The Final Countdown: Making the Most of Ramadan’s Last Nights

As the blessed month of Ramadan nears its end, a profound sense of longing fills the hearts of believers. The final ten nights present an extraordinary opportunity—one that carries immense spiritual rewards. Among these nights lies Laylat al-Qadr (The Night of Decree), a night described in the Qur’an as "better than a thousand months" (Surah Al-Qadr: 3). This means that a single night’s sincere worship outweighs the devotion of an entire lifetime—over 83 years of continuous prayers and good deeds.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized the importance of seeking out this night, stating:
"Indeed, this month has come to you, and within it, there is a night that is better than a thousand months. Whoever is deprived of it has truly been deprived of all goodness. And none is deprived of its blessings except one who is truly unfortunate." (Ibn Mājah, 1644; Hasan)

The Blessings of Laylat al-Qadr: A Night Unlike Any Other

This is a once-in-a-year opportunity to seek Allah’s mercy, forgiveness, and blessings. It is a night when destinies are decreed, sins are forgiven, and sincere prayers are answered. It is a divine gift, urging believers to intensify their acts of worship, recite the Qur’an, perform night prayers, and engage in heartfelt supplication.

The rewards of this sacred night include:
✅ Forgiveness of past sins: The Prophet ﷺ said, "Whoever stands in prayer during Laylat al-Qadr with faith and seeking reward, his past sins will be forgiven." (Al-Bukhārī, 2014; Muslim, 760)
✅ A night of peace and tranquillity: "Peace it is until the emergence of dawn." (Surah Al-Qadr: 5)
✅ The presence of angels on earth: Abu Hurayrah r.a. narrated that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said regarding Laylat al-Qadr:
"It is the twenty-seventh or twenty-ninth night. On that night, the angels on earth outnumber the pebbles." (Ahmad, 10734, Hasan)

How to Maximize the Last Ten Nights of Ramadan

Since the exact date of Laylat al-Qadr remains unknown, the Prophet ﷺ instructed his followers to seek it in the last ten nights, particularly on the odd nights (21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, and 29th). Here’s how you can make the most of these final moments:

1️⃣ Perform Night Prayers (Qiyam al-Layl & Tarawih)

The Prophet ﷺ said:
"Whoever prays with the Imām until he finishes, it will be recorded for him as if he spent the whole night in prayer." (Sunan al-Tirmidhī, No. 806; Sunan Abī Dāwūd, No. 1375, Sahih)

Stay committed to Tarawih and Tahajjud prayers, ensuring that you remain in the congregation until the prayer is completed.

2️⃣ Intensify Your Qur’an Recitation & Reflection

Laylat al-Qadr is the night when the Qur’an was revealed. Strengthen your connection with the words of Allah by reciting, understanding, and reflecting on its meanings. Ibn ʿAbbās r.a. reported:

"The Messenger of Allah ﷺ was the most generous of people, and he was even more generous during Ramadan when Jibrīl (Gabriel) would meet him. Jibrīl used to meet him every night of Ramadan to study the Qur'an with him." (Al-Bukhārī, 1902; Muslim, 2308)

3️⃣ Increase in Du‘ā’ (Supplication) and Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah)

One of the most powerful prayers to recite during these nights is:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي
"O Allah, You are the Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness, so forgive me." (Al-Tirmidhī, 3513, Sahih)

Also, engage in constant remembrance of Allah (adhkar) by reciting:

• Subḥānallāh (Glory be to Allah)

• Alḥamdulillāh (All praise is due to Allah)

• Allāhu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest)

• Lā ilāha illa Allāh (There is no god but Allah)

4️⃣ Give Generously in Charity (Sadaqah & Zakat)

Follow the Prophet’s ﷺ example of generosity during these blessed nights. Even a small act of kindness—feeding the hungry, supporting a masjid, or helping someone in need—can multiply your rewards.

"The Messenger of Allah ﷺ was more generous than the fast-blowing wind." (Al-Bukhārī, 1902; Muslim, 2308)

5️⃣ Seek Forgiveness & Repentance (Tawbah & Istighfar)

"And hasten to forgiveness from your Lord and a garden as wide as the heavens and earth, prepared for the righteous." (Surah Aal-e-Imran: 3:133)

The Prophet ﷺ warned us:
"They will regret and suffer loss... they will regret and suffer loss..."
When the companions asked, “Who are they, O Messenger of Allah?” He replied, "The one who enters the month of Ramadan and reaches its end, yet his sins are not forgiven." (Al-Tirmidhī, No. 3545, Hasan)

6️⃣ Perform I‘tikāf (Spiritual Seclusion in the Masjid)

The Prophet ﷺ dedicated the last ten nights to complete devotion, separating himself from worldly distractions. If possible, engage in i‘tikāf, spending the nights in worship, recitation, and remembrance of Allah.

7️⃣ Maintain Sincere Intentions & Steadfastness (Istiqamah Beyond Ramadan)

The true test of Ramadan is continuing acts of worship after the month ends. Ibn Rajab rh. said:

"Ramadan is a training for the soul. If one truly benefits from it, the effects of worship will last beyond the month."

"So remain steadfast as you have been commanded." (Surah Hud: 11:112)

Seize the Opportunity—Ramadan is Not Over Yet!

The doors of mercy, forgiveness, and blessings remain wide open, but only those who actively seek them will benefit. Let’s finish strong and make these last few nights truly count.