive to continue the good we have done in Ramadan throughout the year and discontinue the evil that we left before Ramadan and NEVER go back to it.

May Allah guide us all to the right path and make us pious servants of his. Ameen.

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WHAT IS LAILATUL QADR = THE NIGHT OF POWER?


Allah The Almighty revealed the goodness of Lailatul Qadr in 'surah' or chapter Al-Qadr, in the Holy Al Quran. This chapter was revealed in Makkah. Its basic theme is honoring the revelation of this blessed Holy Al Quran.


The Night of Power is a special gift only to our Prophet, his companions and the Ummah i.e. Muslims, mankind of the Islam faith, after Nabi Muhammad SAW. The night is one, when even the angels in the heavens see as worthy of witnessing. The night is so rich with holiness, as the night is when good deeds are returned, and Allah promises the best of HIS blessings which equals to that of a thousand months, which in essence is equal 83 years and 4 months.


It was revealed the our Great Prophet, Nabi Muhammad SAW was saddened by the fact that his Ummah would not be able to get as much abundance and blessings as those of the earlier time because of our shorter lives. So Allah SWT revealed this Surah to inform that HE had just blessed Rasulullah, his companions and the Ummah with this Honor, Night of Power, "We have indeed revealed it (the Quran), in the Night of Power." (Al Quran 97:1). [ "We" here means respect and exaltation of the One and Only]


By revealing the Quran in the Night of Power, Allah SWT inaugurated or started its revelation for the beginning of the prophethood, and the Prophet's mission of Islam began in the month of Ramadhan on that Night. Incidentally, we are also told that the Holy Al Quran was not revealed in one night. Instead it was revealed over the course of 23 years [Ibn Abbas (RAA) said, "The whole Qur'an was revealed to the lower heavens from the protective slate (Lawhin Mahfuz) on the Night of Power, then from there to the earth in the course of 23 years."].


The power word, Al-Qadr, has several implications and meanings. We will briefly look at the relevant implications.


'Qadr' implies having power over something. In the case of Allah, the Creator, it is HIS power over HIS creations. Allah's SWT The All Excellent implies HE is Omnipotent, Almighty, All-powerful and Most Capable. This Night of Power is highly esteemed and Allah in HIS power, promises HIS blessings of over 80 years for the Lailatul Qadr.


It also implies to maintain, appoint, assign or decree an order. Thus, in the Night of Power, Allah SWT proclaims to the angels His commands and orders in regards to the affairs of the universe. This is the essence of Al-Qada Wa Qadar, the fifth article of faith; that Allah has decreed or preordained. Allah has full knowledge of all that the human beings will do with his free will; A man's decision to act freely in good conscience or bad conscience is all known to Allah SWT, including all the past, present and future.

'Qadr' also implies measurement, i.e. all the events of the year will occur in accordance to the exact measurement of what is in the knowledge of Allah. We are told, "Verily, all things have We created in proportion and measure." (Al Quran, Surah Al Qamar, 54:49)


The Night of Power is also known as the Night of Taqdeer for Allah SWT announces to the angels HIS already decreed commands, rules, events, etc. for the coming calendar year, from the present Night of Power to the next Night of Power. Allah SWT revealed, "We sent it down during a blessed night; We forever wish to warn (against evil). In that (night) is made distinct every affair of wisdom." (Al Quran, Surah Ad Dhukhan, 44:3-4).


Most scholars believe Allah's commands and rules are not made on that Night of Power itself. It has already been decreed in the eternity what is known to Allah, but that knowledge is not known to anyone, including the angels, until HE announces it to the angels on that night so that they will record it on the protective slate. This is also the Night of Honor and Prestige which may be awarded to the servant who devotes himself to special deeds, or to the deeds themselves, in the higher value attached to that night.


The Night Is Concealed


The problem pertaining to the exact night on which the honors are attained are not unique to the Night of Power only. Allah SWT in His Mercy, has concealed many things such as:

HIS pleasure from us in all our good deeds so that we will strive in all of them.

HIS wrath from us in all of the sins we commit so that we will avoid them.

HIS most beloved servants, the 'Awliya, so that we will respect all the believers.

The time of HIS acceptance of our supplications so that we will strive in all our supplications.

