The odd nights: Last 10 nights of Ramadan
Although the entire month of Ramadan is extremely special and blessed for Muslims all around the world, the last ten days of Ramadan are considered to be more rewarding. According to Muslims, they are the most blessed days in the holy month of Ramadan.
The last ten nights ar aso referred to as the 'odd nights'. For Muslims, the last ten days are a time to perfect one's fast and avoid anything that may break it. It is a time to give more charity and to settle disputes and forgive one another.
It is also a time for soul searching, evaluating one's life, supplicating, and asking for forgiveness. This should be done sincerely because if Allah accepts the supplications, the reward is the remission of one's sins.
During the last ten days of Ramadan, Muslims around the world seek to observe Laylat Al Qadr (The Night of of power ). It is usually observed on the 26th or the 27th night of Ramadan.
What makes Laylat Al Qadr special is that it is supposed to be the night when the Quran was revealed to Prophet Mohammad (PBUH). This night also has an entire surah (chapter) dedicated to it in the Quran. The surah states Laylat Al Qadr is better than 1,000 months, which means all good deeds performed on this night are multiplied .
Morever, muslims all around the world perfom 'Itekaf' . It is when muslims ( men and women) commit to itikaf (seclusion) in the mosque. They detach themselves from the materialistic world and dedicate all their time to get closer to Allah.
This time is spent worshiping, performing extra Salah (ritual prayers), reciting Quran, remembrance of Allah and supplications. One leaves behind his normal routine, and even eat and sleep in the mosque. It is usually performed for 10 days. For those who cannot peform it for 10 days are advised to try it for a shorter time.
As these 10 nights come to a close, Muslims prepare for the joyous celebrations of Eid Al Fitr, which literally translates into ‘The Festival of Ending the Fast. [The last 10 nights & days]
Hence, it is advised to Muslims to devote their extra time in Remembrance of Allah , reading of the Quran as much as possible , making suppliations for oneself and the others, to forgive and forget and most importantly spread love and peace.
Abu Hurayrah reported that the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) said, "When the last one third of the night remains, our Lord, the Glorious One, descends towards the lower heaven and proclaims: 'Is there anyone supplicating to Me so that I grant his supplication? Is there anyone begging of Me for anything so that I grant him his wish? Is there anyone who seeks My forgiveness so I forgive him?'" (Bukhari and Muslim)
May we all make the most of the Last ten nights of Ramadan.
