What has passed has left us now, the last twenty days have been registered, our deeds are done, and our intentions set upon the scales—but we have the next ten days to push and put everything we have into the days and nights. We still have time to build a relationship with the Quran, we still can make dua and give in charity: the last ten nights of Ramadan count and they matter. While we will be rewarded for what we do in the day, there are unique blessings in the nights of the last ten days. While we are “searching” for the night of qadr it is important to be in a state of worship to ensure we catch the blessing of the night. Our qadr can change based on this night and how we conduct ourselves and the state Allah finds us in. It’s important to have in mind your own plan to maximise upon the blessings.

We’ve shortlisted ten tips and reflections that we hope will help you make the most of the next ten days. The night of decree begins at Maghrib and ends at Fajr. If we are able to catch Lalatul Qadr, Allah has blessed us with it. If you are also looking for a great cause to support with your sadaqah or zakat, head here. 

1. Renew Intentions

Renew your intention for Ramadan and continue to renew it before and throughout acts of worship and performing good deeds. Intentions are something we need to continuously check and re-visit to ensure the root is that we are doing it to attain the pleasure of Allah. Especially in these last ten days, pause to renew your intentions before performing good deeds so that no efforts go to waste.

“Actions are but by intentions and every man shall have only that which he intended.” Muslim & Bukhari

Sincere intention also magnifies a small deed. Imam As-Sadiq mentions that:

“Anyone who performs a small act for the sake of God, God will make it bigger than he wished in the sight of others. And anyone who performs a great act for the sake of people, God will make it trivial in the sight of others.”

2. Ensure you are in your best state

Avoid deal-breakers that cause you to fall into sins such as backbiting, lying, cheating however big or small, or any bad habits that are displeasing to Allah—so that you are permitted to catch the night of power and are not found in a state of sin. It’s important to take time to reflect on areas of your own behaviours that need to stop or be improved. Often recognising the issue itself is the first step to stopping.

When and if you find yourself committing a bad deed, ensure you follow it up with a good deed and seek forgiveness.

3. Give of what you love

Zakat and Sadaqah are multiplied on the night of power, so donate money each day to maximise your chances of catching the reward. Try to renew your intention before doing so, and you can also think outside of the box; so if you’re not in a position to donate money, or wish to give alongside monetary donations, think instead about what you love the most—and then give from that same love, in a way you believe Allah would love also.

You can donate sadaqah and zakat to some incredible causes here.

If you love it when people spend time with you—make a conscious effort to spend time and reach out to others; with the right intention it can be and is considered sadaqa. Rizq is not just financial so reflect on what Allah has blessed you with, and give. It may be you have free time, which you can donate to a charity that needs admin support—or you have been blessed with knowledge that you can share with others.

Explanation of Rizq by Seekers Guidance:

(a) The general worldly or next-worldly giving of blessings and the like. Allah Most High says, “[those] who believe in the unseen, keep up the prayer, and give out of what We have provided for them.” [2.3] i.e. that which we have given them and blessed them with;

(b) that which nourishes us—and by extension generally that which one wears or uses. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “If you were to rely on Allah as He should be relied on, He would provide for you as He provides for the birds. They go out in the morning hungry and return in the evening full.” i.e. their bellies are full;

(c) a great good that has been granted to its possessor. Allah Most High says, “Give out of what We have provided for you, before death comes to one of you…” [63.10] i.e. from wealth, knowledge, and prestige.

[Raghib, al-Mufradat fi Gharib al-Qur’an; al-Halabi, `Umdat al-Huffaz]
The Provider (al-Razzaq)

4. It’s all about the night

The last third of the night is precious, and we can reap the benefits of it by making dua and performing salah. Take advantage of the barakah of that time.

5. Plan and Prepare

If you find your time or mind restricted throughout the day or occupied with work, children, and day-to-day tasks, don’t worry—as Allah has blessed us with the night, and understands our lives. The time when most are sleeping happens to be the time most precious to Allah and His servants. Prepare all you can throughout the day, including meals, cleaning, errands, workload, washing, and even rest—in order to clear your mind and physical space ready for worship throughout the night.

6. Dua lists and Routines

As part of preparing for nights in worship, spend a short amount of time compiling your favorite duas, and also outlining a bit of a routine: a structure can help you make the most of the nights. This could look like completing a set amount of prayers, dhikr, and/or dua that will keep you engaged throughout the night. Change and adapt worship to ensure you are engaged and mindful of what you are doing.

Mind Mapping duas or  dua list tips 

7. Every night is important

If you can, try to treat every night in the last ten nights as the night of power. Ultimately, we truly do not know when it is. While many cite Laylatal Qadr as the 27th of Ramadan—truly Allah knows best, so try to worship your absolute best each day in the last ten nights in order to maximise your chances of catching the night. This amount of effort may be hard, but remember that Allah knows your intention and that in itself may be rewarded—always try your best and have faith.

To donate to help those around the world without access to healthcare – visit here. 

8. Value small acts

Small acts of worship through the day and night all add up. Deeds are not judged by quantity but weighted by their intentions. Dua after every salah or dhikr while you’re doing the dishes—if they happen to fall on the day/night of power, your rewards will be increased, even if it is the dhikr of  astaghfirullah, it will be multiplied in reward in comparison to saying it outside of Ramadan. 

“….And whoever performs an obligatory act during it (Ramadan), he is like whoever performed seventy obligatory acts in other times.” (Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah)

Small acts of worship can also look like wasting as little as possible. You may have been gorging at home in the first two-thirds of the month, or accidentally wasting food or being less mindful of things like single-use plastics. You can use these last ten days to be a little more mindful of how much/what you’re consuming—in foods and in goods. Your intentions and actions in being a steward to the Earth will be so much more rewarded in these last ten days.

Just £1 in sadaqah could be heavy as a good deed! 

9. Reflection

Taffakur is important: Worship in these last 10 days can look like lots of things, but Allah also loves those who reflect. Take some time out to reflect on what you love about Allah, His creation, and what you want to strive towards for His sake. Making a mental or physical gratitude list is also a way of reflecting on the glory of Allah and your blessings. If you’re in dark times, use this conscious effort and have the conviction that Allah will forgive and reward you for your every effort. Reflection can also be planned around the Qur’an and Allah’s creation.

10. Have a good opinion of Allah

Have full trust in your Rabb and think positively of Allah. Having a good opinion of Allah can also motivate you. We’re told that whoever goes into Ramadan, expecting forgiveness and reward from his Lord, will have it [Hadith: Musnad Aḥmad 1691]. If you’ve felt this to be challenging throughout Ramadan so far, try your best to get to this place for the last ten nights. Reflection on the majesty and goodness of Allah can you help you get there. Your Rabb is Al-Kareem.

Hadith Qudsi: “I am as My slave thinks I am…”

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Recommended Ramadan Reads

6 Quran Verses and Hadith on the Virtues of Giving Charity and Their Rewards

Raising Money Online for Charity This Ramadan – A 7 Point Guide

18 Things to Do When You Are on Your Period in Ramadan