The last ten days of Ramadan: Seeking mercy, forgiveness, and action

As Ramadan nears its end, we enter the last ten nights – the month’s most blessed and spiritually significant period. These nights offer an opportunity for deep reflection, intensified worship, and acts of kindness, as they include Laylatul Qadr (The Night of Decree), which the Qur’an describes as “better than a thousand months” (Surah Al-Qadr 97:3).

This is a time when Allah’s mercy, forgiveness, and blessings are at their peak. But beyond personal devotion, it is also a time to extend our prayers and actions to those who are suffering – especially those in Gaza and the West Bank, who continue to endure unimaginable hardship.

1. Seeking Laylatul Qadr

The Night of Decree is one of the last ten nights of Ramadan, most likely falling on an odd night (21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th). It is a night when the Quran was first revealed, and it is said that the rewards of worship on this night are multiplied beyond comprehension.

What can we do to maximise this time?

• Increase in Tahajjud (night prayer): Spend time in sujood (prostration), pouring your heart out to Allah.
• Make sincere dua (supplication): The Prophet (PBUH) recommended this powerful supplication: Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibbul ‘afwa fa’fu ‘anni. O Allah, You are the Most Forgiving, and You love to forgive, so forgive me. (Tirmidhi)
• Read and reflect on the Qur’an: Try to increase your recitation and ponder its meanings.
• Give Sadaqah (charity): The Prophet (PBUH) was at his most generous in the last ten nights. A simple act of kindness can be multiplied as if it was given every day for 83 years!

2. The Last Ten Days: A Time for Gaza

While many of us prepare for Eid celebrations, the people of Gaza and the West Bank continue to face hunger, displacement, and destruction. The genocide in Gaza, with tens of thousands of Palestinians killed, means many families will spend Eid mourning their loved ones rather than celebrating.

The suffering of Palestine has only worsened over the years, proving that our responsibility to stand for justice and provide aid is more crucial than ever. What you can do:

• Donate every night: Schedule automatic donations to ensure your Sadaqah or Zakat reaches Gaza during Laylatul Qadr.
• Raise awareness: Use your voice to educate others about Palestine and call for an end to the siege and occupation.
• Support Palestinian families: Many organisations provide direct aid – consider sponsoring an orphan or a displaced family.
• Boycott and divest: Take part in the BDS movement, refusing to support companies complicit in Israel’s oppression.

3. Ittikaf: Detaching from the world for Allah

One of the great Sunnahs of the last ten days is Ittikaf—a spiritual retreat where a person dedicates themselves entirely to worship inside a mosque. The Prophet (PBUH) never missed Ittikaf in the final ten nights of Ramadan.

Even if you cannot do a full Ittikaf, try to dedicate as much time as possible away from distractions, focusing on prayer, Qur’an, and self-reflection.

4. Preparing for Eid with purpose

As we prepare for Eid, let’s not forget those who cannot celebrate due to war, oppression, or poverty. One of the key obligations before Eid is to pay Zakat al-Fitr – a small charity given to the poor to ensure they can partake in Eid celebrations.

By giving Zakat al-Fitr, we ensure that families in Gaza, the West Bank, and other struggling communities can experience some joy on Eid.

Final thoughts: End Ramadan strong

The last ten days of Ramadan are a gift – an opportunity to erase past sins, draw closer to Allah, and make a lasting impact through our actions.

This year, let’s not just pray for ourselves. Let’s make dua for Palestine, support those in need, and commit to standing for justice, mercy, and compassion beyond Ramadan.

May Allah accept our fasting, prayers, and charity, and may we witness Laylatul Qadr with open hearts and hands full of good deeds. Ameen.