HIS greatest name, so that we mention all HIS names.

The time of death so that we will be conscious of HIM and our deeds all the time.

Thus, in HIS GREATNESS, Allah has concealed the exact date of the Night of Power
so that we would double our efforts in the whole month, or at least in the last ten days of Ramadhan. He has also concealed the exact date so as to test the serious and the non-serious. The seriously interested person will search for the night late and in the early hours until he or she attains it, regardless of the hardships.

When Is The Night?


There is evidence that the night comes on the last ten days of Ramadan, specifically on the odd numbered nights. In a report by Bukhari, our Prophet said, "Seek it on the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan." In another incident, The Prophet said, "Seek the night in the last ten days, and if any of you is weak, or can't observe it, he should not miss the remaining seven days." In yet another incident, Rasulullah stated, "Seek it on the 29th; it may be on the 27th or on the 25th." Imam Ibn Hajr in his book, 'Fathul Bari,' concurred, "I accept the ruling that the night occurs on the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadhan, namely the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th and/or 29th."


The fact remains that still no one knows for sure which night is the Night of Power, in any given year. It seems that the night shifts and rotates to different nights from one year to another. It may occur on the 29th in one year, while the next year it will be on the 27th, while on the following year it may fall on the 25th. The only concensus is that it will fall in the final 10 days of Ramadhan.


Seeking The Night


It is recommended for us to seek the night and spend it diligently in devotion, such as performing the night Sunnah prayers or Tahajjud, recitation of Al-Qur'an and supplications. In a hadith related by Abu Hurairah (RAA), Rasulullah said, "He who spends the night in prayer on the Night of Power, as a sign of His faith, and seeking rewards from Allah, his previous sins will be forgiven." (Bukhari/Muslim)


This citation indicates that regardless of whether a person knows the night or not, Allah will grant him forgiveness for previous shortcomings, as HE stated, "... And what will explain to thee what the Night of Power is?; The Night of Power is better than a thousand months." (Al Qadr:2-3)


Allah SWT emphasized the significance by putting the second verse in question form. The answer being no one knows, or comprehends, the awesomeness and the depth of honor of the night. Nonetheless, HE mentions the honors of the night such that "The Night is better than a thousand months ... and Peace! This (The Night of Power is better than a thousand months) until the rise of Fajr (dawn)". Thus, it indicates that acts of worship such as prayer, charity, and recitation done on this night are better in rewards than the same act done on other nights.


For the sake of illustration, let us just try to put this down mathematically. If you worship Allah on this night every year for 55 years after attaining your puberty, then you would have 55,000 months to your credit. It is likened to as if you had lived for over 4,500 years, and achieved the rewards of a person who had lived that long and much more.


We are told, "Therein, come down the angels and the Spirit by Allah's permission, ... " (Al Quran, Al Qadr, 97:4). The angels descend on the Night of Power, group after group; some coming down to earth while others ascend into the heaven. Allah further stated, "...On every errand..." This indicates the angels and the Spirit descend for different purposes: some come down for prostration, some for bowing, and others for supplications for the believers and salutations. Or they come down carrying with them the proclamations of the coming year. What is evidently clear is that the angels will only bring good things on this particular night "...Until fajr, (break of dawn)" (Al Quran 97:5); The heavenly, angelic traffic of blessings will continue until the break of dawn, and the entire honor, blessings and peace of the Night of Power will continue in every second of the night until Fajr.


That is why the devotions are highly encouraged by our Prophet. Indeed, you can achieve the honor of Lailatul Qadr or the Night of Power and reap its maximum benefits if you so wish by spending the odd nights of the last 10 days with acts of worship. [Wallahu Wa A'alam - Allah SWT is the Best Knower.]

