In The Name Of Allah, The Beneficent, The Merciful
Dear Brothers and Sisters! The Prophet (Peace be upon him) used to strive hard (in worship) during the last ten days of Ramadan in a way that he did not strive at any other times. [Muslim from Aisha].
Among the things he did were secluding himself in I’tikaf and seeking Lailatul Qadr during this time. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
In Sahihain it is reported from the Hadith of Aisha that when the last ten days of Ramadan came, the Prophet (Peace be upon him) would stay up at night, wake his family and gird his loins. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
Muslim added: he strove hard and girded his loins.
Her phrase “girded his loins” is a metaphor for his preparing himself to worship and strive hard in worship, more than usual. It has the meaning of “rolling up one’s sleeves” to worship (i.e. getting ready to make a great deal of effort).
It was also said that it was a metaphor for keeping away from women and abstaining from sexual relations.
The phrase “stay up at night” means that he would stay awake, spending the night in prayer, etc.
It was reported in another Hadith that Aisha said:
“I never saw the Prophet (Peace be upon him) recite the entire Quran in one night, or spend a whole night in prayer until the morning, or fast an entire month, except in Ramadan.” [Sunan al-Nasa’i]
The words “stay up at night” may mean that he spent most of the night in worship, or that he did not stay up for the entire night, but he did that at the times of Isha’ and Suhur, and other times, in which case it would mean that he stayed up for most of the night.
The phrase “and wake his family” means that he would wake his wives to pray Qiyam al-Lail. It is known that he (Peace be upon him) used to wake his wives all year round, but he used to wake them to spend part of the night in Qiyam. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) woke up one night and said:
“Subhanallah! What tribulations have come down tonight! What treasure has come down tonight! Who will wake up the dwellers of the apartments? There may be women who are clothed in this world and naked in the Hereafter.” [Al-Bukhari]
It was also reported that he (Peace be upon him) used to wake Aisha when he wanted to pray Witr. [Al-Bukhari]
But when he woke his wives during the last ten nights of Ramadan, this was more persistent than at other times of the year.
The fact that he (Peace be upon him) did this indicates the importance he attached to worshipping his Lord and making the most of this special time.
The Muslim should follow the example of the Prophet (Peace be upon him) for he is the best example, and he should strive hard in worshipping Allah. He should not waste the hours of these days and nights. For we do not know, perhaps this time will never come again, for the spoiler of pleasures, i.e., death, which must come to all men, may come and snatch him and his life will end; then he will feel regret at the time when regret will be of no avail.
Among the unique virtues of these special nights is that Lailatul-Qadr is among them. Allah says:
“Ha-Mim. [These letters are one of the miracles of the Quran and none but Allah (Alone) knows their meanings.] By the manifest Book (this Quran) that makes things clear. We sent it (this Quran) down on a blessed night [(i.e. the Night of Al-Qadr) in the month of Ramadan]. Verily, We are ever warning [mankind that Our Torment will reach those who disbelieve in Our Oneness of Lordship and in Our Oneness of worship]. Therein (that night) is decreed every matter of ordainments. As a Command (or this Quran or the Decree of every matter) from Us. Verily, We are ever sending (the Messengers). (As) a mercy from your Lord. Verily, He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower.” [Quran 44:1-6]
Allah sent down the Quran on this night which the Lord of the Worlds has described as blessed. It was reported from a group of the Companions of the Prophet (Peace be upon him) including Ibn Abbas, Qatadah, Sa’id Ibn Jubair, Ikrimah, Mujahid and others – that the night on which the Quran was sent down was Lailatul-Qadr.
The phrase Therein (that night) is decreed every matter of ordainments means, on that night the destiny of all creatures for the coming year is decreed. On that night it is written who will live, who will die, who will be saved, who will be doomed, who will be destined for Paradise, who will be destined for Hell, who will be granted honour, who will be humiliated, where drought and famine will occur, and everything else that Allah wills in that year.
What is meant by the idea that the destiny of all creatures is written on Lailatul Qadr is that on Lailatul Qadr they are transferred from al-Lawh al-Mahfuz. Ibn Abbas said: “You may see a man furnishing his home or plowing his field, and he is one of those who are going to die,” i.e., it has been decreed on Lailatul Qadr that he is one of those who are going to die (in the coming year). And it was said that on this night, the destiny of people is shown to the angels.
