Re: Ramadan Worship Checklist
**Ramadan Prep Guide for Busy People **
» Ramadan Prep Guide for Busy People | Part 1: Training Season](http://muslimmatters.org/2015/05/18/ramadan-prep-guide-for-the-busy-professional-part-1-training-season/)
Daily Ramadan Worship Timetable
**Daily Ramadan Worship Timetable
You can adapt this timetable around your daily routine:
**
- Awaken for Suhoor by reciting the Dua for awakening from sleep and make Miswak
- Make Wudu and pray 2 Rakah Tahiyyatul Wudu each time after Wudu today or if already awake then prepare for Suhoor and include an odd number of dates.
- Eat Suhoor
Note: Ensure you leave enough time after eating Suhoor to pray Tahajjud and make sincere Dua before Fajr begins as Dua during this time is readily accepted
- Pray 2 x 2 Rakah Tahajjud
- 20 minutes before Fajr begins make sincere Dua begging Allah for forgiveness and asking of him of whatever you like and thanking him for his favours as this is the best time to make Dua which is readily accepted at this time.
- Prepare for Fajr prayer - Make Wudu - Pray Tahiyyatul Wudu - Use Miswak
- Pray 2 Sunnah
- Pray Fajr - with congregation for men - Walk to the Masjid for reward of every step - Read 2 Rakah Tahiyyatul Masjid before sitting in the Masjid
Note: To leave so that you get to the Masjid for the Adhan or at least enough time to pray 2 Rakah Tahiyyatul Masjid upon arrival at the Masjid. Also for men to wear best clothing and Ittar to the Masjid
- After Fajr remain seated and worship by making dhikr and reciting the Qur'an until Sunrise and pray 2 x 2 Rakah Salaatul Ishraaq OR sleep and awaken by praying 2 x 2 Rakah Salaatul Duha
- Go to work or complete daily tasks and chores
If working then skip to point 5 otherwise continue:
- 06:00 - 09:00 - Complete daily tasks and chores
Note: Complete daily tasks including doing preparing of Iftaar food as this will ensure valuable time is saved after Asr which is the time of worship and Dua. Alternatively prepare food for the week on a Sunday and freeze.
- 09:00 - 10:00 - Read a book or listen to lecture on an Islamic topic
10:00 - 11:00 - Rest or do Dhikr/contemplate and ponder over the creations of Allah and the favours he has done for us.
11:00 - 12:00 - Recite one Juz (chapter) of Qur'an before Dhuhur
12:00 - 12:30 - Make Dhikr and Dua
- Prepare for Dhuhur prayer - Make Wudu - Pray Tahiyyatul Wudu - Use Miswak
- Pray 4 Sunnah before the Fard and 2 Sunnah and 2 Nawafil after the Fard
- Pray Dhuhur - with congregation for men - Walk to the Masjid for reward of every step - Read 2 Rakah Tahiyyatul Masjid before sitting in the Masjid
After Dhuhur spend from 14:00 - 15:00 memorising any Surah from the Qur'an
15:00 - 15:30 - Rest
15:30 - 16:30 - Reading or listening to a lecture regarding Islamic knowledge like Tafseer of the Qur'an or Seerah or any other Islamic topic.
16:30 - 17:00 - Rest
- 17:00 - 18:00 - Read one Juz (chapter) of the Qur'an or if back from work then rest for 30 minutes.
- 18:00 - 18:30 - Dhikr and Dua
- Prepare for Asr prayer - Make Wudu - Pray Tahiyyatul Wudu - Use Miswak
- Pray 4 Sunnah before the Fard
- Pray Asr - with congregation for men - Walk to the Masjid for reward of every step - Read 2 Rakah Tahiyyatul Masjid before sitting in the Masjid
- After Asr prayer devote the time to reciting the Qur'an and reading Tafseer (Meanings of the verses) for a minimum of one hour
- 20 minutes before Maghrib begins make sincere Dua begging Allah for forgiveness and asking of him of whatever you like and thanking him for his favours as this is the best time to make Dua which is readily accepted at this time.
- Eat Iftaar - begin with an odd number of dates
Note: DO NOT OVEREAT AS THIS WILL HAVE A DETRIMENTAL EFFECT ON WORSHIP
- Prepare for Maghrib prayer - Make Wudu - Pray Tahiyyatul Wudu - Use Miswak
- Pray Maghrib - Walk to the Masjid for reward of every step - Read 2 Rakah Tahiyyatul Masjid before sitting in the Masjid
- Pray 2 Sunnah and minimum of 2 Nawaful after the Fard prayer
Note: The time between Iftaar and Maghrib Jamaat (congregation) is very short so have a few dates with fruit then pray Maghrib and eat properly afterwards. Even if not praying at the Masjid then pray first and eat properly afterwards.
