The Last 10 Nights of Ramadan in Makkah and Madinah

The Last 10 Nights of Ramadan in Makkah and Madinah

The last ten nights of Ramadan are the most sacred and spiritually uplifting period of the holy month. These nights hold immense significance for Muslims worldwide, as they include Laylatul Qadr (The Night of Decree)—a night described in the Qur’an as better than a thousand months. Worship, prayer, and good deeds performed during these nights carry multiplied rewards and serve as an opportunity for believers to seek Allah’s mercy, forgiveness, and blessings.

Spending the last ten nights in Makkah or Madinah is an unparalleled experience. The atmosphere in Masjid al-Haram and Masjid an-Nabawi is filled with devotion, unity, and spirituality, as thousands of worshippers engage in Taraweeh, Qiyam al-Layl, I’tikaf, and heartfelt supplications. These blessed cities provide the perfect setting for self-reflection, repentance, and connection with Allah (SWT).

For those blessed to be in Makkah and Madinah during this time, it is a chance to maximize their acts of worship and seek Laylatul Qadr with sincerity. Whether through Qur’an recitation, extra prayers, dhikr, or charity, the last ten nights are a time to strengthen one’s faith and attain closeness to Allah in the most sacred of places.

The Importance of the Last 10 Nights of Ramadan

Seeking Laylatul Qadr (ليلة القدر)

One of the greatest reasons the last ten nights of Ramadan are special is because of Laylatul Qadr, the Night of Decree. Allah (SWT) describes this night in the Qur’an:

إِنَّا أَنْزَلْنَاهُ فِي لَيْلَةِ الْقَدْرِ ۝ وَمَا أَدْرَاكَ مَا لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ ۝ لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ خَيْرٌ مِنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍ

“Indeed, We sent the Qur’an down during the Night of Decree. And what can make you know what is the Night of Decree? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.”
(Surah Al-Qadr 97:1-3)

Worship on this night is equivalent to worshipping for more than 83 years. Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) encouraged believers to seek Laylatul Qadr during the last ten nights, especially on the odd-numbered nights (21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, and 29th).

He (ﷺ) said:

تحروا ليلة القدر في الوتر من العشر الأواخر من رمضان

“Seek Laylatul Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten nights of Ramadan.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, 2017; Sahih Muslim, 1165)

Increased Worship and Devotion

During these nights, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) would increase his acts of worship, spending the entire night in prayer, supplication, and recitation of the Qur’an.

كان رسول الله ﷺ يجتهد في العشر الأواخر ما لا يجتهد في غيره

“The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to strive in worship during the last ten nights more than at any other time.”
(Sahih Muslim, 1175)

Experiencing the Last 10 Nights in Makkah

Spending the last ten nights of Ramadan in Makkah is an unparalleled spiritual experience. As one of the holiest periods in Islam, these nights provide an opportunity for deep worship, repentance, and seeking Allah’s mercy. The Qur’an describes this time as immensely blessed, with the night of Laylatul Qadr (The Night of Decree) offering rewards greater than a thousand months:

Allah (SWT) says in the Qur’an:

إِنَّا أَنْزَلْنَاهُ فِي لَيْلَةِ الْقَدْرِ ۝ وَمَا أَدْرَاكَ مَا لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ ۝ لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ خَيْرٌ مِنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍ

“Indeed, We sent the Qur’an down during the Night of Decree. And what can make you know what is the Night of Decree? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.”
(Surah Al-Qadr 97:1-3)

The Magnificence of Worship in Masjid al-Haram

During these nights, Masjid al-Haram is filled with worshippers engaging in Taraweeh, Qiyam al-Layl (night prayers), Tawaf, and heartfelt supplications. The atmosphere is spiritually charged, with thousands of voices united in reciting the Qur’an and making dua.

Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:

مَن قَامَ لَيْلَةَ ٱلْقَدْرِ إِيمَانًا وَٱحْتِسَابًا، غُفِرَ لَهُ مَا تَقَدَّمَ مِنْ ذَنْبِهِ.

“Whoever stands (in prayer) during Laylatul Qadr with faith and seeking reward, his past sins will be forgiven.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 1901, Sahih Muslim 760)

Performing Tawaf (circumambulation of the Kaaba) during these nights holds immense spiritual significance. Many worshippers take advantage of the early morning hours to perform extra Tawaf, experiencing closeness to Allah (SWT). The feeling of walking around the Kaaba under the illuminated sky, with the echo of Talbiyah and Qur’anic recitations, is truly unforgettable.

The Rewards of I’tikaf in Makkah

Many pilgrims observe I’tikaf (spiritual retreat) in Masjid al-Haram during the last ten nights, dedicating their time to prayer, Qur’an recitation, and self-reflection. The Prophet (ﷺ) used to observe I’tikaf every Ramadan, seeking Laylatul Qadr.

Aisha (RA) reported:

كَانَ النَّبِيُّ ﷺ يَعْتَكِفُ فِي الْعَشْرِ الأَوَاخِرِ مِنْ رَمَضَانَ حَتَّىٰ تَوَفَّاهُ اللَّهُ.

“The Prophet (ﷺ) used to practice I’tikaf in the last ten nights of Ramadan until he passed away.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 2026, Sahih Muslim 1171)

The Search for Laylatul Qadr in Makkah

The ultimate highlight of these nights is the search for Laylatul Qadr, the night when angels descend and Allah’s mercy is showered upon His believers.

