As Ramadan reaches its final stage, Muslims around the world enter the last ten days, the most blessed and spiritually intense part of the month. These nights carry immense rewards and contain Laylatul Qadr (The Night of Decree) — a night better than a thousand months.

The Prophet ﷺ increased his worship during these days more than at any other time of the year. For believers seeking forgiveness, closeness to Allah, and immense reward, these nights are a priceless opportunity.

The Importance of the Last Ten Days
The final ten days of Ramadan hold special significance in Islam. They are a time to increase worship, seek forgiveness, and detach from worldly distractions.

Allah says in the Qur’an:
إِنَّا أَنْزَلْنَاهُ فِي لَيْلَةِ الْقَدْرِ
وَمَا أَدْرَاكَ مَا لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ
لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ خَيْرٌ مِّنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍ
“Indeed, We sent the Qur’an down during the Night of Decree. And what can make you know what the Night of Decree is? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.”
(Qur’an Surah Al-Qadr 97:1-3)

This means worship performed on this single night is better than worship of more than 83 years.
The Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ in the Last Ten Nights
The Prophet ﷺ would exert himself greatly in worship during these nights.

Aisha (رضي الله عنها) said:
“When the last ten nights of Ramadan began, the Prophet ﷺ would tighten his waist belt, spend the night in worship, and wake his family.”
Reference:
Sahih al-Bukhari (Hadith 2024)
Sahih Muslim (Hadith 1174)

Scholars explain that “tightening the waist belt” means increasing effort in worship and staying away from unnecessary worldly matters.

Laylatul Qadr – The Night Better Than 1000 Months
Laylatul Qadr occurs during the odd nights of the last ten days (21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th).

The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Seek Laylatul Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten nights of Ramadan.”
Reference:
Sahih al-Bukhari (Hadith 2017)

Because the exact night is unknown, Muslims strive in worship every night of the last ten days.

Best Acts of Worship in the Last Ten Days
1. Increase Night Prayer (Qiyam / Tahajjud)
Standing in prayer during the night is one of the greatest acts of worship.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever stands in prayer on Laylatul Qadr with faith and seeking reward will have his previous sins forgiven.”
Reference:
Sahih al-Bukhari (Hadith 1901)
Sahih Muslim (Hadith 760)
2. Make Abundant Duʿā
Aisha (رضي الله عنها) asked the Prophet ﷺ what she should say if she finds Laylatul Qadr.
He replied:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ العَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي
“O Allah, You are Most Forgiving and You love forgiveness, so forgive me.”
Reference:
Jamiʿ at-Tirmidhi (Hadith 3513) – Sahih
3. Recite and Reflect on the Qur’an
Ramadan is the month in which the Qur’an was revealed.
Allah says:
شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِي أُنزِلَ فِيهِ الْقُرْآنُ
“The month of Ramadan in which the Qur’an was revealed.”
(Qur’an Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185)
Reciting Qur’an in these nights multiplies reward immensely.
4. Give Charity
Charity during Ramadan is highly rewarded, especially in the last ten nights.
Ibn Abbas (رضي الله عنهما) said:
“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ was the most generous of people, and he was even more generous during Ramadan.”
Reference:
Sahih al-Bukhari (Hadith 6)
Sahih Muslim (Hadith 2308)
5. Perform Iʿtikaf
Many Muslims perform Iʿtikaf (seclusion in the mosque) during the final ten days.
Aisha (رضي الله عنها) reported:
“The Prophet ﷺ used to observe Iʿtikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan until Allah took his soul.”
Reference:
Sahih al-Bukhari (Hadith 2026)
Sahih Muslim (Hadith 1172)
A Final Opportunity Before Ramadan Ends
The last ten days of Ramadan are a final chance for forgiveness, mercy, and immense reward. Many scholars say the successful believer is the one who finishes Ramadan stronger than he started it.
Imam Ibn Rajab (رحمه الله) said in Lata’if al-Ma’arif:
“The believer combines good deeds with fear and hope, while the hypocrite combines sins with false hope.”

These nights could change our lives and determine our success in the Hereafter.

Make the Most of These Blessed Nights
Use the last ten nights to:
Pray Tahajjud
Recite Qur’an
Make sincere duʿā
Seek forgiveness
Give charity
Remember Allah abundantly
Perhaps one sincere night of worship could be the reason Allah forgives all our sins.
May Allah allow us to witness Laylatul Qadr and accept all our deeds.
Ameen.