The meaning of “Qadr” is veneration or honour, i.e. it is a night that is venerated because of its special characteristics, and because the one who stays up during this night becomes a man of honour. And it was said that Qadr means constriction, in the sense that the knowledge of precisely when this night is, is hidden. Al-Khalil Ibn Ahmad said: it was called Lailatul Qadr because the earth is constricted by the great numbers of angels on that night, and Qadr means constriction. Allah says: “But when He tries him, by straitening his means of life [fa qadara alaihi rizqahu].” [Quran 89:16] , i.e., by constricting or reducing his provision.
And it was said that Qadr means Qadar, i.e., that on this night the decrees for the coming year are ordained, as Allah says:
“Therein (that night) is decreed every matter of ordainments” [Quran 44:4]
And because Allah’s decrees are decided and written down on this night.
So Allah has called it Lailatul Qadr, because of its great value and high status with Allah, and because so many sins are forgiven and so many faults are concealed during this night. For it is the night of forgiveness, as it was reported in Sahihain from Abu Hurairah that the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:
“Whoever stays up during Lailatul Qadr out of faith and in the hope of earning reward, all his previous sins will be forgiven.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim
Allah has given this night special characteristics which make it unique:
1. It is the night on which the Quran was sent down, as I have stated above. Ibn Abbas and others said:
“Allah sent down the Quran at one time from al-Lawh al-Mahfuz to Baitul-Izzah in the first heaven, then it was revealed to the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) in stages according to events over twenty-three years.” [See Tafsir Ibn Kathir]
2. Allah described it as being better than a thousand months, as He the Almighty said:
“The night of al-Qadr is better than a thousand months” [Quran 97:3]
3. Allah described it as being blessed, as He the Most High said:
“We sent it (this Quran) down on a blessed night” [Quran 44:3]
“On this night, the angels and the Spirit [al-Ruh] descend, “i.e., many angels descend of this night because it is so blessed, and the angels come down when Allah’s blessing and mercy come down, just as they come down when Quran is recited, and they surround the circles of Zikr (gatherings where Allah is remembered), and they beat their wings for the one who sincerely seeks knowledge, out of respect for him.” [See Tafsir Ibn Kathir]
The Spirit [al-Ruh] is Jibril who is specifically mentioned in this manner as a sign of respect for him.
4. This night is described as peace, i.e., it is safe, for the Shaitan (Satan) cannot do any evil or cause any harm on this night, as Mujahid said. [See Tafsir Ibn Kathir]
5. On this night, many people are saved from punishment because of what they do to worship Allah, may He be glorified.
6. “Therein (that night) is decreed every matter of ordainments” [al-Dukhan 44:4] , i.e., the affairs of that year are dispatched from al-Lawh al-Mahfuz to the angels who record the decrees: who will live, who will die, what provision people will be given, what will happen until the end of that year, every matter of ordainments is decreed, and it cannot be altered or changed. [See Tafsir Ibn Kathir]
All of this is already known to Allah before it is even written down, but He makes known to the angels what is to happen, and commands them to do whatever they are enjoined to do. [See Sharh Sahih Muslim of Imam an-Nawawi]
7. Allah forgives the previous sins of the one who stays up and prays during this night out of faith and in hope of earning the reward from Him. It was reported in the Hadith of Abu Hurairah that the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:
“Whoever fasts the month of Ramadan out of faith and in the hope of earning reward, all his previous sins will be forgiven, and whoever stays up during Lailatul Qadr out of faith and in the hope of earning reward, all his previous sins will be forgiven.” [Agreed upon]
The phrase “out of faith and in the hope of earning reward” means, believing in Allah’s promise of reward for this, and seeking the reward, with no other aim or purpose, such as showing off etc.” [See Fath al-Bari]
8. Allah has revealed a surah (chapter) concerning this night which will be recited until the Day of Resurrection, in which He mentions the honour and great value of this night. This is the surah in which He the Most High says:
“Verily, We have sent it (this Quran) down in the Night of Al-Qadr (Decree). And what will make you know what the Night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is? The Night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is better than a thousand months (i.e. worshipping Allah in that night is better than worshipping Him a thousand months, i.e. 83 years and 4 months). Therein descend the angels and the Ruh [Jibril] by Allah’s Permission with all Decrees. (All that night), there is peace (and goodness from Allah to His believing servants) until the appearance of dawn.” [Quran 97:1-5]
The phrase And what will make you know what the Night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is? serves to draw attention to the importance and great significance of this night.
