The last ten days of Ramadan are a time for greater effort in worship and seeking Laylat al-Qadr. The Prophet, peace be upon him, increased his worship during this period and observed i’tikaf. His example gives Muslims a clear focus for the closing days: prayer, remembrance, supplication and repentance.
What makes Laylat al-Qadr so special?
Laylat al-Qadr is the night on which Allah revealed the Quran. The surah named after it describes the night as better than a thousand months:
“We have indeed revealed this (Message) in the Night of Power: And what will explain to thee what the night of power is? The Night of Power is better than a thousand months. Therein come down the angels and the Spirit by Allah’s permission, on every errand: Peace!…This until the rise of morn”!
Seeking this night is a central reason to give the end of Ramadan particular attention. Prayer, remembrance, supplication and repentance keep that search focused on worship and drawing closer to Allah.
When should you seek Laylat al-Qadr?
The Prophet, peace be upon him, urged Muslims to seek Laylat al-Qadr in the last ten nights of Ramadan. The following narration directs attention to these nights:
Narrated Ibn `Abbas:
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Look for the Night of Qadr in the last ten nights of Ramadan ,’ on the night when nine or seven or five nights remain out of the last ten nights of Ramadan (i.e. 21, 23, 25, respectively).
Make worship a priority throughout this period. For a fuller discussion of the timing, read about the date of Laylat al-Qadr as indicated by the Prophet, peace be upon him.
How did the Prophet, peace be upon him, worship?
The Prophet, peace be upon him, increased his effort in worship during the last ten days and encouraged his family to worship. Muslim narrates from Aisha, may God be pleased with her:
“The Messenger of God, may God’s prayers and peace be upon him, used to strive in the last ten days, as he did not strive in others”
Another report from Aisha, may God be pleased with her, describes his practice:
“When the first ten days of Ramadan began, the Prophet, may God’s prayers and peace be upon him, would tighten his apron, revive the night and wake up his family.”
Wording note: the reference to the “first ten days” in this quotation is inconsistent with the preceding report about the last ten days.
Sahih Muslim also records from Aisha, may God be pleased with her:
“And I did not see the Messenger of God, may God’s prayers and peace be upon him, stand up at night until the morning.”
These reports keep the focus on greater effort in worship during the closing days of Ramadan. For practical guidance on prayer, see how to pray Taraweeh at home.
What is the purpose of i’tikaf?
I’tikaf is an established Sunnah, supported by the Quran, the Sunnah and the consensus of the Muslim community. Its purpose is to clear the heart for worship and remembrance, seek Laylat al-Qadr and step away from worldly distractions.
‘A’isha (RAA) narrated, ’The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to perform I’tikaf during the last ten days of Ramadan until he died. Then his wives used to perform I’tikaf after his death.’ Agreed upon.
The emphasis is on giving the heart and attention to Allah. This helps explain why i’tikaf has such a prominent place in the worship of the Prophet, peace be upon him, during these days.
How can you make the most of these days?
Give time and attention to prayer, remembrance, supplication and repentance. The Quran’s reminder of “a few days” encourages Muslims to value this time and avoid wasting it.
- Make room for prayer. Give worship particular attention as Ramadan draws to a close.
- Remember Allah and make supplication. Keep these acts at the centre of your efforts to seek Laylat al-Qadr.
- Turn to Allah in repentance. Use the closing days to renew your devotion and seek His forgiveness.
- Limit distractions. Protect time for worship and maintain the effort you began earlier in the month.
For further reading, explore acts of worship in Ramadan.
If your plans include continued Quran learning, explore Tajweed classes or Islamic studies for kids. Murouj Academy teaches one-to-one, and you can book a free trial class with a teacher.
Frequently asked questions
Does Laylat al-Qadr last until dawn?
Yes. The Quran passage quoted above describes its peace as continuing until the rise of morning.
How can I involve my family in these nights?
Encourage one another to give time to prayer and remembrance. The report from Aisha, may God be pleased with her, describes the Prophet, peace be upon him, waking his family for worship.
Did the wives of the Prophet, peace be upon him, observe i’tikaf?
Yes. The narration from Aisha, may God be pleased with her, says that they continued to perform i’tikaf after his death.
