What is I’tikaf? What is the status when offered during the last days of Ramadan? In this video, Mufti Menk discusses the act of making I’tikaf while searching for Laylatul Qadr, in line with the Sunnah of the Prophet (SAW), and how to maximize rewards in it, earning Allah’s blessings. - aboutislam.net
In the last third of Ramadan, a Muslim is recommended to increase his worship and devotion so as to bring himself nearer to Allah; he should make use of the last chance of the blessed month of Ramadan.
Here, we recall the اadith narrated by Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) in which she said that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to observe itikaf during the last ten days of the month of Ramadan and he continued this practice until his death. After him his wives carried on this practice of observing itikaf regularly.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
Itikaf is recommended by the Sunnah for both men and women. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) performed itikaf himself and so did his wives during his life and after his death.
Accordingly, there is nothing wrong if women perform itikaf in the mosque provided that this will not cause any negligence to the rights of their husbands or that of their children.
However, scholars of Al-Hanafiyyah and Al-Malikiyyah are of the opinion that women can perform itikaf in their homes where they are accustomed to performing prayer.
Allah Almighty knows best.
- aboutislam.net
The expression Laylat Al-Qadr actually means “The Night of Power” or “The Night of Decree”.
This was the night on which the Quran started being revealed (over a time span of 23 years) from God the Almighty to His messenger Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).
Allah says what means:
{Verily! We have sent it [the Quran] down on the Night of Decree (Laylat Al-Qadr). And what will make you know what the Night of Decree is? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. Therein descend the angels and the ruh [Gabriel] by Allah’s Permission with all decrees. Peace […] until the break of dawn.} (Al-Qadr 97:1-7)
Ibn Kathir, a famous scholar who wrote one of the most famous interpretations of Quran commented on the phrase: (Therein descend the angels and the ruh):
This means that the descending of the angels increases during this night, due to the vast amount of its blessings. And, the angels descend along with the descent of blessing and mercy, just as they descend during the time when the Quran is recited.
They encompass the gatherings in which Allah is remembered and spread their wings for the true seeker of knowledge, showing respect for him.
This night occurs only in Ramadan, since the Quran was revealed in it:
{Verily, We have sent it [the Quran] down in the night of al-Qadr.}
This means that its revelation from Allah to His prophet, Muhammad, began during that month.
Abu Hurairah reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
The blessed month has come to you. Allah has made fasting during it obligatory upon you. During it, the gates of Paradise are opened and the gates of Hellfire are locked, and the devils are chained. There is a night [during this month], which is better than a thousand months. Whoever is deprived of its good is really deprived [of something great]. (Ahmad, An-Nasa’i and Al-Bayhaqi)
So, one who would miss Laylat Al-Qadr, is a very unfortunate person indeed!
This is how and why the Night of Power should become so special for worshipers, who strive hard to meet its blessings.
Abu Hurairah reported that the messenger of Allah said:
Whoever stands in night prayer on Laylat Al-Qadr out of solely his true faith (iman) and seeks the divine reward, then his previous sins are forgiven. (Al-Bukhari)
Every sincere believer is eager to stand in prayer during the Night of Power, aspiring the forgiveness of sins, as well as a great reward from Allah; because no one wants to miss a great deal of blessing by missing this night.
The hadiths quoted above are evidence for the virtue of the night of Al-Qadr, as well as of performing Qiyam Al-Layl (night vigil prayer) during it.
It is also clearly indicated that Allah has honored this night and made it better than a thousand months, which is equivalent to eighty-three years and four months!
For this reason, whoever performs Qiyam Al-Layl (night vigil prayer), with true faith, while seeking reward in it, will be forgiven.
So, we should give attention to our participation in the long prayers–whether conducted in mosques or privately at home–during the nights on which Laylat Al-Qadr could fall.
Concerning praying in congregation, the Prophet Muhammad has said:
Whoever stands in prayer with the imam (the prayer leader) until he (the imam) concludes the prayer, it is recorded for him that he prayed the whole night […] (Abu Dawud, At-Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah)
It is recommended to supplicate a lot during this night, as it was reported by Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her), that the Prophet recommended a specific a specific supplication on this night:
Allahumma innaka `affuwwun, tuhibbul `afwa, fa`fu `annee : O Allah, You are the One Who pardons greatly, and loves to pardon, so pardon me.
