As Ramadan draws to a close, the last ten days—referred to as the last Ashra—are considered the most sacred and significant days of the entire month. In 2025, these blessed nights begin on the night of Friday, marking a period of deep spiritual reflection, prayer, and seeking forgiveness. For Muslims around the world, the last Ashra holds special importance as it includes the highly anticipated Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Decree), a night believed to be better than a thousand months, when the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
The final ten days of Ramadan are a time for Muslims to intensify their worship and spiritual practices. During this period, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would dedicate himself even more to acts of worship, including praying, reading the Quran, making Dua (supplication), and engaging in i'tikaf (spiritual retreat). Muslims believe that the last ten nights are a time for Allah’s mercy, forgiveness, and blessings, and they hope to earn the rewards and forgiveness that come with these sacred days.
The Significance of the Last Ashra, Friday night
This year, the last Ashra begins on the night of Friday, a night already considered significant in Islam for its connection to the weekly Friday prayers. In addition to being the start of the final ten days, Friday night is an especially powerful time for Tahajjud (night prayers). It’s a night to pray fervently, ask for forgiveness, and make Dua for one's family, the ummah (global Muslim community), and the world.
For Muslims observing the last Ashra in 2025, Friday night offers an opportunity to prepare spiritually for the subsequent nights. As this night marks the beginning of the final ten days, it is ideal for seeking closeness to Allah through acts of worship and reflecting on the month of Ramadan as a whole.
The Night of Laylat al-Qadr
Among the last ten days, one of the most special nights is Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Decree. Although the exact date of this night is unknown, it is believed to fall on one of the odd-numbered nights in the last ten days of Ramadan, with the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th being commonly cited. The 27th night of Ramadan, in particular, holds significance for many Muslims who believe that it may be the night of Laylat al-Qadr.
However, there is some confusion and debate about the exact date of Laylat al-Qadr. While the 27th is widely believed to be the night, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) did not specify its exact occurrence. In fact, he mentioned that Laylat al-Qadr could fall on any of the odd-numbered nights in the final ten days. This has led to varying interpretations, and many scholars encourage Muslims to seek the blessings of Laylat al-Qadr on all the last ten nights, especially as the night could be different for every year and for each individual. Regardless of the specific night, the key is to increase our acts of worship, prayer, and supplication during this time, as the rewards and mercy of Allah are vast during these blessed nights.
Ramadan and the Last Ten Nights Insights from the Quran
1. The Revelation of the Quran (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185):
Allah says in the Quran about the significance of Ramadan:
> "The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey, then an equal number of other days. And Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you, and perhaps you will be grateful."
This verse emphasizes the importance of Ramadan as the month of the Quran’s revelation and reminds us that fasting during this month is an obligation, with ease and mercy from Allah.
2. The Importance of Laylat al-Qadr (Surah Al-Qadr 97:1-5):
The Quran speaks of the immense value of Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Decree, which falls in the last ten days of Ramadan:
> "Indeed, We sent it [the Quran] 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 [Gabriel] descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter. Peace it is until the emergence of dawn."
These verses highlight the greatness of Laylat al-Qadr, indicating that this night is better than a thousand months, underscoring the importance of seeking it through worship and prayer during the last ten nights.
3. The Power of Dua in the Last Ten Nights (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:186):
During the last ten nights of Ramadan, when we are in heightened worship, Allah reminds us in the Quran of His closeness and responsiveness to our prayers:
> "And when My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me..."
This verse encourages us to make sincere supplications during these final days, particularly during Tahajjud and while seeking the blessings of Laylat al-Qadr.
4. The Mercy and Forgiveness of Allah (Surah Al-Furqan 25:70):
The last ten days of Ramadan are a time for repentance and seeking forgiveness. Allah assures us in the Quran that He is always ready to forgive:
> "Except for those who repent, believe and do righteous work. For them Allah will replace their evil deeds with good. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful."
This verse is a reminder that Ramadan is an opportunity to cleanse our hearts and ask for forgiveness for any past wrongs.
I'tikaf, the spiritual Retreat
What is I'tikaf?
