The Last Ten Nights Of Ramadan

The Night Prayer[1] in Ramadan is a cause for attaining the forgiveness of sins. The Prophet, sallAllahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said:

“Whoever stands (in night prayer) during Ramadan with faith and seeking reward (from Allah), all of his previous sins will be forgiven.” [Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

‘Aa’isha, radyAllah 'anhaa, clarified the number of rak’aat for the Night Prayer, as the Prophet, sallAllahu 'alayhi wa sallam, used to pray it. “The Prophet, sallAllahu 'alayhi wa sallam, did not exceed eleven (11) rak’aat in Ramadan or out of it.” [Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim][2].

“When the last ten days of Ramadan would come, the Prophet, would tighten his waist wrapper (izaar), spend the night in worship, and wake his family.” [Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

And “Allah’s Messenger, sallAllahu 'alayhi wa sallam, would exert himself in the last ten days (of Ramadan) more than he would at other times.” [Reported by Muslim].

And “The Messenger of Allah, sallAllahu 'alayhi wa sallam, would perform ‘Itikaaf (seclusion in the masjid) during the last ten days of Ramadan.” [Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

“When the Prophet, sallAllahu 'alayhi wa sallam, wanted to perform ‘Itikaaf, he would pray Fajr (in the masjid) and then begin his ‘Itikaaf.”[3] [Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

One of the most important reasons why the last ten nights are so honorable is because Laylat-ul-Qadr (The Night of Decree) falls in it. Allah says:

“Laylat-ul-Qadr is better than a thousand months.” [Surah Al-Qadr: 3]

And He says:

“Indeed, We revealed it (this Qur’an) on a blessed night.” [Surah Ad-Dukhaan: 3]

The Prophet, sallAllahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said: “Whoever stands in night prayer during Laylat-ul-Qadr with faith and seeking reward (from Allah), his past sins will be forgiven.” [Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

And he, sallAllahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said: “On the morning following Laylat-ul-Qadr, the sun rises not having any rays.”[4] [Reported by Muslim].

This was the sign one of the Companions[5] used to determine that Laylat-ul-Qadr was the twenty seventh night of Ramadan and Allah knows best.