Author: Rebecca Pena Hikal The Last ten Days of Ramadan
The Last 10 Days of Ramadan
While so many are sad that Ramadan will be over in less than two weeks, the blessed month’s last 10 days offer us a final push to do as much good as we can. We cannot let our enthusiasm slow down.
Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings 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).
Here are 10 things we can do during these last 10 days of Ramadan.
1. Pay Zakat
Many Muslims plan to pay this obligatory pillar of Islam at some point during Ramadan, to benefit from the greater spiritual reward attached to charity during the month. If you haven’t already, do so this month, do so. While keeping needy, family, neighbors, and your communities in mind, find a charity that feeds the hungry. There are many all over the world.
2. Pay Zakat al-Fitr
Zakat al-Fitr allows needy families to enjoy the Eid holiday. Pay this to your local Masjid or an organization of your choice well before Eid-ul-Fitr in these last 10 days of Ramadan.
3. Increase your Giving
With news of a possible double-digit recession and a roller coaster stock market, it’s tempting to withhold or limit our giving this year. But don’t let that stop you from being generous. Remember that Allah is al-Razzaq, the Provider, and that that the Prophet reminded us that “charity does not decrease wealth” (Muslim).
Remember giving does not always have to be monetary. There are so many things that we can do to help others. Feed the poor, give someone water, help a widow, donate to an orphanage, and so much more.
Humble, modest and loving, Prophet Muhammad (saw) was known for his generosity. As “the most generous of all the people” (Bukhari), the Prophet (saw) continuously encouraged his followers to help others, calling upon Muslims to support their families, neighbors, communities, and the wider ummah. Emphasising the importance of charity, the Prophet (saw) said:
“Generosity is near to Allah swt, near to paradise, near to the people, and far from the Hellfire” (Tirmidhi)
4. Attend Tarawih more than you have all month
If you haven’t been able to attend Tarawih prayers most of the month of Ramadan due to work or other commitments, make a special effort to go in these last 10 days. Even if you decide to pray only eight units of prayer in a Masjid that normally offers 20, you will benefit from the sense of community and the blessings of congregational prayer.
To be able to stay awake for Tarawih, try your best to take a short nap after coming home from work. Also, try not to overeat during Iftar, making it more likely you will be sluggish and sleepy come Tarawih time.
5. Connect to Laylatul Qadr with more Quran reading
Muslims are encouraged to seek the night of Laylatul Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan.
This is the night that is described as better than a thousand months (Quran 97:3)
This is when the Quran’s revelation began.
Apart from seeking to do more good than usual, push yourself to finish reading at least a couple of parts of the Quran, preferably in Arabic and English. Cut or drastically reduce television, social media, and socializing time to accomplish this goal.
6. Connect with family
Islam puts such an importance on maintaining family ties. If you haven’t been able to keep in touch with relatives, use these last 10 days to call or send them an email or text about getting together for Eid-al-Fitr or simply just to keep in touch and wish them Happy Eid.
7. Remember those in need
As you shop for Eid for yourself or your kids, pick up a few extra clothes, toys, or games and drop them off at various sites collecting these things for those in need if you are able to.
8. Make your last fasts really count
If you’ve caught yourself falling back on old habits while fasting, make an extra special effort in these last days of the month to become conscious of these behaviors and stop them before they start again.These can range from swearing, backbiting, watching television shows or movies that we should not be watching.
9. Set your alarm for Tahajjud
It’s hard getting up for Suhoor, so why make the effort for Tahajjud? This blessed time is one in which Allah is very close, answering prayers and offering forgiveness, in particular (Bukhari).
Multiply that by the fact that it’s Ramadan and you’ve got an exceptional opportunity to really connect with Allah swt and ask for all that you need or want.
10. Make lots of dua…. and then make more dua
Use as many of Ramadan’s last minutes to make plenty of Dua. These include not only the standard supplications recommended for everyday use (e.g. before and after eating, dressing, entering and leaving the home, etc.), and those seeking God’s Mercy and Forgiveness. Truly pour your heart out, asking from the One Who already knows your needs and wants and faces no barriers to fulfilling them. Don’t forget to ask for not only the big things, but even the smaller ones.
May Allah swt accept our duas and fasts during these last 10 days of this blessed holy month InshaAllah Ameen
Sister Rebecca is a SAHM living in Houston Texas. Married for 13 years with two children, and a revert since 2014, her hobbies include cooking, reading, and spending time with family.