How to Prepare for the Last 10 Nights of Ramadan
The last 10 nights of Ramadan, the most beautiful nights of the year are upon us. Allah SWT informs us in Surat Al-Qadr (The Power, 97) that the Quran was sent down during one of these nights: the Night of Power.
Indeed, it is We Who sent this Quran down on the Night of Glory. (97:1)
On this night, the angels descend with all decreed matters for mankind for the whole year during that night.
That night the angels and the holy spirit descend, by the permission of their Lord, for every decreed matter. (97:4)
And any form of worship on this night is equivalent to worship of 1000 months.
The Night of Glory is better than a thousand months. (97:3)
From this short surah, we can extract the immense weight this night holds and see why the last ten nights are of significant importance. While there are multiple narrations from the Prophet - SAW - and his companions about when the Night of Power is (see more here) it is generally agreed upon that it is found in the odd nights. That is why it's important to come into these nights prepared to maximize your chances of praying on that night.
Start Preparing During the Day
The nights this year are, alhamdulilah, long, which means you have more time to worship Allah - SWT. But it also means you need to be physically and mentally ready for the night. Make sure during the day you are well rested and aren't setting yourself up for a sleepy night.
Prepare your schedule by moving any meetings around so you can rest during the day. 20-45 min. naps are known to be ideal napping times. Any more than that, and you're likely to wake up very groggy or tired. Plan your sleep schedule so you can fulfill your daily obligations, but also have time to stay up at night.
Eat Light and Focus
It is generally understood that there are many acts of worship you can do in these nights such as prayer, supplication, Dhikr, and recitation of the Quran. But you won't be able to do any of these if your stomach is full and head is heavy. Get ready for Qiyam by having a light Iftar and save the larger meal for Suhoor/Sehri.
Instead, focus on hydrating and putting away all distractions. That includes phone, friends, work, and school. Focus on maximizing the time you spend with Allah - SWT. Hydrating will help you stay up and energized, feeling focused on the task at hand. Some of us at Tarteel take coffee, but only if that's needed for you!
You will have many weeks to get back on track socially and professionally, however, this is the only time where you can obtain 83 years of worship in a single night.
Increase Your Supplications (Duaa)
There are many opportunities for an accepted Duaa during Ramadan such as when breaking the fast or in the last third of the night. It is important to ask from Allah - SWT - because it demonstrates our reliance and faith in him, and that He - SWT - is the true sustainer; the maintainer.
But the best Duaa is the one performed on the Night of Power. Specifically, there is a special Duaa we should increase in making which comes from the wife of the Prophet - SAW - Ai'shah - RAA - where she reported:
I asked: "O Messenger of Allah! If I realize Lailat-ul-Qadr (Night of Decree), what should I supplicate in it?" He (SAW) replied, "You should supplicate: Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun, tuhibbul-'afwa, fa'fu 'anni (O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness; so forgive me)." - Al-Tirmidhi
What's beautiful about the word 'Afw', also translated to pardoning or grace, is that it embodies forgiveness without punishment. It is one of the names of Allah - SWT - and He loves when he is called upon with his many names.
Make sure you internalize the meanings of this Duaa (and others you might make) and follow the ettiquetes (Adab) of Duaa:
- Have a positive opinion of Allah (Husn Al-Dhan)
- Have confidence that Allah - SWT - will accept your supplications.
- Ask Allah - SWT - for the best of things, in both this life and the next.
The Prophet - SAW - said:
...when you make requests of God ask him for Firdaus, for it is the best and highest part of paradise, above it is the throne of the Compassionate One, and from it the rivers of paradise issue. - Bukhari
Have a "Worship Plan"
This is something we found from our friends at "Productive Muslim." Write down a small worship routine starting from Isha until the start of Fajr in 15 min. chunks. This will help you stay on track and hold yourself accountable and motivated by ticking off each section of your plan.
For example, have a goal of reciting for a certain period of time, making Duaa for some time, and standing in prayer for another. Use Tarteel to track your Quran recitation to keep you motivated throughout the night by seeing the exact amount of time you've recited the Quran and your estimated deeds (remember that only Allah - SWT - is the one who accepts and multiplies deeds many fold during Ramadan).
If you haven't completed the Quran yet, make an intention to finish at least 70% and track it with Tarteel so we donate a Quran on your behalf!
Let Tarteel's AI powered tools motivate you to recite the Quran this Ramadan and finish the last ten nights strong!
The Prophet - SAW - said:
...verily, (the rewards of) the deeds are decided by the last actions (deeds)". - Bukhari
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