[greenpeace]

JazakAllah, great stuff. (Hopefully will implement)

[Hamza81]

JazakAllah, great stuff. (Hopefully will implement)

Asalaamu Alaikum wr wb,

Narrated Abu Huraira (Radi-Allahu 'anhum): The Prophet (Sallallahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) said, "Whoever fasted the monthof Ramadan out of sincere Faith (i.e. belief) and hoping for a reward fromAllah, then all his past sins will be forgiven, and whoever stood for theprayers in the night of Qadr out of sincere Faith and hoping for a rewardfrom Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven ." Bukhari Vol. 3 : No. 231

Let us not let another Ramadan pass without our sins being forgiven and without it leaving a mark on us throughout the year. We need to make the best of every second now and inshallah we will gain forgiveness of ALL of our sins and if we pray in all of the odd nights then we would have definatley have caught Laylatul Qadr which is the reward of a 1000 months thats 83 years and 4 months!!! Subhanallah how much Allah has favoured our ummah out of the rest but yet we still don't realise the importance and let it slip by. Let us not let these last few days slip by and let us make the best use of every second inshallah. Rememeber me in your duas to.

[Hamza81]

LET US PRAY Tahajjud Prayer EVERYNIGHT IN THESE LAST FEW DAYS OF RAMADAN


"And during a part of the night, pray Tahajjud beyond what is incumbent upon you"

Quran (Surah 17: Verse 79)

Tahajjud is derived from the Arabic root “hajada” meaning: he who was wakeful in the night. Thajjud prayer, also known as Salatul-Layl, was an obligatory prayer for our Prophet (saw) to offer anytime after Isha Prayer.

For the Ummah of the Holy Prophet (saw) this particular prayer holds the most merit from all the optional prayers that one can perform. As a mureed it is particularly important and

"....highly recommended for you to observe Tahajjud Prayer, for it was the practice of your righteous predecessors.The Tahajjud prayer brings you close to your Lord, atones for your sins, drives disease from the body, and puts a stop to transgression.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

Time & Performance of Tahajjud:

“The closest that a slave comes to his Lord is during the middle of the latter portion of the night. If you can be among those who remember Allah the Exalted One at that time, then do so.” (At-Tirmidhi)

Our mureeds should observe their tahajjud prayer anytime between: 12:30am and one hour before Sehri ends.

Although Tahajjud Prayer can be anywhere between 2-8 rakaats (cycles), mureeds are asked to perform atleast 4. The tahajjud should be observed such that in each rakaat you recite Surah Fatiha once & Surah Ikhlas three times.

Waking up one's soul partner:

It is highly recommended that one wakes up one's own partner for this prayer also. Abu Hurairah quoted the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) as saying:

“May Allah bless the man who gets up during the night to pray and wakes up his wife and who, if she refuses to get up, sprinkles water on her face. And may Allah bless the woman who gets up during the night to pray and wakes up her husband and who, if he refuses, sprinkles water on his face.” (Ahmad)

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) also said:

“If a man wakes his wife and prays during the night or they pray two rak`ahs together, they will be recorded among those (men and women) who (constantly) make remembrance of Allah.” (Abu Dawud.)


This is a wonderful PDF version of Kitabusalat- Book of prayer which tells you EVERYTHING you need to know about Wudu, bath, Salat etc

http://www.******************/books/...kitabsalat.pdf.

[Hamza81]

How to attain the honor of the Night of al-Qadr (Night of Decree)

Aishah, may Allah be pleased with her, reported:

Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) used to exert himself in devotion during the last ten nights more than any other time. (Narrated by Muslim)

You should exert yourself during the whole last ten nights, may Allah obliges you to be honored with the Night of al-Qadr.

To attain the honor of the Night of al-Qadr we call you to keep the following advices and feel them deep in your heart:

•1- be aware of your heart and check your intention :

Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: "Deeds (their correctness and rewards) depend upon intentions, and every person gets but what he has intended." (Agreed upon)

Ibn Al-Mubarak said : "May a small deed be magnified by the sincere intention; and may a great deed be diminished by the insincere intention"

if you don't correct you intention you will not get rewarded for your deed even if it is a great one, while you can magnify your humble deed by the sincere intention.

•2- the harder you exert yourself the higher your degree will be :

Allah's Messenger said: "Allah provisions his slave as much as he can afford" (Sahih Al-Jami - 1952)

So don not leave a door of good deeds unless you knock on it, do your best of good works to seek Allah's favor in this great night, and Allah will support you as much as you exert your self.

•3- Give a variety to your worship to avoid the boredom :

It is better to vary the forms of your worship to feel it by your heart and to avoid the boredom that you feel if you do one kind of worship for a long time.

