As our honoured guest, Ramadan, prepares to depart, we feel a deep sadness knowing that only a few nights remain. The final stretch of this marathon of khayr (goodness and virtue) is very close to an end.

Anas bin Malik r.a. reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: "Indeed, this month has come to you, and within it, there is a night that is better than a thousand months. Whoever is deprived of it has truly been deprived of all goodness. And none is deprived of its blessings except one who is truly unfortunate."(Ibn Mājah, 1644; ḥasan- [sound])

This is indeed among the greatest virtues in Ramadan -Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Decree-which holds extraordinary significance. Any act of worship performed on this sacred night carries a reward greater than a lifetime of devotion, spanning over a thousand months. 

It is a divine gift granted once a year, offering immense rewards beyond human comprehension. This means a single night’s worship is better than over 83 years of continuous devotion. The Prophet ﷺ exerted himself more in worship during these nights than at any other time of the year.

To miss Laylat al-Qadr is to suffer an immeasurable loss. The Prophet ﷺ emphasized that those who neglect it, whether due to heedlessness, laziness, or lack of effort, are deprived of all goodness. This deprivation is not merely unfortunate; rather, it reflects a failure to seek Allah’s infinite mercy and blessings. Only those truly unfortunate fail to recognise the immense significance of this night.

Do Not Miss the Night of a Lifetime!

Every believer is strongly encouraged to seek Laylat al-Qadr with sincerity and devotion. The Prophet ﷺ promised: "Whoever stands (in prayer) during Laylat al-Qadr with faith and seeking reward, his past sins will be forgiven."(Al-Bukhārī, 2014; Muslim, 760)

This extraordinary night offers an unparalleled opportunity to purify the soul, attain divine mercy, and deepen one’s connection with Allah. It is a chance for spiritual renewal—a moment to seek forgiveness and erase past sins. 

Neglecting worship during Ramadan, especially in its final ten nights, means missing out on the greatest rewards of this blessed month. The doors of divine mercy, forgiveness, and immense blessings remain open, but only those who actively seek them will benefit.

Every act of devotion, whether through prayer, supplication, recitation of the Qur’an, or acts of kindness, brings a person closer to Allah and multiplies their rewards.

Laylat al-Qadr is a night of peace and tranquillity, filling hearts with serenity and contentment.

Ibn ʿAbbās r.a. narrated that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ described this sacred night, saying: "Laylat al-Qadr is a blessed night, neither hot nor cold, and the sun rises the next day red with weak rays."(Al-Bayhaqī in Shuʿab al-Īmān; Ṣaḥīḥ al-Jāmiʿ, 5475; ṣaḥīḥ [authentic])

The Importance of Perseverance

The exact night of Laylat al-Qadr is unknown, but authentic narrations confirm that it falls within the last ten nights of Ramadan. The Prophet ﷺ instructed his companions to seek it diligently: "Seek Laylat al-Qadr in the last ten nights of Ramadan." (Al-Bukhari, 2017; Muslim, 1169)

He ﷺ also said:

"Search for the Night of Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan." This highlights the importance of perseverance. Imagine dedicating oneself to worship throughout these final ten nights with unwavering sincerity and devotion. In shā’ Allāh, by Allah’s will, one will inevitably encounter this blessed night, even if unaware of it.

One of the divine wisdoms behind concealing its exact date is to encourage believers to strive consistently in worship, rather than limiting their devotion to a single night. This continuous effort strengthens faith and deepens one's connection with Allah.

Make the Last Ten Nights Count!

1. The Virtue of Night Prayers in Ramadan

The Prophet ﷺ promised that whoever stands in prayer on Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Decree) with faith and hope for reward will have their past sins forgiven. Ṣalāt al-Tarāwīḥ is the Ṣalāt al-Layl (Night Prayer) and Qiyām Ramaḍān (Standing in Prayer during Ramadan) both of which should be performed with sincerity and devotion.

