Laylat al Qadr (the Night of Power) is described in the Quran as, “better than a thousand months”. The Messenger used to exert himself in devotion during the last ten nights to a greater extent than at any other time. Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, related that the Prophet said: “Look for Laylat al Qadr on an odd-numbered night during the last ten nights of Ramadan” (Bukhari).

The Prophet also said: “Whoever prays during the night of Qadr with faith and hoping for its reward will have all of his previous sins forgiven” (Bukhari).

Here are some things you can do in the last 1o nights:

1. Take a break

We take a break from our jobs for almost everything in life. Why not this time to focus on worshipping and thanking our Creator. If this is not possible then at least take a few days off. This can make it easier to stay awake at night to do extra Ibadah, not having to worry about getting up for work the next day.

2. Do Itikaf

It was a practice of the Prophet (peace be upon him) to spend the last ten days of Ramadan in the masjid for Itikaf. Those in Itikaf stay in the masjid all this time, performing various forms of zikr, like doing extra Salat, recitation and study of the Quran. Due to the current situation with COVID-19, itikaf at the masjid isn’t possible, but you can do it at home.

3. Make this special Dua

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 Qadr, what should I say during it?’ He said: Say: “Oh Allah! You are most Forgiving, You love to forgive, so forgive me” (Tirmidhi).

اَللَّهُمَّ اِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي

4. Recite the Quran

Read the Quran as much as possible, read it with the translation so you can understand what Allah is saying to you. Then think deeply about its meaning and how it affects you on a personal level.

5. Make a personal Dua list

Ask yourself what you really want from Allah. Make a list of each and everything, no matter how small or how big it is, whether it deals with this world or not. Allah loves to hear from us. Make long, sincere and deep Duas. One of the best times to do this is during the last part of the night. Once your list is ready, you can do three things:

• Ask Allah to give you those things
• Think about what actions you have taken to get those things
• Develop a work plan to get those things in future

6. Evaluate yourself

Ask yourself those questions that need to be asked. Do a self-evaluation of where you are and where you are going. Let this evaluation lead you to feel happiness for the good you have done and remorse for the bad you have done. This latter feeling should make it easier to seek Allah’s sincere forgiveness when making Dua.

7. Send blessings on the Prophet

Sending salutations upon the Messenger of Allah ﷺ is amongst the most virtuous acts of worship. Rewards are written; a person’s sins are forgiven, and his status is elevated. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “Whoever sends Salam upon me once, Allah will send Salam upon him ten-fold, and will erase ten sins from him, and will raise him ten degrees in status.”

8. Give charity

Giving Sadaqah (voluntary charity) is a virtuous deed, in fact, it is considered as a proof of one’s Imaan. So give generously in these last few days as the amount you give is significantly multiplied.