Also, one form of worship, especially during Ramadan is i`tikaf.
The essence of this ritual is to devote oneself to the Almighty by praying, reading the Quran, etc. in the mosque for a chosen period of time that can extend from one hour to the last ten days of Ramadan. (Editor’s note: due to the COVID-19 pandemic itikaf can be performed at home)
It is optional and carries great reward. Muslims can undertake it at any point during the year as a sign of devoting oneself to worship for a set time. It is worth mentioning here that in Islam, monasticism is forbidden.
As for the endeavor of i`tikaf, it is recommended in the noble month of Ramadan, as mentioned. The maximum duration of i`tikaf is from the 19th of Ramadan, at sunset to the sighting of the new moon, whether this occurs on the 29th or the 30th.
I`tikaf can also be observed for a lesser period, but preferably the length should not be less than one night. Women can also enjoy it, either at the mosques or at home, by confining themselves to a specific space and devoting the time for prayers.
When is Laylat Al-Qadr?
Ibn `Abbas reported that the Prophet said:
Seek the Night of Power on the last ten nights of Ramadan, on the night when nine or seven or five nights remain out of the last ten nights of Ramadan [i.e. 21st, 23rd, 25th respectively]. (Al-Bukhari)
So, we should preferably seek out Laylat Al-Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan: the night of the twenty-first, the twenty-third, the twenty-fifth, the twenty-seventh, and the twenty-ninth.
If one is too weak or unable to seek it out in all the odd nights, then let us seek it out in the last odd nights: the night of the twenty-fifth, the twenty-seventh, and the twenty-ninth.
- aboutislam.net
Having a close relationship with the Qur’an should be a continuous process and we shouldn’t neglect it even after the holy month of Ramadan has passed, because having a close relationship with the Qur’an also gives us a close affinity with Allah (SWT). Watch this video to learn more as Sister Nafisa discusses some of the amazing benefits of reciting the Qur’an. - aboutislam.net
“So how’s Ramadan going for you?”
It’s the perennial question on everybody’s lips at this time of Ramadan, and how are you answering it?
Insha’Allah you’re able to say that it’s going well for you and you’re achieving your targets and gaining the benefit from this blessed month.
But don’t worry if you can’t say that fully yet, as the best has been saved for last!
We’re now on the final run down to `Eid, having passed through the ten days of asking for mercy and the ten days of asking for forgiveness, and now we’re into the ten days of asking for protection from the Fire.
These last ten days are the most precious days of the most precious month.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) “would strive (to do acts of worship) during the last ten days of Ramadan more than he would at any other time”. (Muslim)
So this is the time to follow his beautiful example and really start to focus on your `ibadah (worship). So how can you, as a new Muslim, do that?
“Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) was the most generous of all people in doing good, and he was at his most generous during the month of Ramadan.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
This is the time to be generous in both your thoughts and your deeds.
It’s very easy as a new Muslim to be critical of other people, especially about other Muslim’s practice of Islam.
Sometimes we get so carried away with our own striving to please Allah that we forget that Islam for others isn’t something new and exciting.
It’s something they have been living with all their lives; they may not have sought knowledge as enthusiastically as you have been doing or they may be experiencing an iman dip.
So instead of criticizing other Muslims, who find it difficult to practice Islam as well as you’d like them to, try to understand them and then try to gently encourage them.
The same goes for non-Muslims. Remember back to your pre-Islamic days and how you justified your behavior?
Be generous in your thoughts of others and instead of criticizing, find an excuse and also ask Allah to guide them.
“…and there is no one who loves to accept an excuse more than Allah, and because of this He sent the bringers of good news and the warners…” (Al-Bukhari)
Also strive to be generous in your deeds. Look out for any opportunities to do a good turn for your family, neighbors and friends.
This is also a great time for giving extra in charity, as its reward is increased. Many people choose this time to give their zakat al-mal (obligatory charity on wealth) away to cleanse their wealth and to get the extra benefit.