- Make Wudu or have a bath and prepare for Isha prayer
Note: Ensure you prepare for Isha + Taraweeh before hand by readying clothes etc as the time between Iftaar and Taraweeh is very short.
- Pray 4 Sunnah before the Fard and 2 Sunnah and 2 Nawafil after the Fard and before Taraweeh begins
- Pray Isha - with congregation for men - Walk to the Masjid for reward of every step - Read 2 Rakah Tahiyyatul Masjid before sitting in the Masjid
- Pray 3 Witr with congregation or after Taraweeh or one may delay it until just before Fajr begins
After coming back from Isha + Taraweeh then either get straight to sleep or if will remain awaken until Suhoor in worship then go to point 8.
Before sleep to recite Surah Mulk and Surah Sajdah and ensure you go to sleep with Wudu and Sunnah's of before sleep.
- Recite a minimum one Juz of the Qur'an and also read some Tafseer for between 60 - 90 minutes.
- Make Dhikr/contemplation for 30 minutes and then prepare and eat Suhoor.
**Repeat the points again for each day
Daily Worship target list:
**
- Recite minimum 1 Juz (Chapter) a day
- Read one page of Islamic knowledge
- Read one page of Tafseer of the Qur'an
- Learn one Ayah (verse) of the Quran
- Pray the 12 Rakah Sunnah daily (2 Rakah Fajr, 4+2 Rakah Dhuhur, 2 Rakah Maghrib, 2 Rakah Isha)
- Pray minimum 10 Rakah Nawafil daily (2 Rakah Nawafil Tahajjud, 2 Rakah Salaatul Duha, 2 Rakah Nawafil of Dhuhur, 2 Rakah Nawafil of Maghrib, 2 Rakah Nawafil of Isha) Also 2 Rakah Tahiyyatul Wudu after each Wudu and 2 Rakah Tahiyyatul Masjid whenever entering Masjid before sitting down)
- 500 Dhikr daily minimum out of the following:
Subhaanallah - Glory be to Allah
- Alhamdulillah - All praise be to Allah
- Allahu Akbar - Allah is the greatest
- Laa ilaaha illallah - There is no worthy of worship except Allah
- La hawla wa la quwatta illah billah-Hil aliyyil adheem - There is no power or might except with Allah
- Asthaghfirullah-halladhee Laa ilaaha illa-huwal Hayyul Qayyuumu Wa athoobu Ilay -
‘I ask forgiveness from Allah the One whom there is no deity worthy of worship except He, the Ever-Living and Sustainer and I repent to Him’ three times, Allah would forgive his sins even if they were as much as the foam of the sea.
Or the shorter version: Asthaghfirullah - I seek Allah's forgiveness
- Sub-Haan'Allahi Wa bi-ham'dihi Sub-haan'Allah-IL Adheem -
Glory be to Allah and Praise Him, **Glory be to Allah, The Supreme, and Praise Him
Or shorter version: Sub-Haan'Allahi Wa bi-ham'dihi - Glory be to Allah and Praise Him
- Subhāna-llāhi, wa-l-hamdu li-llāhi, wa lā ilāha illā-llāhu, wa-llāhu akbar. Wa lā hawla wa lā quwwata illā bi-llāhi-l-aliyyi-l-azīm -
Glory be to Allah, All Praise is for Allah, There is No God but Allah, Allah is the Greatest
- Lā ilāha illā-llāhu waḥdahu lā sharīka lahu lahu-l-mulku wa lahu-l-ḥamdu yuhyi wa yumītu wa huwa ḥayyu-llā yamūtu abadan abada, ḏū-l-jalāli wa-l-ikrām, biyadihi-l-khayr, wa huwa alā kulli Shay-in qadīr -
(There is) none worthy of worship except Allah. He is only One. (There is) no partners for Him. For Him (is) the Kingdom. And for Him (is) the Praise. He gives life and acuses death. And He (is) Alive. He will not die, never, ever. Possessor of Majesty and Reverence. In His hand (is) the goodness. And He (is) the goodness. And He (is) on everything powerful.
