Important Acts of Worship in the Last Ten Days of Ramadan
The last ten days of Ramadan hold great significance for Muslims. Each night during this period provides a special opportunity to attain Allah’s mercy and draw closer to Him through worship. In particular, because of the possibility of Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree) occurring in these nights, it becomes extremely important to devote oneself to various acts of worship, remembrance of Allah (dhikr), and righteous deeds. Below are some acts that, if practiced regularly, can help a believer make the most of this blessed time.
Reciting Surah Al-Ikhlas Every Night
Reciting Surah Al-Ikhlas at least three times every night is a simple yet highly rewarding act. The Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wasallam said that Surah Al-Ikhlas is equivalent to one-third of the Qur’an. Sahih Muslim — Hadith: 812
Performing Qiyam al-Layl (Tahajjud) with 100 Verses
Praying at least two rak‘ahs at night and reciting 100 verses in them is a significant form of worship. The Prophet sallallahu alaihi wasallam said that whoever performs the night prayer with 100 verses will be recorded among the obedient worshippers. Sunan Abu Dawud — Hadith: 1398
Reciting the Last Two Verses of Surah Al-Baqarah
Reciting the final two verses of Surah Al-Baqarah at night carries great virtue. The Prophet sallallahu alaihi wasallam said that whoever recites these two verses at night, they will be sufficient for him. Sahih al-Bukhari — Hadith: 5009
Giving Charity Daily, Even If It Is Small
Charity is an extremely important act of worship in Islam. The Prophet sallallahu alaihi wasallam said that whoever gives charity equal to a date from lawful earnings, Allah accepts it and continues to increase it until it becomes as large as a mountain. Sahih al-Bukhari — Hadith: 1410
Reciting the Dhikr of Tawhid 100 Times Daily
لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ، وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ
The Prophet sallallahu alaihi wasallam said that whoever recites this dhikr 100 times will receive the reward equivalent to freeing ten slaves. Sahih al-Bukhari — Hadith: 6403 Sahih Muslim — Hadith: 2691
Seeking Forgiveness for All Believing Men and Women
اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتِ
The Prophet sallallahu alaihi wasallam said that whoever seeks forgiveness for believing men and women, Allah will record a good deed for him for every believing man and woman. Tabarani — Hadith: 6026
Saying “SubhanAllah” 100 Times Daily
The Prophet sallallahu alaihi wasallam said: “Is anyone among you unable to earn one thousand good deeds in a day?” When asked how, he replied that by saying ‘SubhanAllah’ 100 times, one thousand good deeds will be recorded for him. Sahih Muslim — Hadith: 2698
Reciting This Tasbih 100 Times Daily
سُبْحَانَ اللهِ الْعَظِيمِ وَبِحَمْدِه
The Prophet sallallahu alaihi wasallam said that whoever recites this tasbih will have a date-palm tree planted for him in Paradise. Jami‘ at-Tirmidhi — Hadith: 3464
Sending Salawat (Durood) Upon the Prophet
اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ
The Prophet sallallahu alaihi wasallam said that whoever sends blessings upon him once, Allah will send ten mercies upon that person. Sahih Muslim — Hadith: 408
Calling Others Toward Goodness
Inviting others toward righteous deeds is also a great act of reward in Islam. The Prophet sallallahu alaihi wasallam said that whoever guides someone to goodness will receive a reward equal to the one who performs that good deed. Sahih Muslim — Hadith: 1893
Supplication for Good in This World and the Hereafter
رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
Meaning: “Our Lord, grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:201)
Supplication for Righteous Spouses and Children
رَبَّنَا هَبْ لَنَا مِنْ أَزْوَاجِنَا وَذُرِّيَّاتِنَا قُرَّةَ أَعْيُنٍ وَاجْعَلْنَا لِلْمُتَّقِينَ إِمَامًا
Meaning: “Our Lord, grant us from our spouses and offspring comfort to our eyes and make us leaders for the righteous.” (Surah Al-Furqan 25:74)
Supplication to Become One Who Establishes Praye
رَبِّ اجْعَلْنِي مُقِيمَ الصَّلَاةِ وَمِنْ ذُرِّيَّتِي ۚ رَبَّنَا وَتَقَبَّلْ دُعَاءِ
Meaning: “My Lord, make me an establisher of prayer, and from my descendants. Our Lord, accept my supplication.” (Surah Ibrahim 14:40)
During the last ten days of Ramadan, a believer can make the best use of this blessed period by regularly engaging in acts such as recitation of the Qur’an, prayer, remembrance of Allah, supplication, and charity. Through these efforts, one can strive to fully benefit from the immense blessings of these precious nights.