If you don’t personally know someone from the eight categories who is deserving of zakah, look out for charities that support people in your local area or country, and if there is no-one locally in need, seek out those in other countries in need.
Many charities have special Ramadan drives to take advantage of this generous time, so choose the most reliable trustworthy ones, as far as you can.
The last ten days of Ramadan is a great time to clear out your cupboards. I make it an annual habit to go through mine and give away all my unwanted and unused items or send them to be recycled.
If you have items in the back of your cupboards that you have no use for and that others might benefit from, give them away or find a local charity or charity shop to give them to.
If you have clothes that you haven’t worn for a year, especially your old pre-Islamic ones, do you really need to keep them? And don’t just give away the tatty ones; give the good stuff away too:
Never will you attain the good (reward) until you spend (in the way of Allah) from that which you love. (Aal `Imran 3:92)
One of the best ways of really focusing on your worship is to cut out all worldly cares and just concentrate on getting closer to Allah.
As long as you make your intention for i`tikaf (spiritual retreat), your reward will be in accordance with the amount of time you spend there.
Wherever you spend your time, find a quiet place where you can bury yourself in worship of your Creator, away from the internet, TV and family worries.
If you have slipped in any of your targets of reading the Qur’an in your language or in Arabic, or memorizing Qur’an or new du’a, this is the perfect time to catch up.
You can get out your du’a list and use this time to supplicate for everything you want Allah to help you or others with; especially for Him to guide your family to Islam.
And you can read inspiring books and articles and make pledges about the changes you’re going to make in your life. And just take time out to contemplate on Allah’s blessings and mercy.
“Look for Laylat-Al-Qadr (The Night of Power) in the last ten nights of Ramadan, on the night when nine or seven or five nights remain out of the last ten nights of Ramadan.” (Al-Bukhari)
This is the most precious night of the precious days of the precious month. Whatever you do, make plans to spend the odd nights of the last ten (i.e. the night before the odd day, as Islamic days start from Maghrib) in deep worship, either in the mosque, with friends or at home.
Set aside all other plans so you can get the reward of this night, which is worth that of a thousand months.
Imagine one night’s worship being equivalent to worshiping consistently for 83 years and 4 months! How can you afford to miss it?
This is a great night to ask Allah to keep you on the path He has guided you to, to ask Him to strengthen your faith and your wisdom, and to ask Him to help you find the path by which you can best serve Him and His Ummah. And while you’re there, add this dua’ as well:
`A’ishah (may God be pleased with her) said:
“O Messenger of Allah! What if I knew which night Laylat-Al-Qadr was, what should I say in it?”
He said
“Say: Allahumma innaka ‘affuwwun tuhibbul `afwa fa`fu `annee (O Allah! You are the One who pardons greatly, and loves to pardon, so pardon me).”
- aboutislam.net
There are many examples in the Qur’an and Hadith of the virtues of a positive mental attitude, perseverance, and optimism in the face of adversity.
However, did you know that patience and a positive outlook on life are two of the greatest healing tools that you can use?
Surat Al-Baqarah in the holy Qur’an says in its 155th verse:
“Give glad tidings to those who exercise patience when struck with adversity and say, ‘Indeed, we belong to God and to Him is our return.’ Such ones receive [the] blessings and mercy of their Lord, and such are the guided ones.”
According to the findings of modern science, it appears that this mercy may often come in the form of improved health.
Bernard Jensen says, in his book The Science and Practice of Iridology, “The doctor of the new day will recognize that a man’s most important workshop is not the physical body, but the mind that controls it.”
Dr. Ted M. Morter confirms this in his book, Your Health… Your Choice, when he says that “negative thoughts are the number one acid producer in the body (and high body acidity levels are a major cause of disease)… because your body reacts to negative mental and emotional stress brought about by thought the same way it reacts to ‘real’ threats of physical harm.”
In fact, hospital studies show that of all the patients who consult outpatient clinical facilities in the United States, an astounding seventy percent are found to have no organic basis for their complaint.