As these final nights of Ramadan are precious, let us perfect our prayers and seize this blessed opportunity. Without knowledge, we may fail to appreciate the immense blessing that Allah has granted us.

Ramadan itself is a month-long preparation, easing our journey of standing in prayer beyond this sacred month. Ibn Rajab rh. highlighted the two jihād a believer undergoes in Ramadan: fasting by day and standing in prayer by night. The one who combines both is promised a reward beyond measure.

2. Praying with the Imām Until the End

The Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever prays with the Imām until he finishes, it will be recorded for him as if he spent the whole night in prayer." (Sunan al-Tirmidhī, No. 806; Sunan Abī Dāwūd, No. 1375, ṣaḥīḥ).

This hadith encourages us to join the Imām from the beginning and remain until the prayer concludes with Witr, ensuring we receive the reward of an entire night’s worship.

3. Recite and Reflect on the Qur'an

As the night of revelation, we should increase our recitation and contemplation of the Qur'an, just as Jibril a.s did with the Prophet ﷺ. Ibn ʿAbbās r.a. reported:

“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ was the most generous of people, and he was even more generous during Ramadan when Jibrīl (Gabriel) would meet him. Jibrīl used to meet him every night of Ramadan to study the Qur'an with him.” (al-Bukhari, 1902; Muslim, 2308)

4. Make Sincere Du‘ā’ and Dhikr,

Seek Allah’s forgiveness with:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي

“O Allah, You are the Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness, so forgive me.” (Al-Tirmidhī, 3513, ṣaḥīḥ-authentic)

Increase in du‘ā’and engage in constant remembrance of Allah with adhkār such as Subḥānallāh, Alḥamdulillāh, Allāhu Akbar, and Lā ilāha illa Allāh.

5. Give in Charity (Ṣadaqah & Zakāt)

Follow the Prophet’s ﷺ example of generosity by helping the needy, supporting masjids, or sponsoring ifṭār. “…The Messenger of Allah ﷺ was more generous than the fast-blowing wind…”(al- Bukhari, 1902; Muslim, 2308)

6. Seek Forgiveness and Repent (Tawbah & Istighfār)

Turn back to Allah with sincerity, as these nights are a chance for spiritual renewal.

وَسَارِعُوا إِلَىٰ مَغْفِرَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ وَجَنَّةٍ عَرْضُهَا السَّمَاوَاتُ وَالْأَرْضُ أُعِدَّتْ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ

And hasten to forgiveness from your Lord and a garden as wide as the heavens and earth, prepared for the righteous." (Sūrah Ālī-ʿImrān, 3:133) 

The Prophet ﷺ also warned us: "They will regret and suffer loss... they will regret and suffer loss..." Then the companions asked, “Who are they, O Messenger of Allah?” The Messenger of Allah ﷺ replied, "The one who enters the month of Ramadan and reaches its end, yet his sins are not forgiven."(Al-Tirmidhī, No. 3545, ḥasan)

7. Perform I‘tikāf (Seclusion in the Masjid)

If possible, dedicate time to i‘tikāf, immersing in worship as the Prophet ﷺ did during the last ten nights.`Abdullah ibn `Amr r.a. narrated:  "The Prophet ﷺ used to practice I`tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan." Nafi` said: `Abdullah r.a. showed me the spot [of the masjid] in which the Prophet ﷺ used to observe I`tikaf. (Muslim, 1171).

