The Grand Mufti's recommendations for making the most of the last ten days of Ramadan
The importance of making the most of the last ten days of Ramadan
His Eminence the Grand Mufti of the Kingdom, Chairman of the Council of Senior Scholars, and General President of Scientific Research and Ifta, Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Fawzan bin Abdullah Al-Fawzan, advised all Muslims worldwide to strive diligently in obedience and worship during the last ten days of Ramadan. This blessed advice is in emulation of the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), who devoted special attention and spiritual effort to these days, making them a great opportunity to renew faith and draw closer to God.
The historical and religious context of the virtue of the last ten days
The last ten days of Ramadan hold immense significance in Islamic history, for they are the days in which Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree) is hoped for—the night on which the Holy Quran was revealed as guidance for humanity and clear proofs of guidance and the criterion. Since the dawn of Islam, Muslims have consistently observed these nights with prayer, remembrance of God, and night vigils. In the two authentic hadith collections (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim), it is narrated from Aisha, the Mother of the Believers (may God be pleased with her), that she said: “When the last ten days of Ramadan began, the Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him) would tighten his waistcloth (i.e., exert himself in worship), stay up all night, and awaken his family.” In a narration by Muslim, she added: “He would strive harder in the last ten days than at any other time.” This reflects the paramount importance of dedicating these days to increased acts of righteousness.
Seclusion and seeking Laylat al-Qadr
His Eminence explained that the noble Prophetic traditions clearly indicate that these last ten days should be dedicated to increased acts of worship, most notably spending their nights in prayer and seclusion in mosques. It is established in the two authentic hadith collections (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim) that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to observe seclusion during the last ten days of Ramadan until his death. The ultimate goal of seclusion is to detach oneself from worldly distractions, freeing the mind and heart for supplication to the Almighty Creator, and seeking Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree), which is better than a thousand months. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) urged us to seek it, saying: “Seek Laylat al-Qadr in the odd-numbered nights of the last ten days of Ramadan.”.
Traditional supplications and good deeds
Sheikh Al-Fawzan added that it is recommended for those who experience these blessed nights to frequently recite the supplication taught to us by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). When Aisha (may God be pleased with her) asked the Prophet what she should say if she happened to be on Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree), he told her: “Say: ‘O God, You are Forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me.’” His Eminence also advised all Muslims to strive in various acts of worship, such as reciting the Holy Quran with contemplation, giving charity, and supplicating frequently and persistently, for God Almighty is All-Hearing, Ever-Near, and Responsive to prayers.
The local and Islamic impact of these commandments
Locally, the importance of these directives is evident in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through the full mobilization of resources to serve pilgrims and visitors to the Two Holy Mosques, where millions flock to perform Taraweeh and Tahajjud prayers in tranquility and spirituality. Regionally and internationally, these directives contribute to unifying Muslims worldwide and strengthening the values of social solidarity through charitable giving. His Eminence concluded by urging Muslims to pray for themselves, their parents, their families, their leaders, their homelands, and all Muslims, in accordance with the Almighty's words: "And when My servants ask you, [O Muhammad], concerning Me - indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me that they may be [rightly] guided.".
