How to Maximize Rewards in Last Ten Nights of Ramadan?

The last ten nights of Ramadan are a time of deep spiritual cleansing and purification. 

These sacred days offer an opportunity to embrace the immense blessings of Ramadan and seek salvation before the month concludes.

Ramadan is a sacred month of fasting, prayer, and spiritual reflection. When Muslims enter the second half, they start preparing for the important final stretch—the last 10 days and nights of Ramadan. 

Aisha (Allah be pleased with her) reported that Allah's Messenger (PBUH) used to busy himself in devotion during the last ten nights to a greater extent than at any other time.

(Sahih Muslim: 117)

Here are the suggested 13 ways to maximize rewards in the last 10 nights of Ramadan.

1. Set a Sincere Intention

It's not just about performing good deeds but also fully dedicating oneself to worship during the last ten nights of Ramadan with sincere intention. 

There's a saying: failing to plan is planning to fail.

So, start by crafting a plan rooted in deep and sincere intention. But remember, intention must come first. Don't rush into making lists; instead, engage both your heart and mind in the meaningful task of setting your intention. Take a moment to step back and feel the desire in your heart for this Ramadan to be different and more impactful for you.

Challenge yourself. 

Take a deep breath and commit internally to making this the best part of the month! Intend for these nights to be special and transformative.

2. Stay Away from Sins 

When we focus on the last ten nights of Ramadan, we often overlook the importance of staying away from sins. Outside of Ramadan, we are reminded not to disobey Allah (SWT) during the day. Doing so may prevent us from being awakened to pray at night.

If this holds throughout the year, how much more so during the last ten nights of Ramadan when we seek to experience Laylatul-Qadr? 

We certainly don’t want to be praying Maghrib under the anger of Allah (SWT) due to a sin committed earlier in the day. Therefore, let's be especially mindful of our actions during the day. 

Whether it's refraining from harmful speech or avoiding sinful behaviors, our daytime conduct matters. It influences our spiritual state during these blessed nights.

3. Make Dua for the Last Ten Days and Nights 

Create a list of heartfelt duas and make them with sincere intention during the last ten nights of Ramadan. Trust in Allah’s (SWT) acceptance, as the rewards can be extraordinary.

4. Last Ten Nights Charity

While there is no explicit evidence that the Prophet (PBUH) gave more sadaqah during the last 10 nights than the rest of Ramadan.

Scholars of spirituality highlight two key effects of charity: 

1. It increases reward (which you seek during Laylatul-Qadr)
2. It extinguishes the anger of your Lord (especially when given in secret)

On nights of heightened reward, where the greatest blessing you can seek is His forgiveness, what better act to engage in nightly than one linked to being pardoned and earning His favor? 

Whether you automate your giving or donate personally, be proactive in seeking opportunities to support charitable causes. 

Stay as open to giving as you are to all good deeds during these last ten nights.

5. Do Seclusion in the Last Ten Days

During the last 10 nights of Ramadan, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would observe i’tikaf. He (PBUH) used to stay in the Mosque to worship Allah (SWT) through dhikr, supplication, and recitation of the Qur’an.

Many Muslims following His (PBUH) Sunnah also opt to spend the last ten days of Ramadan in seclusion (i’tikaf). They dedicate themselves entirely to worship and distancing themselves from worldly distractions.

This period is meant for reflection, increased worship, and deepening one’s religious knowledge, all in the pursuit of drawing closer to Allah. The sunnah is to remain in i’tikaf for the full ten days, but it can also be observed for just one day and night. 

6. Recite and Reflect on the Quran

This might seem obvious, but it’s often overlooked. Qatadah (R.A.) used to complete the Qur’an every three days during Ramadan, but during the last 10 nights, he would complete reading the Quran each night. There is a general trend among our salaf (pious predecessors) to increase. 

Qur’an recitation, specifically during these last 10 nights.

You can complete the entire Qur'an during Ramadan by dividing it into 30 parts, known as Paras. Each Juz' is roughly 20 pages long, so you can break it up and read it throughout the day.