8. Strengthen Family Bonds and Dutifulness towards parents

Encourage loved ones in worship, make du‘ā’ for them, and protect our household from spiritual neglect. ‘Aishah r.a. narrated : “With the start of the last ten days of Ramadan, the Prophet ﷺ used to tighten his waist belt (i.e. work hard) and used to pray all night, and used to keep his family awake for the prayers.” (al-Bukhārī, 2024)

Abu Hurayrah r.a. reported that the Prophet ﷺ said: “May his nose be rubbed in dust, may his nose be rubbed in dust, may his nose be rubbed in dust." It was said, "Who, O Messenger of Allah?"He said, "The one whose parents, one or both of them, reach old age during his lifetime, yet he does not enter Jannah (by being dutiful to them).”(Muslim, 2551)

9. Guard Speech and Actions

Avoid arguments, backbiting, and idle talk; speak good or remain silent, as advised by the Prophet ﷺ. Abū Hurayrah r.a. narrated the Prophet ﷺ "Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him speak good or remain silent." (al-Bukhari 6136, Muslim, 47)

"Ubadah bin Al-Samit r.a. also narrated that: The Prophet ﷺ came out to inform us about the Night of Qadr but two Muslims were quarreling with each other. So, the Prophet ﷺ said, "I came out to inform you about the Night of Qadr but such-and-such persons were quarreling, so the news about it had been taken away; yet that might be for your good, so search for it on the 29th, 27th and 25th (of Ramadan). (al-Bukhari, 2023)

10. Maintain Sincere Intentions and Consistency

Since Laylat al-Qadr’s exact night is unknown, strive every night with full dedication, following the example of the Prophet ﷺ.ʿĀʾishah r.a. reported that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:​ "The most beloved deeds to Allah are those that are done consistently, even if they are small." (al-Bukhari 5861, Muslim, 782)

Seize the Opportunity and Finish Strong!

Let this Ramadan not pass without sincere devotion. Do not let Laylat al-Qadr pass unnoticed without striving in worship. Do not remain indifferent, for the loss would be too great to bear. Stay focused, Ramadan is not over yet!

Ibn ʿUmar r.a. narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said:

"Some men among the companions of the Prophet ﷺ were shown in their dreams that the Night of Qadr was in the last seven nights of Ramadan. Allah’s Messenger ﷺ said, ‘It seems that all your dreams agree that (the Night of Qadr) is in the last seven nights, so whoever seeks it should search in the last seven nights of Ramadan.’"(al- Bukhari, 2015)

Abu Hurayrah r.a. narrated that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said regarding Laylat al-Qadr:

"It is the twenty-seventh or twenty-ninth night. On that night, the angels on earth outnumber the pebbles." (Ahmad, 10734, ḥasan [sound]) Istiqāmah Beyond Ramadan

As we prepare to bid farewell to Ramadan and welcome ‘Eid Al-Fiṭr, true success lies in maintaining istiqāmah (steadfastness) beyond this blessed month. We worship Allah in Ramadan, not Ramadan itself. Allah commands:

فَاسْتَقِمْ كَمَا أُمِرْتَ

"So remain steadfast as you have been commanded." (Sūrah Hūd, 11:112)

ʿAbdullāh ibn ʿAmr r.a reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:

"Do (good) deeds according to your capacity, for Allah does not get tired (of giving rewards) until you get tired. The most beloved deeds to Allah are those that are done consistently, even if they are few." (al-Bukhārī, 43; Muslim, 782) 

Ibn Rajab r.h. commented: "Ramadan is a training for the soul. If one truly benefits from it, the effects of worship will last beyond the month." Indeed, the patience, discipline, and sincerity cultivated in Ramadan should continue to shape our lives throughout the year. May Allah grant us steadfastness, accept our worship, and bless us with His boundless mercy and guidance. Āmīn.

Biodata of the Author: Dr. Nurul Jannah binti Zainan Nazri is an Assistant Professor of Qur'an and Sunnah Studies at International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). She is passionate about ḥadīth text criticism, contemporary issues in the Tafsīr and Ḥadīth, environmental and scientific concerns, gender studies, and sociology.

With a keen analytical perspective, her work explores the complexities of these fields, engaging both classical scholarship and modern challenges. 

She has presented her research at international conferences worldwide and has made significant contributions to books and academic journals, fostering meaningful discourse in her areas of expertise.