IN THE LAST TEN

 FAJR REMINDER: IN THE LAST TEN!

By: Umm Affān

Ramaḍān 21, 1447 (10-March-2026)

Indeed, Allāh assists us in gaining benefits (with bountiful rewards) at specific times throughout the year. We express our gratitude to Allāh as we find ourselves in the last ten days of Ramaḍān. Its nights are particularly revered because they include the exceptional night known as Laylatul Qadr. Allāh states: “The night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is better than a thousand months (equivalent to 83 years and 4 months).” [Sūrah Al-Qadr (97): 3]

Subḥānallāh! This means that a righteous deed performed on this night is far superior to doing the same for a thousand months. Not equivalent, but indeed better. Allāh Akbar! Shouldn’t we intensify our efforts in these last ten days, especially for Laylatul Qadr? Imām Ibn Rajab (Raḥimahullāh) highlighted the deep importance of the Night of Al-Qadr, saying: “O you who has wasted the years of his life, there is nothing that will amend those lost and wasted years except for the Night of Al-Qadr, for verily its value is equivalent to that of a lifetime.” [Laṭā'if Mā’arif, pg. 191]

O Muslims! It is crucial to approach this time with renewed seriousness. Ā'ishah (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anha) reported: “The Prophet (ﷺ) would exert himself in worship during the last ten nights of Ramaḍān more so than any other time.” [Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 1175] In another narration, she (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anha) mentioned: “When the last ten nights of Ramaḍān arrived, the Prophet (ﷺ) would tighten his belt, spend the night in worship, and awaken his family.” [Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 2024, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 1174]

It is essential to earnestly seek this night, particularly on the odd nights (i.e., 21, 23, 25, 27, and 29). Ā'ishah (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anha) reported that Allāh's Messenger (ﷺ) said, “Search for the Night of Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramaḍān.” [Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 2017] In another narration, Ibn ‘Abbās (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anhuma) stated that the Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Look for the Night of Qadr in the last ten nights of Ramaḍān, on the night when nine or seven or five nights remain out of the last ten nights of Ramaḍān (i.e., 21, 23, 25, respectively).” [Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 2021]

There are numerous Aḥadīth concerning which night to focus on for Laylatul-Qadr. Nevertheless, scholars of the Dīn have reconciled these narrations and recommended that we strive to seek Laylatul-Qadr in all of the last ten nights. Shaykh Ibn Bāz (Raḥimahullāh) remarked: “Whoever stands up for all of the ten last nights will have (undoubtedly) found Laylatul Qadr.” [Al-Ikhtiyārāt al-Fiqhiyyah v.15 pg. 430]

He (Raḥimahullāh) further noted: “Laylatul-Qadr moves around throughout the last ten nights and it is not always on one specific night. It may be on the 21st night, the 23rd, the 25th, or the 27th—which is the most likely; it may also happen on the 29th or even on the even-numbered nights. The Prophet (ﷺ) would increase his striving and devotion during these nights, unlike the first twenty nights. His Companions (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anhum) and the Salaf after them honored these nights and actively engaged in various acts of goodness.” [Al-Ikhtiyārāt al-Fiqhiyyah pg. 243]

Additionally, one of the most excellent supplications to recite on Laylatul Qadr is the one taught by the Prophet (ﷺ) to Ā’ishah (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anha): “‘Allāhumma Innaka ’Afuwwun Tuḥibbul ’Afwa Fa’fu ’Annī.’ (O Allāh, Indeed You are the One Who Pardons, and You love to pardon, so pardon me).” [Sunan Ibn Mājah 3850]

There is no justification for any celebration or gathering for lectures on this night, as some do today by selecting a specific date to celebrate and printing envelopes for fundraising. Such practices detract from the essence of the Dīn. Let us be cautious of heretical innovations within Islām, as anything newly introduced in matters of the Dīn will be rejected. Therefore, avoid the “Laylatul-Qadr Jamboree.”

I beseech Allāh to grant us the strength to worship Him more fervently during the remaining days and nights. Aameen.