4- Complete devotion:

It means you dedicate yourself completely and devoutly to Allah, it's the highest worship by which you can seek Allah's favor in this great night. Allah says: "Remember the Name of your Lord and dedicate yourself devoutly to Him. (He is) Lord of the East and the West: there is no god but He: take Him therefore for (thy) Disposer of Affairs." (Al-Muzzammil 8-9)

Empty you heart from everything except Allah.

To achieve that, do the following:

*
- Turn off your phone, forget your worries and cares, as they have a lord to arrange.
*
- Do much of Dhikr (Allah's glorification): Abudullah Bin Bisr reported: a man said to Allah's messenger (may peace and blessings be upon him): There are many commands on me of Islam. Tell me of such a thing which I may hold on to steadfast. Allah's messenger said, "Always keep your tongue wet by Allah's glorification" (Narrated by ibn Majah)*

- Keep silent and count your words in during a day and a night, and if you are not in I'tikaf (seclusion) then you should pattern after the moral of the person who is in I'tikaf (seclusion).

Allah's messenger said: "He who remains silent is saved"

(at-Tirmidhi)

5- Be Patient and Forebearing

Allah says: "Lord of the heavens and the earth, and all that is between them, so worship Him (Alone) and be constant and patient in His worship. Do you know of any who is similar to Him? (You do not know anyone who is a namesake for Him or who resembles Him). (Maryam 65)

If you truly love your Lord, you should exhaust yourself in worshiping Him; it is an indication of the true lover.

One of the good ancestors (Salaf) said: he who wants himself guided to the good deeds spontaneously will wait for a long time, but it will better for him to compel himself to that forcibly.

5- This is the competition time, don't accept to be a loser or with a low rank, arm your self with the challenge spirit, the real race is this, not the race of money or authorities.

Comply with the slogan of Abu Muslim al-Khawlani who said: "Do the companions of Muhammad (may peace and blessings be upon him) think that they can have him all to themselves? No, By Allah we swear that we will compete with them so that they know that they left true men behind them"

Wahib ibn al-Ward said: "If you are able to be the first to Allah, then do not hesitate"

One of the good ancestors (Salaf) said: "whenever I have been told about a worship of someone, I do a similar or better one"

Someone said: "when a man is told that there is somewhere a man who do better worship than him, then it's not so much for him to die in grief"

Seek help from Allah and ask Him to provide you the power to do the good deeds, you will not be able to do that without the power of Allah so, say much of "There is neither any power nor strength except from Allah" ( Laa hawla wa laa quwwata illaa billaah).

Abundantly remember the destroyer of pleasures, to cut the ropes of the present life which block your way to Allah, the present life is just a path to the hereafter.

6- Do have a favorable judgment in Allah, if you do that you will do good deeds, don't let the devil to block your way by making you mistrust Allah.

7- Take care of your deeds, repair them .. and make them better quantitatively and qualitatively

Allah's messenger (may peace be upon him) said to Aaisha (may Allah be please with her): "your reward from Allah will be as much as your exhaustion" (Narrated by al-Hakim)

Wahib ibn al-Ward said: " Don't pay attention to the abundance of your deed, but to improving it, the slave may disobey Allah During his Prayer or fasting, so include quantity and quality together to score a great success."

8- don't feel satisfied of yourself or your deeds, the origin of sins is the self-satisfaction, don't be content of your deed but follow its fault, and ask forgiveness from your Lord for this fault to be accepted.

Allah says: " And those who give that which they give with hearts afraid because they are about to return unto their Lord" (al-Mu'minun 60)

9- Do have some worship in secret, that can't be seen except by Allah, it leads to sincerity

Allah's messenger (may peace be upon him): "The voluntary prayer of a man (in a place) where no person can see him is equal to twenty-five times his prayer where people can see him." (Sahih al-Jami' , 3821)

We ask Allah to aid us to obey Him and to make our deeds good and accepted

References:

(The last ten nights and the Night of al-Qadr) by Sheikh Hani Hilmi
source: manhag.net

[Hamza81]

Aslamualaykum wr wb, here are some hadith pertaining to the blessed ten nights of Ramadan:


975. Narrated Ibn Abbas (R.A.A.) The Prophet (S.A.W.) said “Look for the Night of Qadr in the last ten nights of Ramadan on the night when nine or seven or five nights remain out of the last ten nights of Ramadan [i.e. 21st, 23rd, 25th, (27th, 29th) respectively].”

