Why Are the Last 10 Days of Ramadan Considered Special?

Introduction

Ramadan is the ninth and most sacred month of the Islamic calendar. It is characterized by fasting, praying, and observing piety. The month begins and ends with the much-anticipated sighting of the crescent moon. The word Ramadan comes from “ar-ramad,” which means scorching heat. The month of Ramadan is extraordinarily important in Islamic life. It is a period of atonement, piety, discipline, and self-restraint. While Ramadan is considered the most sacred month in the Islamic year, its last ten days (Ashara) are considered its essence.

This article will explore the importance of the third and last Ashra (the last 10 days of Ramadan) and what Muslims should do to gain maximum spiritual and communal benefits during this sacred period.

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Importance of Ramadan:

The month of Ramadan was sacred for Arabs even before the advent of Islam. It brought an end to or a pause to personal feuds and tribal differences. 

The following are some of the reasons why Ramadan is important for Muslims:

• The first verses of the Quran were revealed during Ramadan.
• During the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast by abstaining from food, drink, physical intimacy, and all immoral activities from dawn until sunset.
• Ramadan presents opportunities for Muslims to build and practice Taqwa (Piety), compassion, and tolerance.
• Ramadan includes Laytatul Qadr, “The Night of Power.”
• Ramadan offers numerous virtues and blessings and a great opportunity for repentance and personal redemption.
• During Ramadan, several significant Islamic historical events occurred, including the victory at Badr, the Mi’raj (the Prophet’s mystical journey to the heavens), and the conquest of Makkah.
• Ramadan is a time of great communal harmony. It brings people together and strengthens their relationships.
• Many Muslims give their Zakat charity during Ramadan to bring relief to distressed people.

Although the entire month of Ramadan is filled with virtues, the last ten days promise abundant blessings. Let’s discuss why the last 10 days of Ramadan are so important for Muslims.

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What is the Third Ashra?

Ramadan is a month of great blessings. It is an opportunity for Muslims to get closer to Allah (SWT). The month comprises three Ashras (stages):

• The first ten days, or the first Ashra of Ramadan, signify mercy.
• The second Ashra signifies forgiveness.
• The last 10 days of Ramadan, or the third Ashra, offer redemption and a refuge from hell.

The last Ashra may last nine or ten days, depending on the moon’s sighting. Although Muslims are expected to pray and observe good conduct throughout Ramadan, the last Ashra promises unmatched rewards and blessings.

Why is the Third Ashara Important?

The third and final Ashara of Ramadan is significant in Islam, encompassing three significant practices/events.

Jummat-ul-wida

The last Friday of Ramadan carries great significance as it signifies the departure of Ramadan. Special supplications are arranged in mosques on Jummat-ul-wida, and it is considered to be an auspicious day. Fridays have a special significance in the Muslim culture. According to a Hadith:

“The best day on which the sun has risen is Friday; on it, Adam was created. on it he was made to enter Paradise, on it he was expelled from it. And the last hour will take place on no day other than Friday.” (Sahih Muslim: 854b)

Itikaf:

Itikaf is an excellent way of making a spiritual connection with Allah (SWT). Many Muslims choose to practice Itikaf in the last 10 days of Ramadan. People who observe Itikaf take a reclusive break from mundane worldly affairs to meditate and pray with rapt concentration. According to the Hadith, Itikaf was regularly practiced by the Prophet (ﷺ) and his family.

“The Prophet (ﷺ) used to practice I`tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan till he died, and then his wives used to practice I`tikaf after him.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 2026)

Laylatul Qadr:

Laylatul Qadr is the most blessed and revered night in the Muslim calendar. It marks the night when the first verses of the Quran were revealed. Any good deed performed on the night of Laylatul Qadr is said to carry more reward than the good deeds of a thousand months combined. The Quran emphasizes the significance of Laylatul Qadr in the following verses.

“The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.” (Surah Al-Qadr – 3)

Therefore, all Muslims should try to reap the great benefits offered in the Night of Power by:

Seeking forgiveness: Laylat al-Qadr is the night for seeking forgiveness for our sins and transgressions.  

Practicing Devotion: Laylat al-Qadr is the night of devotion and prayers. Muslims should devote themselves to prayers and supplications to get the best rewards from Allah (SWT).

Refraining from idle talk: Laylat al-Qadr is a night of seeking blessings. Therefore, one should refrain from idle talk and concentrate on prayers.

Giving Charity: Since Laylat al-Qadr promises many blessings, it is an excellent occasion to help the needy. Every charitable deed done on this night will yield great rewards, so giving charity on the night can be immensely rewarding. Since we can’t exactly be sure which of the last nights of Ramadan is Laylat al-Qadr, giving charity in all last 10 days of Ramadan is advisable.

Anyone seeking repentance or earning Allah’s (SWT) blessings should seek Laylatul Qadr with the most earnest efforts. While devotion is important, Islam emphasizes the need to observe Haqooq ul Ibad, our duties to our fellow humans. Therefore, we should observe piety in all its forms in the last 10 days of Ramadan.  

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Conclusion:

For Muslims, Ramadan is a month of spiritual self-reflection, atonement, and strengthening relationships with Allah (SWT). It is also a month of communal bonding, gratitude, and charity. It is a period of immense spiritual growth and reflection.

The last 10 days of Ramadan offer Allah’s (SWT) mercy, forgiveness, and protection from Hellfire. We can achieve success in life and after by devoting ourselves to piety during and after Ramadan. Islam encourages us to be kind to each other and give charity.  Let’s embrace the spirit of Ramadan and make the best of the last Ashara. Don’t let this opportunity slip away.Donate to Transparent Hands now.

Read More:

What is Laylatul Qadr and Its Importance in Ramadan?

What is the importance of Laylatul Qadr in Islam?