By M. A. Dangusau
As the holy month of Ramadan draws to a close, Muslims around the world enter what is widely regarded as the most sacred period of the month—the final ten days.
These days are marked by intensified worship, deep reflection, and a renewed search for spiritual closeness to God.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is observed by millions of Muslims through fasting, prayer, charity, and self-discipline. However, the last ten nights of Ramadan hold special significance because they are believed to contain Laylat al-Qadr, also known as the Night of Power.
According to Islamic teachings, this night commemorates the moment when the Qur’an, the holy book of Islam, was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. The Qur’an describes this night as “better than a thousand nights,” meaning that acts of worship performed during this time carry extraordinary spiritual reward.
Because the exact date of Laylat al-Qadr is not known, Muslims are encouraged to seek it during the odd nights of the final ten days of Ramadan. Many believers increase their acts of devotion during this period by engaging in late night prayers, reciting the Qur’an, and making personal supplications for forgiveness and guidance.
Another important practice during the closing days of Ramadan is I’tikaf, a spiritual retreat observed in mosques. Those who undertake I’tikaf dedicate their time exclusively to prayer, reflection, and reading the Qur’an, temporarily withdrawing from everyday activities in order to focus entirely on their relationship with God.
The last days of Ramadan are also viewed as a special opportunity for repentance and renewal. Muslims believe that sincere prayers during these nights can bring forgiveness of sins and divine mercy. As a result, mosques often become more crowded during late night prayers, and communities gather to worship together in a spirit of unity and humility.
As the final nights pass, Muslims also begin preparing for Eid al-Fitr, the festival that marks the end of the fasting month. The celebration is a time of joy, charity, and communal prayer, but it follows a period of intense spiritual devotion during the closing days of Ramadan.
For many believers, the last ten days of Ramadan serve as a powerful reminder of faith, discipline, and the opportunity for spiritual transformation before the blessed month comes to an end.