The Prophet (ﷺ) said:

تَحَرَّوْا لَيْلَةَ الْقَدْرِ فِي الْوِتْرِ مِنَ الْعَشْرِ الأَوَاخِرِ مِنْ رَمَضَانَ.
“Seek Laylatul Qadr in the last ten nights of Ramadan, in the odd-numbered nights.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 2017, Sahih Muslim 1169)

In Makkah, the sense of spiritual unity is heightened, as millions of Muslims engage in long prostrations, tearful supplications, and sincere repentance, hoping to be among those who attain Allah’s forgiveness and blessings.

Making Duas for Forgiveness and Guidance

The Prophet (ﷺ) recommended a special dua for Laylatul Qadr:

اللهم إنك عفو تحب العفو فاعف عني
“Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibbul ‘afwa fa’fu ‘anni.”
“O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness, so forgive me.”
(Sunan At-Tirmidhi 3513)

Reciting this dua in Makkah, especially near the Kaaba, fills the heart with hope and reassurance that Allah (SWT) will grant His mercy.

Experiencing the Last 10 Nights in Madinah

Spending the last ten nights of Ramadan in Madinah is an experience filled with tranquility, devotion, and immense blessings. The Prophet’s Mosque (Masjid an-Nabawi) holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims, and engaging in worship during these sacred nights enhances spiritual fulfillment.

The Virtue of Worship in Masjid an-Nabawi

Praying in Masjid an-Nabawi carries great rewards. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emphasized the excellence of praying in this holy site:

The Prophet (ﷺ) said:

صَلَاةٌ فِي مَسْجِدِي هَذَا خَيْرٌ مِنْ أَلْفِ صَلَاةٍ فِيمَا سِوَاهُ، إِلَّا ٱلْمَسْجِدَ ٱلْحَرَامَ.
“A prayer in my mosque is better than a thousand prayers elsewhere, except for Al-Masjid Al-Haram.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 1190, Sahih Muslim 1394)

During the last ten nights, thousands of worshippers fill the mosque, engaging in Qiyam al-Layl (night prayers), Qur’an recitation, and making dua. The peaceful ambiance of Madinah, along with the presence of the Prophet’s grave, inspires deep reflection and connection with Allah (SWT).

Searching for Laylatul Qadr in Madinah

Laylatul Qadr, the Night of Decree, is the most sacred night of Ramadan, offering blessings greater than a thousand months:

Allah (SWT) says in the Qur’an:

لَيْلَةُ ٱلْقَدْرِ خَيْرٌ مِّنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍ.
“The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.”
(Surah Al-Qadr 97:3)

The Prophet (ﷺ) instructed believers to seek this night in the odd-numbered nights of the last ten:

تَحَرَّوْا لَيْلَةَ الْقَدْرِ فِي الْوِتْرِ مِنَ الْعَشْرِ الأَوَاخِرِ مِنْ رَمَضَانَ.

“Seek Laylatul Qadr in the last ten nights of Ramadan, in the odd-numbered nights.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 2017, Sahih Muslim 1169)

Worshippers in Madinah increase their acts of ibadah, hoping to attain forgiveness and mercy from Allah.

Engaging in I’tikaf (Spiritual Retreat)

Many Muslims observe I’tikaf in Masjid an-Nabawi, dedicating their time solely to worship and spiritual purification. The Prophet (ﷺ) regularly practiced I’tikaf in the last ten nights:

Aisha (RA) reported:

كَانَ النَّبِيُّ ﷺ يَعْتَكِفُ فِي الْعَشْرِ الأَوَاخِرِ مِنْ رَمَضَانَ حَتَّىٰ تَوَفَّاهُ اللَّهُ.
“The Prophet (ﷺ) used to practice I’tikaf in the last ten nights of Ramadan until he passed away.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 2026, Sahih Muslim 1171)

The serenity of Madinah’s environment, coupled with the beauty of Masjid an-Nabawi, enhances the experience of prayer, dua, and recitation of the Qur’an.

How to Maximize the Last 10 Nights in Makkah and Madinah

• Perform I’tikaf – Stay in Masjid al-Haram or Masjid an-Nabawi in seclusion, dedicating oneself to worship.
• Increase in Dhikr and Istighfar – Constantly recite SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar, and Astaghfirullah.
• Give Charity Every Night – Even a small amount of Sadaqah given on Laylatul Qadr brings immense rewards.
• Recite and Reflect on the Qur’an – Spend time understanding the meanings and teachings of the Qur’an.
• Make Sincere Dua – Pray for forgiveness, guidance, and Jannah (Paradise).

Best Dua for Laylatul Qadr:

اللهم إنك عفو تحب العفو فاعف عني

“O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness, so forgive me.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah, 3850)

Conclusion

The last ten nights of Ramadan in Makkah and Madinah are an extraordinary time for Muslims seeking forgiveness, mercy, and closeness to Allah (SWT). These nights hold Laylatul Qadr, the Night of Decree, which is better than a thousand months. Worship during these sacred nights carries immense rewards, and the atmosphere in Masjid al-Haram and Masjid an-Nabawi enhances the spiritual experience.

Performing Taraweeh, Qiyam al-Layl, I’tikaf, and making heartfelt duas in these blessed locations allows pilgrims to attain spiritual purification and inner peace. Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emphasized the significance of these nights, urging believers to increase their devotion and seek Laylatul Qadr with sincerity.

For those blessed to spend these nights in Makkah and Madinah, the experience is transformative, leaving a lasting impact on their faith and connection with Allah (SWT). Whether through Qur’an recitation, charity, dhikr, or supplication, every act of worship during these nights is multiplied in reward.

As Ramadan ends, may Allah (SWT) accept our prayers, forgive our sins, and grant us the ability to witness these nights again in the future. Ameen. Let us leave Ramadan with renewed faith, stronger Iman, and a deeper commitment to worshipping Allah throughout the year.