Better than a thousand months…

Ramadan

The last 10 days of Ramadan are now upon us. With this month passing by so quickly, we need to ensure we strive to make the most of these blessed days.

Aisha (ra) related that the Prophet (saw) said, ‘Look for Laylatul Qadr on an odd-numbered night, during the last ten nights of Ramadan.’

So what is it that makes these days so important? 

Allah tells us in the Quran:

‘Indeed, We sent the Quran down during the Night of Decree.’ 

Quran 97:1

‘The Night of Power is better than a thousand months’ 

Quran 97:3

Such a blessed night, where deeds are multiplied by thousands, surely should not be taken lightly. So what are the best things we can do to gain maximum reward?

Ask for forgiveness

‘Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, said: I asked the Messenger of Allah, O Messenger of Allah, if I know what night is the night of power, what should I say during it? He said, say O Allah, You are pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon me.’

Tirmidhi

We should never tire of asking for forgiveness, and this Hadith shows us the importance of seeking Allah’s mercy during these blessed nights. 

Pray as much as you can

The Prophet (saw) said, ‘Whoever prays during the night of Qadr with faith and hoping for its reward will have all of his previous sins forgiven.’

Bukhari and Muslim

Here is another opportunity for us to attain Allah’s forgiveness, as well as reaping in countless amounts of reward. Make an intention to pray more supererogatory prayers on the odd nights and carry on for as long as you can.

Avoid overeating

Aisha (ra) said ‘The Prophet (saw) would pray and sleep during the first 20 days of Ramadan, then during the last 10 he would stay awake and tighten his belt.’ 

Ahmad

Overeating can make you feel tired and lazy, which can prevent you from offering the maximum amount of Ibadah. Let’s follow our Prophet’s (saw) example, by eating and sleeping less, and praying more.

Do Dhikr

One of the simplest but most powerful forms of Ibadah is to make Dhikr. On Laylatul Qadr the reward for your Dhikr will be multiplied enormously, so don’t waste a moment. Whether you’re busy working or sitting down resting, keep Allah’s name fresh on your tongue.

Give charity

‘Those who spend in charity will be richly rewarded.’ 

Quran 57:10

We know our good deeds will be multiplied greatly on the Night of Power, so what better time to give to charity. Give a little on each odd night so as not to miss the great reward of Laylatul Qadr.

Allah (swt) has blessed us enormously by allowing us to live to see these blessed last nights of Ramadan. Let us make sure we make the most of this opportunity and do all we can to earn the Almighty’s reward and forgiveness. 

May He accept it from us, Ameen.