The Night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is better than a thousand months means, it is better than over eighty three years, as I have already mentioned. This is a great virtue, the value of which no one can fully understand except the Lord of the Worlds, may He be blessed and exalted. This encourages the Muslim to spend this night in prayer and to seek the Face of Allah by doing so. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) used to seek this night, hoping to gain some good from it, and he is the example for this Ummah.
It is mustahab to seek it during Ramadan, especially in the last ten nights of the month. Abu Sa’id al-Khudri said:
“The Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) did I’tikaf during the first ten days of Ramadan, then he did I’tikaf during the middle ten days in a Turkish tent [the word qubbah, translated here as “tent”, refers to a tent or any circular structure] in which a mat was placed. He said: so he took the mat in his hand and put it at the side of the tent, then he raised his head to speak to the people, so they came closer to him. He said: “I did I’tikaf during the first ten days, seeking this night, then I did I’tikaf during the middle ten days. Then someone came to me and told me that it is in the last ten days, so whoever among you wants to do I’tikaf, let him do so.” So the people did I’tikaf with him. He said: “I was shown an odd-numbered night, in the morning of which I was prostrating in mud and water.” Then in the morning of the twenty-first, he got up to pray Subh and it was raining; the roof of the Mosque leaked, and there was mud and water. He came out when he had finished praying, and there was mud and water on his forehead and nose. That was the morning of the twenty-first, one of the last ten days.” [Sahih Muslim]
In a report, Abu Sa’id said:
“It rained on the night of the twenty-first, and the roof of the Mosque leaked over the place where the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) was praying. I looked at him, when he had finished praying Salat al-Subh, and his face was wet with mud and water.” [Agreed upon]
Muslim narrated a Hadith from Abdullah Ibn Unais that was similar to the Hadith of Abu Sa’id, except that he said, “it rained on the night of the twenty-third.” According to a Hadith narrated by Ibn Abbas, the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said: “Seek it in the last ten days of Ramadan, when there are nine days left, and seven days left, and five days left.” [Narrated by al-Bukhari]
Lailatul Qadr is in the last ten days of Ramadan, as stated in the Hadith of Abu Sa’id quoted above, and as stated in the Hadith of Aisha, and in the Hadith of Ibn Umar who said that the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said “Seek Lailatul Qadr in the last ten days of Ramadan.” [The Hadith of Aisha was narrated by al-Bukhari; the Hadith of Ibn Umar was narrated by Muslim. This wording is that of the Hadith of Aisha]
It is more likely to be in one of the odd-numbered nights, because of the Hadith of Aisha who said that the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) said:
“Seek Lailatul Qadr in the odd-numbered nights of the last ten nights.” [Narrated by al-Bukhari]
We should seek it especially in the odd-numbered nights, i.e., on the twenty-first, the twenty-third, the twenty-fifth, the twenty-seventh and the twenty-ninth. It was reported in Sahihain that the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:
“Seek it in the last ten nights, on the odd-numbered nights.” [Narrated by Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
According to the Hadith of Ibn Abbas, the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:
“Seek it in the last ten nights of Ramadan, when there are nine left, when there are seven left, when there are five left.” [Narrated by Al-Bukhari]
So it is more likely to be in one of the odd-numbered nights.
Ubadah Ibn al-Samit said:
“The Prophet (Peace be upon him) came out to tell us when Lailatul Qadr was, and two of the Muslims were arguing. He said: “I came out to tell you when Lailaul Qadr was, and So and so and So and so were arguing, so it [the knowledge of when Lailatul Qadr] was taken away from me. Perhaps this is better for you. So seek it on the ninth and the seventh and the fifth.” [al-Bukhari], i.e., on the odd-numbered nights.
This Hadith indicates how bad it is to argue and fight, especially with regard to matters of religion, and that this is a cause of goodness being taken away or concealed.