That figure is amazingly high. However, although medically these patients are not found to have an obvious organic source for their complaints, actually, there is a physical basis for this phenomenon.
Since Freud popularized the idea of psychoanalysis, people have often focused exclusively on the mental realm to solve certain problems, forgetting that we cannot separate the physical and mental realms.
The mind is in the brain, and the brain is an organ. Like all other organs, it feeds from the same pool of nutrients that other body organs feed and is susceptible to all of the same problems.
Ultimately, the brain is just a part of our body like all of the other parts and is completely dependent on the body. It requires sugar to develop energy, unlike other tissues that can develop it from potassium and fats.
Consequently, it is the first organ to suffer from low blood sugar and it reacts most severely. Freud himself said that psychoanalysis was not suitable for treating diseases such as schizophrenia, and he postulated that their causes eventually would be found to be biochemical.
If we keep in mind that the brain is an organ and that it works in harmony with the other organs and feeds from the same bloodstream, we can understand how various mental events can affect us physically.
For example, simply using our brains to think and study burns up nutrients in our system, particularly phosphorus.
Heavily exercising the brain can cause us to suffer from a phosphorus deficiency. And we find that the reverse is also true in this relationship. People who have high intellectual capacity usually have high levels of phosphorus in their system.
There is much wisdom in the statement of Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him, as narrated by Abu Huraira): “The strong [person] is not the one who overcomes the people by his strength, but the strong [person] is the one who controls himself while in anger.”
In fact, staying patient and calm is key to physical strength.
Phosphorus is not the only nutrient that can be depleted by mental stress and a lack of spiritual calm. If the thyroid gland, the primary organ to handle our emotions, works overtime, we can suffer from a deficiency in iodine.
Stress from a demanding job, a divorce or relocating can cause a loss of potassium and sodium in the body because it affects the adrenal glands creating more of a need for these minerals.
Even hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can be caused by excitement. Prophet Muhammed (SAW) recommended our taking the more moderate path in life; however, we often engage in or expose ourselves to intense excitement by yelling, excessively watching television, and going to the mall, movies, parties, amusement parks, etc.
When we see something exciting, our adrenal cortex is stimulated and there is an increase in our blood sugar. This, in turn, stimulates the pancreas to secrete insulin into the blood to lower the sugar level, causing us to then feel tired or weak.
It produces calm and health to practice saying, “Alhamdulillah” for what we have and for what we are faced with.
We should try to keep our home and work environments peaceful and as free from stress as possible. One way we can counteract the effects of stress are to simply be aware of the stress we are encountering and to consume sufficient nutrients and supplements such as herbs.
For instance, if a person is up late praying or reading Qur’an during Ramadan, they can eat phosphorus-rich foods and those that will help them maintain their phosphorus intake.
If a person is moving, traveling or making Hajj or Umra, they may want to increase their intake of foods high in potassium and sodium as well as vitamin B complex.
If we completely ignore the relationship between mental and physical health, we are missing an important detail in the picture of personal health.
And, as in most health problems, practicing prevention is superior to finding a cure. Therefore, the best manner to avoid having negative attitudes and emotions control our bodies is simply to practice the pearls of wisdom that we have been given throughout the Qur’an and Hadith.
We should say, “Alhamdullilah” for what we have; “Insha’Allah” for what we intend; and, “Subhana’ Allah” when we see something exciting or amazing.
We should remember to say, Astaghfir’Allah” when we lose our tempers or become weak, and most importantly, “Allahu Akbar” when we are faced with the challenges of life.
These five phrases, said regularly, are like taking a multi-vitamin for holistic health.
- aboutislam.net
The last 10 days of Ramadan contain great significance in the blessed month. The importance attached to these days comes from the words of the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet (SAW). Allah (SWT) has granted special distinction to the month of Ramadan. The biggest virtue of this month is that the noble Quran was revealed on the night of Qadr in Ramadan. Allah (SWT) says in the Quran:
“Verily, We have sent it (this Quran) down in the Night of Al-Qadr (Decree).” [97:1]
The Night of Power, or Laylat al-Qadr, is one of the nights in the last 10 days of Ramadan. According to a hadith of the Prophet (SAW), the believers are encouraged to seek this night in the last days of Ramadan.