For Example, 

• Read 4 pages after each obligatory prayer.
• Read 2 pages before and 2 pages after each obligatory prayer.
• Read 5 pages in the morning, at noon, in the afternoon, and at night.
• Read 10 pages in the morning and another 10 in the evening.

You may ask, is there a preferred time to read the Qur’an? Yes, especially at the time of Fajr, as Allah states in Surah Al-Isra,

Select the most recent Surah or Surahs you've heard in Tarawih, and read their translation and Tafseer. Reflect deeply on their meanings and how they resonate with you.

Even if you have a set goal for your daily Qur'an reading, stick to it and aim to surpass it, especially during these final nights of Ramadan. By striving to understand and exceed your Qur'an reading goals, you can earn immense rewards and deepen your connection with Allah.

7. Pray Salah in the Congregation

Make it a priority to pray to Isha and Fajr in the congregation. By gathering as a community, we not only experience the blessings of unity but also increase the spiritual rewards of our prayers.

8. Seek Forgiveness 

Spend the final moments of each of these nights in istighfar (seeking salvation). Instead of using the last minutes before suhoor to eat and socialize, dedicate that time to sincerely opening your heart to Allah. Ask for His forgiveness, and acknowledge your weaknesses and shortcomings. 

A heartfelt du’a made with humility and remorse during these precious moments could lead to His ultimate forgiveness and acceptance. If your night is accepted and you are granted Laylatul-Qadr, a lifetime of reward awaits, insha’Allah! 

So, make it a priority to spend these last moments, especially just before the Fajr adhan, in genuine repentance and supplication.

9. Increase Your Prostration

Increasing your prostration during the last ten nights of Ramadan is a powerful way to deepen your connection with Allah (SWT). 

Prostration, or sujood, is the most humbling act of worship, symbolizing complete submission and devotion. In this position, we are closest to Allah, making it the ideal time to pour out our hearts in supplication, seek forgiveness, and express our gratitude. 

During these blessed nights, especially if they coincide with Laylatul-Qadr, each prostration carries immense rewards. By increasing our sujood, we not only show our devotion but also maximize the spiritual benefits of these precious moments, seeking to earn Allah’s mercy and closeness. 

10. Do Qayyam al-Lail

Night prayers in Ramadan, known as Taraweeh, carry immense blessings. The name "Taraweeh" comes from the practice of taking short breaks between every two rak'ahs. 

This flexible form of Qiyaam al-layl allows individuals to pray as many rakahs as they wish at any time during the night. It is a profound act of worship observed in the quiet hours before dawn to dedicate themselves entirely to Allah (SWT). 

This time is spent in deep devotion, performing voluntary prayers, and engaging in heartfelt supplications, seeking His mercy and forgiveness. The serenity of the night offers an ideal atmosphere for spiritual reflection and connection with Allah, away from the distractions of the 
day.

11. Avoid Foolish and Irrelevant Talks on Nights

Imam Ibn Qudama notes that the blessings of Laylatul-Qadr are often lost when people spend too much time socializing during the night. This is because excessive interaction can lead to slips of the tongue, such as backbiting or gossiping.

Therefore, it is wise to minimize socializing during these nights and focus on your ibadah (worship). Seek out gatherings where Allah (SWT) is remembered, and make a conscious effort to avoid unnecessary conversations.

12. Seek Laylatul Qadar

The main purpose of spending the last ten nights is worshipping and serving the Allah Subhan Ta’ala. There is a one-night Laylatul Qadar, on which doing worship is better than 1000 years. 

If someone performs any act of goodwill on this night, they earn the reward of having done the good deed for a thousand months (83 years).

One of the most remarkable aspects of these ten special nights is that one of them is Laylat al-Qadr, the greatest night of the year. On this night, a Muslim can earn more rewards than if they were to worship Allah continuously for eighty-four years, excluding this blessed night. 

This is one of the immense blessings that Allah has graciously granted to the Muslim community.