Shaykhul Islam Ibn Taymiyah said:
“But odd-numbers have to do with what is past [i.e., when one starts counting from the beginning of the month], so it should be sought on the twenty-first, the twenty-third, the twenty-seventh or the twenty-ninth; or it may be with regard to what is left, as the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said: ‘when there are nine left, or seven left, or five left, or three left.’ On this basis, if the month has thirty days, these will be even-numbered nights, so on the twenty-second there will be nine days left, on the twenty-fourth there will be seven days left. This is how it was explained by Abu Sa’id al-Khudri in the Sahih Hadith, and this is how the Prophet (Peace be upon him) prayed Qiyam during this month. If this is the case, then the believer should seek it in all of the last ten days.” [See al-Fatawa]
Lailatul Qadr is more likely to be in the last seven days. Ibn Umar reported that a man among the Companions of the Prophet (Peace be upon him) was shown Lailatul Qadr in a dream, and that it was one of the last seven nights. The Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) said:
“It seems that your dreams agreed that it is one of the last seven nights, so whoever wants to seek it, let him seek it in the last seven nights.” [narrated by Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
It is most likely to be on the night of the twenty-seventh. It was reported, in a Hadith narrated by Ahmad from Ibn Umar, and a Hadith narrated by Abu Dawud from Mu’awiyah, that the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:
“Lailatul Qadr is the night of the twenty-seventh.” [Musnad Ahmad and Sunan Abu Dawud]
The view that it is the night of the twenty-seventh is the opinion of most of the Sahabah and the majority of scholars, and Ubay Ibn Ka’ab used to assert, without saying “In shaa Allah”, that it was the night of the twenty-seventh. Zurr Ibn Hubaysh said: I said: What makes you say that, O Abul Mundhir? He said: by the signs of which the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) told us: that the sun rises that morning with no visible rays. [Narrated by Muslim]
And many marfu’ Ahadith were narrated which said that it was on this particular night.
Ibn Abbas also stated that it is the night of the twenty-seventh. He reached this conclusion by means of an amazing process. It was reported that Umar gathered the Sahabah together and included Ibn Abbas even though he was very young. They said, “Ibn Abbas is like one of our children. Why have you brought him here with us?” Umar said: “He is a youth who has a good mind and who asks lots of questions.” Then he asked the Sahabah about Lailatul Qadr, and they agreed that it was one of the last ten nights of Ramadan. He asked Ibn Abbas about it, and he said: “I think I know when it is: it is the night of the twenty-seventh.” Umar said, “What makes you think that?” He said, “Allah made the heavens seven, and the earths seven, and the days seven, and He created man from seven, and He made Tawaf seven (circuits), and al-Sa’ayi seven, and the stoning of the Jamar seven.” So Ibn Abbas thought that it was the night of the twenty-seventh because of this analysis. This has been soundly reported from Ibn Abbas. Another of the ways in which the conclusion was reached that it is the night of the twenty-seventh is by noting that the word fiha (therein) in the verse: “Therein descend the angels and the Ruh [Jibril]” [Quran 97:4] is the twenty-seventh word of Surah al-Qadr [in the original Arabic].
But there is no shar’i evidence (Dalil/Hujjah) to support this manner of analysis, and there is no need for such calculations, because we have sufficient shar’i evidence available to us.
The fact that it is usually the night of the twenty-seventh does not mean that this is always the case. It could be the night of the twenty-first, as mentioned in the Hadith of Abu Sa’id quoted above, or it could be the twenty-third, as mentioned in the report of Abdullah Ibn Unais quoted above. According to a Hadith narrated by Ibn Abbas, the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:
“Seek it in the last ten days of Ramadan, when there are nine days left, and seven days left, and five days left.” [Narrated by al-Bukhari]
Some of the scholars thought that it is more likely that Lailatul Qadr moves and does not come on a specific night each year. Imam Al-Nawawi said:
“This is the apparent meaning because of the conflict between the Sahih Ahadith on this matter, and there is no way to reconcile the Ahadith apart from saying that Lailatul Qadr moves.” [See al-Majmu’]
Respected Servants of Allah! Allah has concealed this night so that His slaves will strive to seek it, and will strive hard in worship, just as He has concealed the hour of Jumu’ah, and so on. So the believer should strive hard during the days and nights of these ten days, seeking Lailatul Qadr and following the example of our beloved Prophet (Peace be upon him) and he should strive in making Du’a and seeking to draw close to Allah.
It was reported that Aisha said:
“I said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, what do you think, if I witness Lailatul Qadr, what should I say?’ He said: ‘Say, O Allah, You are Forgiving and Generous, and you love forgiveness, so forgive me.'” [Narrated by Imam Ahmad, al-Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah. Its isnad is Sahih]
Thirdly: a greater virtue is attached to I’tikaf on this night than on any other night of the year. I’tikaf means staying in the Mosque to worship Allah, may He be exalted. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) used to spend these ten days in I’tikaf, as stated in the Hadith of Abu Sa’id quoted above. He spent the first ten days in I’tikaf, then the middle ten days, then he told them that he had been seeking Lailatul Qadr, and that he had been shown that it was in the last ten days, and he said:
“Whoever was doing I’tikaf with me, let him do I’tikaf for the last ten days.”
