The importance of the last 10 days of Ramadan cannot be overemphasised.
Islam does not approve of monasticism, but it does ask us to take periodic breaks from it.
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The mandatory Salat is a perfect example. Ramadan takes this to the next higher level, providing intense training for a whole month.
This ardor is captured in I’tikaf – a unique ibadah associated with Ramadan, in which Muslims give up all their normal activities and enter a masjid (mosque) for a specific period.
There is great virtue in it and every Muslim community is encouraged to provide at least one figure who will do I’tikaf for the last 10 days of Ramadan. Though, those who cannot spare 10 days are encouraged to spend as much time in the mosque as possible.
Allah says in Qur’an Surah Al-Qadr verses 1-5, “We revealed the Qur’an during the Night of Power. What do you know of the Night of Power. The Night of Power is better than a thousand months. During this night, the Angel Gabriel and other angels descend therein with permission of Allah (SWT) with all decrees. This night is peace and goodness until the rising of the dawn.”
According to this Surah, Allah (SWT) revealed the Qur’an during the Night of Power. It means that Qur’an was revealed or transferred from the place of ultimate custody of Allah to this universe during the Lai Latul Qadr (the Night of Power).
Qadr means valuable, power and precious. And the revelation of the Holy Qur’an happened during this night. Therefore, a person who had no value becomes valuable and Allah-conscious by worship during this night.
Next, Allah says that the night of power is better than a thousand months. The Arab of that time considered one thousand, a very large number. It means that the ibadah during this night of power is better than a very large number of nights.
One thousand months equal 83 years and four months. This means that a person in his eighties becomes pious and devout by ibadah all his life. But the ibadah during the Night of Power is better than the ibadah or worship over 80 years of incessant submission to Allah (SWT).
During this Night of Power, Angel Gabriel and other angels appointed come down to the earth and make a special plea to Allah for those who they observe engaged in remembrance of Allah standing or sitting. This Night of Power is the night of total peace and goodness and it lasts till dawn.
As mentioned in Bukhari, Aisha (R.A) narrated that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Look for this night during the last 10 days of Ramadan.”
It is also mentioned in Muslim as narrated by Ibn-Umar that the prophet PBUH said, “Look for this night during the odd nights of the last 10 days of the Ramadan.” Many people believe it is on the 27th night. It is not specified, precisely. We are encouraged to earn extra bounties from Allah by searching the night and engaging ourselves in remembrance of Allah (SWT).
Ramadan is the month for rebuilding our spiritual strength. How much we benefit from it is up to us.
May Allah forgive us!
Muazu is a broadcaster with Freedom Radio, Kano