I'tikaf is a special act of worship in which a person secludes themselves in the mosque to dedicate themselves fully to worship, reflection, and prayer. This spiritual retreat occurs during the last ten days of Ramadan, when Muslims seek to maximize their connection with Allah and search for the blessings of Laylat al-Qadr. During i'tikaf, the individual distances themselves from worldly distractions and focuses on increasing their devotion to Allah through prayers, Quran recitation, Dhikr (remembrance of Allah), and making supplications.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) placed great importance on i'tikaf during the last ten days of Ramadan. It is a time to immerse oneself in worship and make a fresh spiritual commitment to Allah. It is not only about physical seclusion but also about mental and emotional dedication to Allah.
In Sahih Bukhari, it is narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) said:
> “Whoever performs I'tikaf, seeking Allah’s pleasure, his past sins will be forgiven.” (Sahih Bukhari)
This hadith highlights the great spiritual benefit of i'tikaf as a means of seeking forgiveness and earning Allah’s mercy. It is an opportunity to clear one’s heart and mind and to engage deeply in acts of worship without the distractions of the outside world.
A Guide to Performing I'tikaf During the Last Ten Days of Ramadan
1. Seclusion in the Mosque:
The primary method of i'tikaf is to remain in the mosque for the last ten days of Ramadan, especially during the odd nights when Laylat al-Qadr may fall. While there, one should engage in prayer, Quran recitation, Dhikr, and supplication.
2. Focus on Worship:
During i'tikaf, the individual should focus on increasing their acts of worship. This includes performing Tahajjud (night prayers), reciting and reflecting on the Quran, making Duas, and repenting for past mistakes. Time should be spent away from worldly concerns to focus entirely on Allah.
3.Avoiding Distractions:
While in i'tikaf, it is important to avoid unnecessary socializing, excessive talking, and any other distractions that could hinder spiritual development. The goal is to dedicate oneself entirely to Allah during this blessed time.
4. Seeking Laylat al-Qadr:
While performing i'tikaf, one’s worship and prayers are especially focused on seeking the blessings of Laylat al-Qadr. This night, as mentioned in the Quran, is a night of peace, where angels descend, and supplications are accepted.
5. Spiritual Reflection:
I'tikaf also provides an opportunity for deep spiritual reflection. It’s a time to evaluate one's deeds, make sincere repentance, and seek closeness to Allah.
Heartening Reflections for Enhancing Worship During Ramadan’s Last Ashra
1. Hazrat Aisha (RA) and the Final Ten Nights:
Aisha (RA), the beloved wife of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), narrated that during the last ten nights of Ramadan, the Prophet (PBUH) would exert himself in worship more than at any other time. She reported that he would wake his family to pray, and would take the night as an opportunity for deep reflection and supplication. In one narration, she asked the Prophet (PBUH), "O Messenger of Allah, if I know which night is Laylat al-Qadr, what should I say?" The Prophet (PBUH) replied, “Say: ‘O Allah, You are the Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness, so forgive me.’” This teaches us the importance of striving to make the most of these last ten nights and to ask Allah for forgiveness with sincerity.
2. Ibn Umar (RA) and I'tikaf:
Ibn Umar (RA), one of the companions of the Prophet (PBUH), used to dedicate himself to the worship of Allah during the last ten days of Ramadan, just as the Prophet (PBUH) had done. He would retreat to the mosque for i'tikaf, where he would isolate himself from worldly distractions and devote himself entirely to worship and reflection. His story serves as an inspiration for Muslims to engage in i'tikaf if possible, or to use the last ten nights as a time of solitude and focus on Allah. Even if one is unable to perform i'tikaf, we are encouraged to strive for deeper devotion and spend the nights in prayer and worship.
Lastly, the last Ashra of Ramadan is a time for Muslims to engage in deeper worship, reflection, and connection with Allah. Starting with the Friday night, which serves as a powerful night for prayer and supplication, Muslims around the world will seek to make the most of these final ten days in hopes of earning Allah’s blessings, forgiveness, and mercy. As Ramadan 2025 draws to a close, let us strive to make the most of the Tahajjud prayers, supplications, and the pursuit of spiritual growth during these blessed nights, remembering that they offer a chance to transform our hearts and draw closer to Allah. Whether it is the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th of Ramadan, let us strive to seek the blessings of Laylat al-Qadr every night of the final ten days, knowing that Allah’s mercy is abundant, and He will reward those who sincerely seek His forgiveness.