“Seek Laylat al-Qadr in the last ten days of Ramadan.” [Bukhari and Muslim]
The last 10 days of Ramadan in 2025 are expected to fall 10 days ahead of last year in the Georgian calendar. As Ramadan follows the lunar calendar, the dates change every year due to the sighting of the new moon. In 2025, Ramadan is estimated to start on the 28th February, which means the last 10 days will start somewhere around 20th March 2025.
The believers are encouraged to make a lot of dua during the final days of the month. There are certain times in Ramadan that contain special virtues and when the dua of a Muslim has the highest likelihood of being accepted. The odd nights of the last 10 days form an essential part of such blessed times. Aishah, the mother of the believers, asked the Prophet (SAW) about the dua to be recited on Laylat al-Qadr. He taught her the following dua in response.
اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ كَرِيمٌ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي
“Allahumma innaka Afuwwun [Karimun] tuhibbul afwa fafu annee.”
(O Allah, indeed, You are Pardoning, [Generous,] You love pardon, so pardon me). [Tirmidhi: 3513]
The final days of the holy month are sometimes known as the “last Ashra” of Ramadan, which means the last 10 days. The last Ashra offers salvation to believers with the promise of forgiveness and redemption from fire. According to a hadith of the Prophet (SAW):
“Whoever stays up during Laylat al-Qadr out of faith and in the hope of earning reward, all his previous sins will be forgiven.” (Agreed upon)
As discussed above, the presence of Laylat al-Qadr in the last days gives them greater virtue. In replying to Aishah about the best dua to be recited on Laylat al-Qadr, the Prophet (SAW) mentioned the following dua:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ كَرِيمٌ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي
“Allahumma innaka Afuwwun [Karimun] tuhibbul afwa fafu annee.”
(O Allah, indeed, You are Pardoning, [Generous,] You love pardon, so pardon me). [Tirmidhi: 3513]
There are several quotes about the importance of the last 10 days in the Quran and hadith. It is narrated from Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) that.
“When the (last) ten (days of Ramadan) began, the Messenger of Allah (SAW) would stay awake at night, wake his family, strive hard (in worship) and tie his izaar (waist belt) tight.”
[Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 2024; Muslim, 1174.]
In the final days of Ramadan, the Prophet (SAW) used to make a special effort to engage in worship and to wake his family up at night, too. In a hadith, the Prophet (SAW) said,
“Seek it in the last ten days of Ramadan, when there are nine days left, and seven days left, and five days left.” (Narrated by al-Bukhari, 4/260).
There are many acts of worship established from his noble Sunnah. Itikaf is one such righteous act. According to authentic narrations, the Prophet (SAW) used to observe Itikaf in the last 10 days of Ramadan, and the companions continued this tradition after him. A distinguished scholar of Islam, Imam Nawawi, is reported to have said:
“The best Itikaf is that which is accompanied by fasting, and the best of that is in Ramadan, and the best of that is the last ten days.” [al-Majmu 6/514]
Describing a sign of Laylat al-Qadr, the Prophet (SAW) said,
“Laylat al-Qadr is a pleasant night, neither hot nor cold, and the following day, the sun rises red and weak.” [Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah, 2912]
This tells the believers how to recognise Laylat al-Qadr from the other 10 nights.
Stressing the importance of the glorious night of Qadr in Ramadan, the Prophet (SAW) is reported to have said:
“This month (of Ramadan) has begun and there is a night in it better than one thousand months. (So,) any one deprived of its (blessings) is actually deprived of all goodness. Indeed, He is truly deprived who is kept away from its good.” [Ibn Majah]
Charitable deeds are rewarded highly in the blessed days of Ramadan. In authentic hadith, the increase in the Prophet’s (SAW) generosity during Ramadan is compared to ‘strong winds’. Following the noble example of the Prophet (SAW), the believers are encouraged to do more charity in the holy month. Donate to Charity Meals this Ramadan and secure your reward on the most virtuous days of the month. - charitymeals.org
