The last ten nights of Ramadan are the most blessed, especially Laylatul Qadr, which is better than a thousand months (سورة القدر: 3). Here’s how you can maximize these nights according to the Qur’an and Sunnah:
If you do these consistently, you can earn the reward of over 83 years of worship in a single night. May Allah grant you Laylatul Qadr.
1. Increase in Qiyam (Night Prayer)
- The Prophet ﷺ used to tighten his waist belt (i.e., exert himself in worship) during the last ten nights (Bukhari, 2024; Muslim, 1174).
- Pray Taraweeh and Tahajjud as much as possible.
- If you can, pray in the last third of the night, as Allah descends and accepts duas (Bukhari, 1145; Muslim, 758).
2. Seek Laylatul Qadr
- It occurs in the odd nights (21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, 29th) (Bukhari, 2017; Muslim, 1165).
- The best dua to make: اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ العَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي
"O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, and You love to forgive, so forgive me." (Tirmidhi, 3513).
3. Make Constant Dhikr and Du'a
- The Salaf would spend these nights in dhikr and seeking forgiveness.
- Ibn Qayyim (رحمه الله) said: "The best of du’a is seeking forgiveness."
- Focus on:
- Astaghfirullah (Seeking forgiveness)
- La ilaha illa Allah (Renewing tawheed)
- SubhanAllah wa bihamdih, SubhanAllah al-‘Azim (Heavy on the scale)
4. Read and Reflect on the Qur’an
- The Qur’an was revealed in Laylatul Qadr (Surah Al-Qadr, 97:1).
- Ibn Taymiyyah (رحمه الله) emphasized: "There is nothing more beneficial for the heart than the Qur'an."
- Read with reflection and act upon it.
5. Give Sadaqah (Charity) Every Night
- The Prophet ﷺ was the most generous in Ramadan, especially in the last ten nights (Bukhari, 6).
- Set up automated daily donations to ensure you catch Laylatul Qadr.
6. Make Sincere Tawbah (Repentance)
- Allah frees people from Hellfire every night in Ramadan (Tirmidhi, 682).
- Repent from major and minor sins with sincerity.
7. Avoid Wasting Time
- Social media, unnecessary conversations, and distractions should be minimized.
- The Salaf would seclude themselves for ibadah.
8. Perform I’tikaf (Seclusion in the Masjid)
- The Prophet ﷺ did I’tikaf every year in the last ten nights (Bukhari, 2025; Muslim, 1172).
- If possible, stay in the masjid for worship.
Summary
- Increase in night prayers, especially Tahajjud.
- Seek Laylatul Qadr and make dua for forgiveness.
- Engage in dhikr, especially astaghfirullah and tahleel.
- Read and reflect on the Qur’an.
- Give charity every night.
- Make sincere repentance.
- Avoid distractions and wasting time.
- If possible, perform I’tikaf in the masjid.
If you do these consistently, you can earn the reward of over 83 years of worship in a single night. May Allah grant you Laylatul Qadr.