It was reported from Aisha that:
“The Prophet (Peace be upon him) used to do I’tikaf during the last ten days of Ramadan until he passed away, then his wives did I’tikaf after him.” [Agreed upon]
The four Imams and others (may Allah have mercy on them) said that he entered it before the sun set, and they interpreted the Hadith as meaning that he entered his place of I’tikaf and kept away from people after Salatul Subh, not that this was the time when he started his I’tikaf. [See Sharh Muslim of Imam Al-Nawawi and Fath al-Bari of Imam Ibn Hajar]
It is Sunnah for the person in I’tikaf to keep himself busy with worship, and it is forbidden for him to have intercourse with his wife or to do anything that leads to it, because Allah says:
“And do not have sexual relations with them (your wives) while you are in I’tikaf (i.e. confining oneself in a Mosque for prayers and invocations leaving the worldly activities) in the Mosques” [Quran 2:187]
And he should not go out of the Mosque except in the case of a pressing need.
– The signs by which Lailatul Qadr is known
The first sign:
Ubay Ibn Ka’ab said that the Prophet (Peace be upon him) announced that one of its signs was that when the sun rose on the following morning, it had no (visible) rays.” [Muslim]
The second sign:
Ibn Abbas narrated by Ibn Khuzaimah, and by al-Tayalisi in his Musnad, with a Sahih isnad, that the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:
“Lailatul Qadr is a pleasant night, neither hot nor cold, and the following day the sun rises red and weak.” [See Sahih Ibn Khuzaimah and Musnad of al-Tayalisi]
The third sign:
Wathilah Ibn al-Asqa said that the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:
“Lailatul Qadr is a bright night, neither hot nor cold, in which no meteors are seen.” [Narrated by al-Tabarani in al-Kabir also See Majma’ al-Zawa’id and Musnad of Imam Ahmad]
These three Sahih Ahadith explain the signs which indicate Lailatul Qadr.
It is not essential for the one who “catches” Lailatul Qadr to know that he has “caught” it. The point is to strive hard and to be sincere in worship, whether or not one knows that one has “caught” it. It may be that some of those who do not know that may be better with Allah and higher in status than those who did know which night it was, because the former strove hard.
– Don’t Miss The Last Ten Days Of Ramadan !!!
Respected Brothers and Sisters! The last ten nights of Ramadan are very special. The first of these nights occurs on the eve of the 21st day of Ramadan. In other words, it is the night that commences after the completion of the 20th day of fasting. Sometimes there are only nine nights, whenever the month of Ramadan lasts for only 29 days. Nevertheless, they are still traditionally referred to as “the last ten nights.”
The last ten nights of Ramadan are very special. These are the nights that the Prophet (Peace be upon him) would spend in constant worship. Among these nights is Lailatul Qadr – a night more blessed than a thousand months.
The Prophet (Peace be upon him) used to single these nights out for worship and the performance of good deeds. He would exert himself in worship during these ten nights more than any other nights of the year.
1. Waking Up The Family
Aisha informs us that the Prophet (Peace be upon him) used to wake up his family during the last ten nights of Ramadan. Indeed, he used to wake up his wives for prayer throughout the year, but that was so that they could pray for a small fraction of the night.
We know this, because Ummu Salamah relates that the Prophet (Peace be upon him) woke her up one night and said:
“Glory be to Allah. What has been sent down of trials during this night? What has been sent down of treasures, so that the denizens of the bedchambers will be awakened? O Lord! To be clothed in this world by naked in the Hereafter.” [Al-Bukhari]
During the last ten nights of Ramadan, the Prophet (Peace be upon him) would wake up his wives to pray for a much longer portion of the night than during the rest of the year.
2. Exerting Oneself In Worship
Aisha tells us:
“The Prophet would exert himself in worship during the last ten nights more than at any other time of the year.” [Muslim]
The great jurist, Imam al-Shafi’i declares:
“It is Sunnah for one to exert greater efforts in worship during the last ten nights of Ramadan.” [al-Majmu’]
When Aisha tells us that the Prophet (Peace be upon him) would “tighten his waistbelt”, she is speaking figuratively. The phrase means to set about to devote oneself fully and wholeheartedly to the task at hand.