13. Waking Up the Family

Aisha (R.A.) tells us that during the last ten nights of Ramadan, the Prophet (PBUH) would awaken his family for prayer. While he would wake his wives throughout the year to pray for a short portion of the night, he would extend this practice during these special nights. 

How to Spend the Last Ten Nights in Periods?

Many women worry that menstruation during Ramadan may be a sign of Allah's displeasure, equating it with exclusion or unworthiness. 

However, the Prophet (PBUH) reassured Aisha (RA) and all of us that menstruation is a natural and decreed part of life, not a reflection of Allah's displeasure. Instead, it is a time to embrace obedience to Allah’s commands by refraining from prayer and fasting, which is itself an act of submission. 

Even during menstruation, women can maintain their connection with Allah through various forms of worship and devotion, as taught by the Prophet (PBUH). This period is an opportunity to continue worship in different ways, affirming that Allah's mercy and connection are ever-present.

Here are ways Muslim women can continue to worship and maximize their rewards during these blessed final nights of Ramadan.

Qur'an Recitation

Islamic jurisprudence presents two opinions regarding women reciting the Qur'an during their menstrual cycle. 

The first opinion prohibits women from reciting the Qur'an during their periods, based on a hadith that suggests menstruating women and those in a state of major ritual impurity (Janabah) should not recite the Qur'an. 

However, many hadith scholars consider this hadith weak. The second opinion is supported by scholars like Ibn Taymiyyah, Imam Malik, and others. This allows women to recite the Qur'an during their periods, citing the weakness of the hadith mentioned earlier.

Note: Women are permitted to recite the Qur'an from memory or by reading from the Quran, with the caution of not directly touching the physical copy.

Dhikr

If you feel alone or distant from Allah, the remedy is to remember Him. Allah assures us of His presence when we do so.

Contemplate the significance of these remembrances and deepen your hope, love, and connection to Allah.

Supplication

Supplication is always accessible to us. You can wake up before Fajr and use a portion of the last third of the night to call upon Him earnestly. Continue to seek the blessings of Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree). 

Opening Fast of Others

Since you are not fasting, use the extra energy you have to assist those who are fasting or those in need. Once, during a journey with the Prophet (PBUH), some companions were fasting while others were not. 

On a hot day, they rested, and those who were fasting collapsed from exhaustion, while those who were not fasting helped set up the tents and water the animals. 

Muslim women can gain great rewards by helping others to open their fast while not fasting due to periods. They can prepare food for the family's iftar.

There are many ways to do good for others, such as facilitating their worship, and Allah rewards us for such acts of kindness.

Sadaqah

Women can still give Sadaqah and Zakat during menstruation, as charitable acts are always welcomed by Allah.

Even the smallest act of charity is highly valued by Allah, who is al-Shakur (the Most Appreciative). Out of His generosity, He rewards our modest contributions with immense blessings. 

The Prophet (PBUH) was known for his unparalleled generosity, which increased even more during Ramadan when Jibril would review the Qur’an with him. 

Worship of Heart

We often emphasize outward actions while neglecting the state of our hearts. The Prophet (PBUH) once pointed out a man to the companions and said he was among the people of Paradise. 

Abdullah ibn Amr (RA) was curious about what made him special and expected to see something extraordinary. After spending three nights with him, he found nothing outwardly remarkable. 

He then asked the man directly, who replied,

“It is nothing but what you see; I hold no malice towards Muslims and harbor no envy for the blessings Allah has given others.”

Abdullah concluded,

“It is these qualities that have elevated you, and these are the very virtues we struggle to maintain.” 

(Musnad Ahmad, no. 12697)

In conclusion, in the last ten nights of Ramadan, grab the chance to deepen your worship and earn immense rewards through prayer, reflection, and charity. There are countless ways to worship and connect with Allah, and His door is always open, especially to those who seek closeness to Him. 

Women who are menstruating can still engage in heartfelt supplications and reflect on the Qur'an’s teachings. Embrace these nights with sincerity, seeking Allah’s mercy and blessings, and may you experience the profound rewards of these final ten nights of Ramadan and Laylat al-Qadr.

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