How to Make the Most of Last 10 Days of Ramadan

Ramadan, the 9th month of the Islamic calendar, is a month in which Muslims across the globe observe fasting as ordained by the Almighty Allah in the Holy Qur’an. Fasting, which involves abstaining from eating food, drinking water and sexual intercourse from predawn (fajr) till sunset, is compulsory for Muslims who have attained maturity. During […]

Ramadan, the 9th month of the Islamic calendar, is a month in which Muslims across the globe observe fasting as ordained by the Almighty Allah in the Holy Qur’an.

Fasting, which involves abstaining from eating food, drinking water and sexual intercourse from predawn (fajr) till sunset, is compulsory for Muslims who have attained maturity.

During this period, which lasts for 29 or 30 days, Muslims are expected to dedicate the best part of their time in deepening their connection with Allah through various spiritual acts.

As the month winds down, it is important to be reminded of the spiritual significance the last 10 days of Ramadan, as it is among these days that Lailatul Qadr (the night of power) occurs.

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Daily Trust spoke to an Islamic cleric and a health expert on how to make the most of these blessed days while maintaining mental well-being during this period of intense spiritual devotion.

Dr Usman Ibrahim Sulaiman Giade, Chief Imam of Umar Ibn Abdul’azeez Mosque and lecturer at the Sa’adu Zungur University, Bauchi, explained that the last 10 days of Ramadan are a sacred period in which Lailatul Qadr (the night of power) is witnessed.

He said, “The last 10 days of Ramadan are a sacred period and are highly valued by Allah. There are no nights that are better, holier or mightier than these last ten days. Therefore, Muslims should prepare themselves to reap the benefits of this blessed period. In Arabic, these nights are also referred to as ‘nights of Gold’.

“Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was known to have expended extra effort during the last 10 days of Ramadan. He would often perform Itikaf, a spiritual retreat, in search of the Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr).”

On the significance of Laylat al-Qadr, the cleric said, “It is a night distinguished from all other nights in the year. It is the night in which the Holy Qur’an was revealed, and Allah describes it as being equivalent to 1,000 months (almost more than 80 years) of worship.”

Preparing for the last 10 days

To make the most of the last 10 days of Ramadan, Dr. Giade advised Muslims to prepare themselves spiritually through the following:

• Carefully prepare and plan for what you want to achieve before the end of the month.
• Intensify Qur’anic recitation, as Ramadan is the month of the Qur’an. Ardent devotees of generations before us were reported to have recited the complete Qur’an on each of the last 10 days of the Holy month.
• Increasing night prayers (Tahajjud) and other acts of worship
• Engaging in charity and giving out alms.
• Performing Itikaf, a spiritual retreat, to disconnect from worldly affairs and focus on worship. The prophet had consistently observed it until he died.

Timing of the Night of the Power

As the day on which the Lailatul Qadr occurs is not specified, it is essential to maintain consistency in worship throughout the last 10 days of Ramadan, rather than focusing on some specific nights. This ensures that Muslims do not miss the opportunity to witness the Night of Power, which can fall on any of the last ten nights.

The cleric added, “If Allah has revealed the day on which the night of power occurs, many people may decide to intensify efforts in worshipping the Almighty only on the specific day and night. But Allah, in his wisdom, makes it such that the day is not revealed, just so we may commit ourselves in worship throughout the last ten days.”

Sheikh Giade further called on Muslims to extend and continue to use the lessons learned during the Holy month Ramadan throughout their lives.

Speaking on practical steps Muslims should take in the last 10 days of Ramadan to balance both physical and mental health, Dr. Sani Abdulkareem Giade, a resident doctor at the Department of Community Medicine at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, advised that it is important to balance spiritual practices with self-care, especially during this period of intense devotion, to avoid health issues associated with sleep deprivation, dehydration and so on.

In an interview with our reporter, the expert provided some steps Muslims should take during this period.

Prioritise Rest

During the last 10 days of Ramadan, many Muslims increase their devotion through extended prayers, Qur’anic recitation and other acts of worship. Therefore, it is important to balance spiritual practices with self-care during this period.

“You can take short, strategic naps and even consider a siesta after Zuhr or Asr prayers to liven up for night prayers and other spiritual exercises,” Dr Giade said.

 

Manage sleep deprivation

To avoid total sleep deprivation, one may consider splitting one’s sleep into segments. For example, sleep for a few hours after Taraweeh, then wake up for other acts of worship later in the night. This is particularly important because the last 10 days can be exhausting if one doesn’t plan his activities very well.

“It is therefore important to balance these spiritual acts and self-care in order to sustain your energy and mental clarity. It is good to have sound sleep and spare some time to rest.

“One should also take some moments for zikr and other forms of ibadah, not necessarily engaging in prayers. This will help you centre your thoughts and reduce stress that may arise from exhaustion due to some spiritual exercises that may require some level of energy,” he added.

Optimise nutrition

It is important to optimise your nutrition during Iftar and Sahur by eating balanced diet, De Giade said.

He added, “To achieve this, you can break your fast with hydrating food and balanced meals, such as watermelon, cucumber, fruits, vegetables and proteins.

“Taking sahur can help an individual to have a day without having to go through periods of hypoglycemia. During the non-fasting hours, after Iftar, it is good to stay hydrated. Take at least eight (8) glasses of water and consume hydrating foods.”

Engage in Physical Activity

The medic said physical activity, such as light exercise after Iftar, can also help. Taraweeh can serve as a good exercise, but one may also consider taking short walks to stretch and boost energy to avoid ingestion, which usually occurs during Ramadan period, he advised.

Maintain social connections

Maintaining social connections is crucial. Engage in activities, participate in community events and check in with loved ones. Ramadan is a time for solidarity and social connections, and these can help enhance mental and psychological well-being.

Eat Wisely

Don’t rush to break your fast with heavy meals, instead take light, hydrating meals, and thereafter you can take the heavy meal, but avoid going to bed immediately after taking these types of food. It is important to avoid caffeinated drinks, which can lead to dehydration.

Set realistic goals

“You don’t have to engage yourself in what you can’t do. Allah doesn’t burden a soul beyond what it can bear. So, set realistic goals for yourself. Don’t overexert; prioritise sleep, zikr and light exercises. Be mindful of food poisoning, which can also occur due to changes in dietary habits,” the health expert advised.