The final 10 days of Ramadan: How to maximize worship

The Final 10 Days of Ramadan: How to Maximize Worship

Ramadan is a month of immense spiritual renewal, self-discipline, and devotion to Allah. It is a time when Muslims engage in fasting, prayer, charity, and self-reflection, striving to attain Taqwa (God-consciousness). However, as the blessed month comes to an end, the challenge lies in maintaining the same level of faith, devotion, and good habits throughout the year. The final ten nights of Ramadan serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of maximizing our worship and strengthening our bond with Allah.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would increase his acts of worship during these last nights, seeking Laylatul Qadr (The Night of Decree), which Allah describes as “better than a thousand months.” (Surah Al-Qadr 97:3)

لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ خَيْرٌ مِّنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍ

Aisha (RA) reported:

كَانَ النَّبِيُّ ﷺ إِذَا دَخَلَ العَشْرُ شَدَّ مِئْزَرَهُ، وَأَحْيَا لَيْلَهُ، وَأَيْقَظَ أَهْلَهُ

“When the last ten nights of Ramadan began, the Prophet (PBUH) would stay up at night, awaken his family, and tighten his belt (increase in worship).” (Sahih al-Bukhari 2024, Sahih Muslim 1174)

This period is an opportunity to seek forgiveness, perform Qiyam-ul-Layl (night prayers), engage in I’tikaf (spiritual retreat), and make sincere Dua. By understanding the significance of these nights and implementing ways to maximize worship, we can ensure that the blessings of Ramadan leave a lasting impact on our hearts and lives.

Allah (SWT) says in the Quran:

إِنَّا أَنْزَلْنَاهُ فِي لَيْلَةِ الْقَدْرِ ۝ وَمَا أَدْرَاكَ مَا لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ ۝ لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ خَيْرٌ مِنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍ ۝ تَنَزَّلُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ وَالرُّوحُ فِيهَا بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهِمْ مِنْ كُلِّ أَمْرٍ ۝ سَلَامٌ هِيَ حَتَّى مَطْلَعِ الْفَجْرِ ۝

“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. The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter. Peace it is until the emergence of dawn.”
(Surah Al-Qadr 97:1-5)

In this article, we will explore various ways to maximize worship during the last ten days of Ramadan, ensuring that we make the most of this sacred time.

Intensify Night Prayers (Qiyam-ul-Layl)

Night prayers, known as Qiyam-ul-Layl or Tahajjud, hold a special place in Islam, especially during the last ten nights of Ramadan. It is a time when a believer can engage in deep connection with Allah, seeking His mercy, guidance, and forgiveness. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) made Qiyam-ul-Layl a regular practice, intensifying his worship during the final nights of Ramadan.

Aisha (RA) reported:

كَانَ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ إِذَا دَخَلَ الْعَشْرُ شَدَّ مِئْزَرَهُ، وَأَحْيَا لَيْلَهُ، وَأَيْقَظَ أَهْلَهُ

“When the last ten nights of Ramadan began, the Prophet (PBUH) would stay up at night, awaken his family, and tighten his belt (increase in worship).”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 2024, Sahih Muslim 1174)

Qiyam-ul-Layl is a powerful way to seek nearness to Allah, especially on Laylatul Qadr, which is better than a thousand months. Allah (SWT) praises those who pray at night:

تَتَجَافَىٰ جُنُوبُهُمْ عَنِ ٱلْمَضَاجِعِ يَدْعُونَ رَبَّهُمْ خَوْفًۭا وَطَمَعًۭا وَمِمَّا رَزَقْنَـٰهُمْ يُنفِقُونَ

“They arise from their beds; they supplicate their Lord in fear and aspiration, and from what We have provided them, they spend.” (Surah As-Sajdah 32:16)

Praying during these nights brings countless rewards, wipes away sins, and grants a sense of inner peace. Even if one cannot stand for long, praying just a few extra rak’ahs can make a significant difference in one’s spiritual journey.

Engage in Abundant Dua (Supplication)

The last ten nights are an ideal time for making heartfelt Dua. The Prophet (PBUH) advised Aisha (RA) to make a special supplication during Laylatul Qadr:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ العَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي

“O Allah, You are the Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness, so forgive me.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah 3850, Tirmidhi 3513)

Regularly making dua during these nights can bring immense blessings and mercy from Allah.

Increase Quran Recitation

The Quran was revealed during Ramadan, and it is the best time to develop a deep connection with it. Allah (SWT) mentions:

شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِي أُنزِلَ فِيهِ الْقُرْآنُ هُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَاتٍ مِّنَ الْهُدَىٰ وَالْفُرْقَانِ

“The month of Ramadan is that in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185)

Reciting the Quran during the last ten nights and reflecting on its meanings can increase one’s Iman and bring one closer to Allah.