3. Seeking Out Lailatul Qadr
One of the greatest distinctions of these ten special nights is that one of them is Lailatul Qadr – the Night of Decree. This is the greatest night of the year – better than a thousand months. This means that a Muslim can earn more rewards on Lailatul Qadr than he would if – excluding this special night – he were worship his Lord for eighty-four years straight. This is one of the immense favours that Allah has bestowed upon the Muslim Ummah.
Ibrahim al-Nakha’i says:
“Good works performed on this night are better than those performed consistently for a thousand months.”
Abu Hurairah relates that the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:
“Whoever spends Lailatul Qadr in prayer, believing in Allah and seeking His reward, will be forgiven all of his past sins.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
Belief in Allah, in this Hadith, means not only to believe in Allah, but to believe in the reward that we are promised for observing prayer on this night.
A Muslim should seek out this special night by spending the last ten nights of Ramadan engaged in various acts of worship. These include reciting the remembrances of Allah, reading the Quran, and begging Allah’s forgiveness.
It is best for us to strive hard on all ten nights, because the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said: The way we “look for” Lailatul Qadr is by engaging in extra worship.
When the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said: “Look for it in the last ten nights” he did not mean that we should literally “look for” signs and indications that distinguish Lailatul Qadr from other nights. The things that distinguish Lailatul Qadr from other nights are part of the Unseen.
Allah the Almighty says:
“Surely We revealed it on a blessed night. Surely We ever wish to warn (against evil) – On this night, every wise matter is made distinct.” [Surah al-Dukhan, 3-4]
He the Most High also says:
“Lailatul Qadr is better than a thousand months. The angels and the Spirit descend therein, by the permission of their Lord, with every decree. (This night is) peace, until the rising of the dawn.” [Surah al-Qadr, 3-5]
These are the ways in which Lailatul Qadr is special. They are not things that we can see with our eyes. No one after the Prophet (Peace be upon him) can see the angels.
4. Observing a Retreat in the Mosque (I’tikaf)
Observing a retreat in the Mosque is of the best things we can do during the last ten nights of Ramadan.
The practice of i’tikaf is a strongly recommended act. The purpose of doing so is to devote one’s heart exclusively to Allah. The person engaging in i’tikaf keeps this intention close to mind and seeks Allah’s blessings. He should not forget the reason why he is observing this retreat.
A person observing i’tikaf does not leave the Mosque except for what is absolutely necessary (like going to the bathroom). While in the Mosque, he should busy himself with the remembrance of Allah. He should make sure to offer the remembrances of the morning and evening and the prescribed remembrances for the five daily prayers. He should perform all of the Sunnah prayers and all other recommended prayers, like the Duha prayer. He should read as much of the Quran as he can.
He should spend less time eating and sleep as little as possible. He should avoid unnecessary talk. However, he should engage in advising his fellow Muslims and in enjoining them to truth and to patience.
5. Generosity
It is encouraged for us to be extra generous during the last ten nights of Ramadan, without being extravagant or ostentatious in our giving. Ibn Abbas relates that:
“Allah’s Messenger (Peace be upon him ) was the most generous of all people in doing good, and he was at his most generous during the month of Ramadan. Angel Jibril used to meet with him every year throughout the month of Ramadan, so the Prophet could recite the Quran to him. Whenever Jibril met with him, he became more generous than a beneficial breeze.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
Imam Al-Nawawi states in al-Majmu’, vol. 6 page 398 that:
“Generosity and open-handedness are strongly encouraged in Ramadan, especially during the last ten nights. By doing so, we emulate the example of Allah’s Messenger (Peace be upon him) as well as of our Pious Predecessors (Salafus Salih). Also, this month is noble, and good works carried out in this month are more blessed than they are at any other time. Also, during this month, people are preoccupied with fasting and worship, and this distracts them from their livelihood, so they might need some assistance during this time.”
All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds. May the peace, blessings and salutations of Allah be upon our Noble Messenger, Muhammad, and upon his family, his Companions and his true followers.
Ma’assalam,
Your Brother:
Imam Murtadha Muhammad Gusau, from Okene, Kogi State, Nigeria. The Imam can be reached through: gusaumurtada@gmail.com or +2348038289761.