(Bukhari: Book # 33, Chapter # 32, Hadith # 975)


1223. Ayesha (R.A.A.) reported: When the last ten nights (of Ramadan) would begin, the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) would keep awake at night (for prayer and devotion), awaken his family and prepare himself to be more diligent in worship.

(Bukhari and Muslim: Riyadh-us-Saliheen, Hadith # 1223)


1189. Abu Hurairah (R.A.A.) reported: The Prophet (S.A.W.) said, "Whosoever performs Qiyam during Lailat-ul-Qadr (Night of Decree), with Faith and being hopeful of Allah's reward, will have his former sins forgiven.''

(Bukhari and Muslim: Riyadh-us-Saliheen, Hadith # 1189)

[Hamza81]

What Should We Do During Laylatul Qadr?

Here are some recommended things that we should do during laylatul qadr.

Qiyamul Layl: Translated roughly as “Standing for Prayer at Night.” During any other time of the year outside of Ramadan, this prayer is the same as Tahajjud. However, during Ramadan, the Taraweeh prayer replaces Tahajjud, and Qiyamul Layl is a separate prayer Muslims can make at night. It is highly recommended that we make this prayer during Lailatul Qadar.

Dua: Roughly translated as “supplication”, this is an informal prayer in which the Muslim asks Allah for anything he or she may need or want. There is no specific method of making dua, but it is preferred that the Muslim requests blessings upon Prophet Mohammad (peace be up on him), prays for his/her parents, and asks Allah for forgiveness. Allah loves it when His slaves ask Him for things, so asking during lailatul qadr is especially beneficial.

Leaving the mundane: Muslims should decrease their involvement in wordly actions during lailatul qadar. While it’s okay to eat, drink and sleep during the Night of Power, they should refrain from sexual relations and frivolous activities like watching TV or common gossip.

[tell_the_truth]

assalamo alaykom.

May Allah reward u and increase ur knowledge and our knowledge. amin

Ramadan Mubarak and thanks for sharing.

assalamo alaykom

[Hamza81]

Night of al-Qadr



Its virtue: The night of qadr is the most virtuous night of the year. Allaah says in the Quran (what means): “We revealed it on the night of power [that is, qadr]."


"What will tell you what the night of power is? It is better than a thousand months” [97:1-3] Any action, for example, reciting the Quran, making remembrance of Allaah, and so on, on the night of qadr is better than the same act performed for one thousand months.



When is it preferred to seek this night?

It is preferred to seek this night during the last ten nights of Ramadhaan, as the Prophet, sllallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, strove his best in seeking it during that time. We have already mentioned that the Prophet would stay up during the last ten nights, would wake his wives, and then would remain apart from them to worship.



Which night is it:?

Scholars hold different opinions as to the exact night that is the night of qadr. Some hold the opinion that it is the 21st, some say the 23rd, others say the 25th and still others say it is the 29th. Some say that it varies from year to year but it is always among the last ten nights of Ramadhaan. Most scholars, though, vouch for the 27th.



Ahmad recorded, with a saheeh (authentic) chain, from Ibn ‘Umar, may Allaah be pleased with him, that the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said: “He who likes to seek that night should do so on the 27th.” Ubayy Ibn K’ab, may Allaah be pleased with him, said: “By Allaah, and there is no God but Him, it is during Ramadhaan – and He swore to that – and by Allaah, I know what night it is. It is the night of the 27th. Its sign is that the sun rises in the morning white and without any rays”. This is related by Muslim, Abu Daawood, Ahmad and At-Tirmithi who called it saheeh.



Praying and making supplications during the night of qadr:

Al-Bukhaari and Muslim record from Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said: “Whoever prays during the night of qadr with faith and hoping for its reward will have all of his previous sins forgiven”.



As to the supplication during the night of qadr' ,Aisha, may Allaah be pleased with her, said: "I asked the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, O Messenger of Allaah, if I know what night is the night of qadr, what should I say during it’? He, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said: “Say,O Allaah, You are pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon me.” This is related by Ahmed,Ibn Maajah, and At-Tirmithi, who called it saheeh.



[From: Fiqh us-Sunnah]