Perform I’tikaf (Spiritual Retreat)

I’tikaf is a deeply rewarding act of worship that involves secluding oneself in the mosque to focus entirely on worship, supplication, and reflection. It is a Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and is especially emphasized during the last ten days of Ramadan. This practice allows Muslims to disconnect from worldly distractions and devote themselves solely to strengthening their relationship with Allah.

Aisha (RA) reported:

كَانَ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَعْتَكِفُ فِي الْعَشْرِ الْأَوَاخِرِ مِنْ رَمَضَانَ، حَتَّى تَوَفَّاهُ اللَّهُ، ثُمَّ اعْتَكَفَ أَزْوَاجُهُ مِنْ بَعْدِهِ

“The Prophet (PBUH) used to observe I’tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan until Allah took his soul, then his wives observed I’tikaf after him.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 2026, Sahih Muslim 1172)

The purpose of I’tikaf is to seek closeness to Allah through continuous prayer, recitation of the Quran, Dhikr, and deep self-reflection. It also provides an opportunity to seek Laylatul Qadr, which is better than a thousand months.

Allah (SWT) says:

وَلَا تُبَاشِرُوهُنَّ وَأَنتُمْ عَاكِفُونَ فِى ٱلْمَسَـٰجِدِ

“And do not have relations with them as long as you are staying for worship in the mosques.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:187)

By dedicating oneself to I’tikaf, a believer can cleanse their heart, strengthen their faith, and emerge spiritually rejuvenated, ready to maintain the momentum of worship even after Ramadan ends.

Give in Charity and Help Others

Charity holds immense significance in Islam, and Ramadan is the perfect time to cultivate a generous heart. Giving in charity purifies wealth, brings barakah (blessings), and earns the pleasure of Allah. It is an act that not only benefits those in need but also spiritually elevates the giver. The final ten nights of Ramadan are especially important for increasing charitable acts, as they may coincide with Laylatul Qadr, which multiplies rewards beyond imagination.

Allah (SWT) says:

مَّثَلُ ٱلَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ أَمْوَٰلَهُمْ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ كَمَثَلِ حَبَّةٍ أَنبَتَتْ سَبْعَ سَنَابِلَ فِى كُلِّ سُنبُلَةٍۢ مِّا۟ئَةُ حَبَّةٍۢ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ يُضَٰعِفُ لِمَن يَشَآءُ

“The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed of grain that sprouts seven ears; in every ear is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies for whom He wills.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:261)

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was the most generous, particularly in Ramadan. Ibn Abbas (RA) said:

كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ أَجْوَدَ النَّاسِ، وَكَانَ أَجْوَدَ مَا يَكُونُ فِي رَمَضَانَ

“The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) was the most generous of people, and he was even more generous in Ramadan.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 6, Sahih Muslim 2308)

Seek Forgiveness and Repentance

Ramadan is a time for Tawbah (repentance), and the last ten nights are the best opportunity to seek Allah’s forgiveness. The Prophet (PBUH) said:

مَنْ صَامَ رَمَضَانَ إِيمَانًا وَاحْتِسَابًا غُفِرَ لَهُ مَا تَقَدَّمَ مِنْ ذَنْبِهِ

“Whoever fasts Ramadan out of faith and seeking reward, his past sins will be forgiven.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 38, Sahih Muslim 759)

Sincerely repenting, making Istighfar, and turning back to Allah can erase past sins and bring one closer to Him.

Conclusion

As Ramadan comes to an end, it is essential to reflect on the immense spiritual growth and discipline cultivated throughout the month. The final ten days provide a unique opportunity to strengthen our relationship with Allah, seek His forgiveness, and maximize our acts of worship. Through intensified Qiyam-ul-Layl (night prayers), I’tikaf (spiritual retreat), and continuous Dhikr and Dua, we can make the most of this sacred time, ensuring that we do not miss the blessings of Laylatul Qadr, the Night of Decree.

The Prophet (PBUH) taught us that these days are not just about rituals but about transforming our hearts and habits. Ramadan should not be seen as an isolated event but as a training ground for lifelong devotion. Allah (SWT) reminds us:

وَاعْبُدْ رَبَّكَ حَتَّىٰ يَأْتِيَكَ الْيَقِينُ

“And worship your Lord until certainty (death) comes to you.” (Surah Al-Hijr 15:99)

As we bid farewell to Ramadan, let us commit to carrying its lessons forward—remaining steadfast in prayer, charity, patience, and gratitude. By doing so, we ensure that the light of Ramadan continues to illuminate our lives long after the month has passed.