The significance of last 10 days of the Ramadan

The last ten days of the holy month of Ramadan is a period the Muslim Ummah across the world would seek to observe Laylat Al-Qadr (the night of power/majesty) to get acceptance of Allah here and hereafter – the sweat and dream of every faithful. This piece of reminder may not have come at a […]

The last ten days of the holy month of Ramadan is a period the Muslim Ummah across the world would seek to observe Laylat Al-Qadr (the night of power/majesty) to get acceptance of Allah here and hereafter – the sweat and dream of every faithful.

This piece of reminder may not have come at a better time than now. The night of majesty occurs in the last part of the month. The night of power is highly speculated to be either on the 26th or 27th according to some scholars while others have it that the night can occur in any of the odd numbers of 21st, 23rd 25th, 27th and 29th.

Going by any of the two, it’s generally believed that the d-night must always be during the last ten days and to stumble on it, we are enjoined to be steadfast in worshipping and remembrance of Allah the whole 9 to 10 days to be able to catch up with the spiritually prestigious night.  The speciality of the month is that it is supposed to be the night the Holy Qur’an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad: Peace Be Upon Him. The night also has an entire Surah (Chapter) dedicated to it in the glorious Qur’an.

It’s also acknowledged that the night is better than a thousand (1000) months, which means the good deeds performed on the night are multiplied by thirty thousand (30000) as if such deeds had been performed over eighty two (82) years. The angels of Allah on such night descend to the earth to register the deeds of mankind. The Messenger of Allah, Peace Be Upon Him, is reported to have said that whoever stands up in the night in prayer and remembrance of Allah should fully believe in Allah’s promise of reward, and shall be forgiven for his past sins.

Men and women in the last ten days commit to Itikaf (seclusion) normally in Masjid (Mosque) for self-dedication to worshiping of Allah. Although this year’s Ramadan has come in and faced with perplex situation of the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic, people, notwithstanding, will visit Masjid for that purpose if they are allowed in some cities and towns, particularly Masjids within neighbourhoods, bearing in mind the observance of social distancing even in the Mosque.

The 10th of the last ten days expected to be the day of celebration after Ramadan is the Eid-El-Fitr. It’s also another day of blessing in which the believers are asked to give out alms (Zakkat) to the poor and needy to complete the Ibadah (worship). Zakkat is one of the five pillars of Islam and is compulsory for Muslims to do it. One person, precisely a father, is allowed to pay his Zakkat and that of everyone within the household. It can be in cash or kind. It’s appropriate to give out the alms in  staple food to the people of the community. It’s also expected to be done before the commencement of the two raka’at Eid-El-Fitr prayer.

During the joyous days, mankind should visit and exchange pleasantries with family members, friends and loved ones and, if possible, give out gifts to give mankind the impression of sense of belonging and togetherness.

Ahmed Abubakar, NYSC member in Kano  [email protected]