Maximise your last 10 days; be like Muhammad (ﷺ)

Our daily routines undergo significant changes during Ramadan and burnout is commonplace. Should we give up or persist?

With the chance to earn greater rewards during Laylatul Qadr, which falls in the last ten days, now is the perfect time to increase our efforts! Here are ten ways to stay motivated.

Remembering the value of last actions

It’s not how we start, but how we finish that really matters as stated in this hadith:

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: “…verily, the rewards of deeds performed, depend upon the last actions.” (Bukhari)

Seeking out Laylatul Qadr

A single good act performed on Laylatul Qadr is akin to having performed that act for a thousand months. This mysterious night falls in the last ten days, although the exact date is hidden, as we attempt to find it.

‘Seek it in the last ten days of Ramadan, when there are nine days left, and seven days left, and five days left.’ (Bukhari)

Earning greater rewards

It’s hard to comprehend how one night can be better than a thousand months, yet a small Sadaqah made in the last ten days has the potential to earn greater rewards.

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: “This month has come to you, and in it, there is a night that is better than a thousand months. Whoever is deprived of it is deprived of all goodness, and no one is deprived of its goodness except one who is truly deprived.” (Ibn Majah)

Giving thanks for the Holy Qur’an

It’s easy to feel dissatisfied with what we don’t have if we take the blessings we already have for granted; water, food, shelter – but above all, the beautiful faith Allah (SWT) granted us.

It was on Laylatul Qadr that Allah (SWT) revealed the first verses of the Holy Qur’an to our Prophet (ﷺ). What better time to give thanks for His message and His Messenger (ﷺ).

Indeed, We sent the Qur’an down during the Night of Decree And what can make you know what is the Night of Decree? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. (The Holy Qur’an 97:1-3)

Making Dua

Aisha (RA) reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) advised her to recite the following dua if she came upon Laylatul Qadr:

‘Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibbul-‘afwa, fa’fu ‘anni.’

‘O Allah, You are forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me.’ (Bukhari)

Following the example of the Prophet (symbol)

If practical, we can follow the example of the Prophet (ﷺ) in the last ten days and perform I’tikaf (seclusion in the masjid).

Aisha (RA) was reported to have said: “Allah’s Apostle (ﷺ) used to practice Itikaf in the last ten nights of Ramadan and used to say: ‘Look for the Night of Qadr in the last ten nights of the month of Ramadan.’” (Bukhari)

Receiving the decree of Allah (SWT)

On Laylatul Qadr, the fate of every living being is revealed to angels who descend to Earth and carry out special errands decreed by Allah (SWT). The night itself is filled with mercy and blessings and peace reigns until dawn.

The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter. Peace is until the emergence of dawn. (The Holy Qur’an 97:3-5)

Affirming our sincerity

What unfolds in the year ahead depends on our sincerity during Ramadan. We have the opportunity to make up for any shortcomings in the last ten days.

Aisha (RA) is reported to have said: “When the last ten days of Ramadan began, the Prophet (ﷺ) would tighten his waist-wrapper, spend his nights in prayer, and wake his family.” (Bukhari)

Giving thanks for seeing through another Ramadan

Each year, we look forward to the arrival of Ramadan and its blessings – a chance to set aside our daily routines, reflect on our lives, and experience a spiritual reboot. With the passing of time, we come to realise that we may never witness another Ramadan again. This is why we express our heartfelt gratitude when bidding farewell to our most cherished guest.

‘The Prophet (ﷺ) was the most generous of all the people, and he used to become more generous in Ramadan when Gabriel met him. Gabriel used to meet him every night during Ramadan to revise the Qur’an with him. Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) then used to be more generous than the fast wind.’ (Bukhari)

Finishing the month with a clean slate

Allah (SWT) is merciful and gives us many opportunities to gain His forgiveness. In Ramadan, we have a chance to have all our past sins forgiven, a promise not offered in many other situations. Here’s a hadith to keep in mind:

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: “Whoever establishes the prayers on the night of Qadr out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah’s rewards [not to show off] then all his past sins will be forgiven.” (Bukhari)

At the end of Ramadan, every Muslim makes a special payment called Fitrana. We use your Fitrana to feed cancer patients during Eid, ensuring nobody is excluded from the blessings of the occasion. As Fitrana is time-sensitive, please be sure to pay yours as soon as possible before Eid.