The Finale: Ending Ramadan

As we reach the final days of Ramadan. As muslims it is imperative that we do not neglect the final days of Ramadan. Indeed these days are considered special and should be sought for by every Muslims.

From one of the Hadith from the Prophet peace be upon him, it is mentioned:

كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَجْتَهِدُ فِى الْعَشْرِ الأَوَاخِرِ مَا لاَ يَجْتَهِدُ فِى غَيْرِهِ

Approaching the final nights of Ramadan, the Prophet peace be upon him would work hard during the last 10 nights unlike other months. [Muslim 2845]

From this Hadith we can understand that the Prophet displayed the value of the last 10 nights by doing more acts of worship compared to other months outside Ramadan. This is due to the fact that the night of Laylatul Qadr would fall on one of the last 10 nights of Ramadan. However it is not known to anyone precisely when it will arrive. Part of the wisdom behind this is to encourage all muslims to hasten in acts of worship on all 10 nights and not neglect any of it. 

The Prophet peace be upon him would always regard Ramadan as guests. For that reason how is it possible for us to neglect our guests when they are still present? 

Seeking Laylatul Qadr

Laylatul Qadr is regarded as the Night of Power or the Night of Decree. It is the night that the Qur’an was revealed to the prophet Muhammad peace be upon him .Where it was brought to him by the angel Jibril from Allah swt. In the Qur’an, an entire Surah is dedicated to the Night of Power and in it, Allah swt reveals its purpose and reward. 

“Indeed, We sent the Qur’an down during the Night of Decree And what can make you know what is the Night of Decree? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter. Peace it is until the emergence of dawn.” (Qur’an 97:1-5)

It is stated from the surah, the Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. The reward of one good deed is multiplied to a thousand months. Many scholars have emphasised on making the most out of the last 10 Nights while seeking the Night of Decree. This is a night that comes with the promise of salvation and forgiveness of all sins for those who seek it with sincerity. 

 Muhasabah, Self Reflection and Repentance.

In Islam, Muhasabah means to reflect on past actions then afterwards having the intention to be better and improve. It is meant to drive and motivate fellow muslims to not lose hope and only strive towards being better individuals. 

Only reflecting without the determination to act  will only result in self guilt and regret. This will only worsen the situation and even worse, having ill assumptions towards Allah (swt)

This goes against what is mentioned in the Quran: 

فَإِذَا عَزَمْتَ فَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللَّهِ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُحِبُّ الْمُتَوَكِّلِينَ

Then when you have decided then put trust on Allah. Indeed Allah loves the one who puts trust in Him. [Ali ‘Imran:159]

A good example of Muhasabah is the act of absolute repentance, Taubah Nasuha. It is thought by the Prophet, the conditions of repentance are as follows: 

Step 1: Stop committing the sin

Step 2: Regret having committed the sin

Step 3: Decide never to commit the sin again

It is narrated from Aisha (ra), “ Messenger of Allah, if I know what night the Night of Power is, what do you think I should say during it?”  He said, ‘Say: “O Allah, You are Pardoning and you love pardon, so pardon me.” (Tirmidhi)

اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي

Allahumma innaka `afuwwun tuhibbul `afwa fa`fu `annee

The month of Ramadan is known as the month of forgiveness. In this month Allah’s mercy extends to everyone who seeks forgiveness with sincerity, especially to those who stand in prayer at night. Therefore we must not miss this opportunity to make dua for forgiveness while seeking the Night of Power.

Dua is the weapon of a Believer

The Prophet Muhammad peace and blessing be upon him once said in one of his narrations regarding dua: 

 “There is nothing that is more noble in the sight of Allah than Dua.” (Tirmidhi)

Making dua is the essence of worship, a direct link between a servant and Allah (swt). Instilling a sense of humility, that everything is given from Him and will return back to Him. While acknowledging the sense of humility and surrendering oneself and all of his/her affairs to Allah (swt). A muslim should have the mindset of Yaqin towards Allah (swt). That Allah (swt) will listen to His servant’s prayers.  

This is also mentioned in the Quran: 

“And when My servants ask you concerning Me, then (answer them), I am indeed near to them. I respond to the supplications of the supplicant when he calls on Me.” (Al-Baqarah, 2:186) 

During these last 10 nights it is encouraged to concentrate on making Dua towards Allah (swt) with sincerity. It is the time to seek Allah (swt) for His assistance, His guidance, His forgiveness. 

In order to instil Yaqin and believe towards Allah (swt) is by doing lots of Dzikr. This is stated in the Quran: 

“Those who believe and whose hearts find comfort in the remembrance of Allah. Surely in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find comfort.” [Ar-Rad 28]

Giving Charity

As mentioned in the Quran: The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. The reward of one good deed is multiplied to a thousand months. Hence the practices that we do are not limited to only prayers and supplication. Giving sadaqah or charity, no matter the amount, is an example of what we can do in the last 10 nights. Giving charity in the Night of Power could equal 1000 months of charity. 

Treat every night as the Night of Power

Chasing Laylatul Qadr or the Night of Power should not be our ultimate goal, in the last 10 nights of Ramadan. However it must act as a means or drive for us to stand at night to worship and do good acts that may please Allah (swt). Therefore to make the most of our final days of Ramadan, is to treat every night as the Night of Power. May Allah (swt) accept all of our efforts and safeguard our hearts from any ill assumptions and negativity. May Allah (swt) ease all our affairs in doing ibadah for the final days of Ramadan. 

Ameen ya rabbal Alameen.