Or the shorter version:
Laa ilaaha illal-laahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu wa huwa ‘alaa kulli shay-in qadeer -
There is No God But Allah Alone, who has no partner. His is the dominion and His is the raise, and He is Able to do all things
*10. **Astaghfirullah al-'Adheemal-ladhi la ilaha illa Huwal-Hayyul-Qayyum wa atubu ilaih *
(I seek the forgiveness of Allah the Mighty, Whom there is none worthy except Him, the Living, The Eternal, and I repent unto Him)
- *Allahumma anta Rabbi la ilaha illa anta, Anta Khalaqtani wa ana abduka, wa ana 'ala ahdika wa wa'dika mastata'tu, A'udhu bika min Sharri ma sana'tu, abu'u Laka bini'matika 'alaiya, wa Abu Laka bidhanbi faghfirli innahu la yaghfiru adhdhunuba illa anta *
(O Allah! You are my Lord! None has the right to be worshipped but You. You created me and I am Your slave, and I am faithful to my covenant and my promise as much as I can. I seek refuge with You from all the evil I have done. I acknowledge before You all the blessings You have bestowed upon me, and I confess to You all my sins. So I entreat You to forgive my sins, for nobody can forgive sins except You.)
- Recite the following abundantly especially during the last ten nights of Ramadan.
Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa'fu 'annee -
'Say: O Allah, You are pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon me.'
NOTE: We should also send much salutations to our beloved Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), especially on Jummah. The best way of doing this is to recite much of Durood e Ibrahim which is what we recite during every Salaah just before we finish:
ALLAHUMMA SALLI ALA MUHAMMADIW WA ALA AALI MUHAMMADIN KAMAA SALLAITA ALA IBRAHIMA WA ALA AALI IBRAHIMA INNAKA HAMIDUM MAJID. ALLAHUMMA BAARIK ALA MUHAMMADIW WA ALA AALI MUHAMMADIN KAMAA BAARAKTA ALA IBRAHIMA WA ALA AALI IBRAHIMA INNAKA HAMIDUM MAJID.
Oh Allah! Send blessings upon (Holy Prophet) Muhammad and upon the followers of (Holy Prophet) Muhammad as You sent blessings upon Ibraheem and upon the followers of Ibraheem; indeed, You are praiseworthy and glorious. Oh Allah! Bless (Holy Prophet) Muhammad and the follower of (Holy Prophet) Muhammad as You blessed Ibraheem and the follower of Ibraheem; indeed, You are praise worthy and glorious.
Or the shortest Durood is: Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallim - Blessings of Allah be upon him and peace
Re: 12 Ways to Maximize Everyday in Ramadan
Make This Ramadan Count!
by Imam Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali | Translated and Edited by Shafiur Rahman
O the one who has wasted his life in disobedience, O the one who has neglected his month, nay his entire time, and has wasted it. O the one whose provisions are procrastination and neglect, what wretched provisions! O the one who has made the Qur’an and the month of Ramadan complainants against you, how do you expect them to intercede on your behalf? ………………………………………………………………………………
O servants of Allah, this is the month of Ramadan, in which the Qur’an was revealed and in its remaining days are bliss for the worshipers. This is the book of Allah recited and listened to amongst you; it is the Qur’an which, if it was sent upon a mountain, you would have seen the mountain split asunder out of fear and humility – but despite this, no heart fears, no eyes weep, the fasts do not prevent from haram [sin] so that they may be of benefit, the prayers at night are not such that the one praying can hope for intercession, hearts are bereft of the fear of Allah so they are deserted and empty of any goodness, the darkness of sins have shrouded them and therefore they cannot see nor hear.
How many ayat [verses] are recited upon us and still our hearts are like rocks or even harder? How many months of Ramadan pass by us and our states are like that of those condemned to wretchedness? No youth amongst us ceases to follow his youthful passions, and no elder amongst us takes heed of the warnings to give up evil deeds so that he may be amongst the pure ones.
Where are we in relation to the people when they hear the caller of Allah and respond to the call? And when the ayat are recited upon them, their hearts soften. And when they fast, their speech, hearing and sight also fast. Are they not examples for us to follow? How great a distance between us and the pure ones! We are further from them than the distance between Safa and Marwa., When our speech is good, our actions are bad. There is no power or might except by Allah, the most high the most majestic, and Allah is enough for us.
O self, the righteous ones have triumphed through taqwa1
They perceived the truth whilst my heart is blind,
O their splendid beauty—whilst the night conceals them
Their light exceeds that of the stars,
They spend the nights in the melody of remembrance
Their living made pure by this melody,
Their hearts have emptied for remembrance
Their tears are like pearls arranged,
Their daybreak shines radiant upon them
Honoured robes of clemency are the best allotment,
Woe unto you O soul will you not awaken?
And benefit before my feet slip?
In trivial matters and whims has time elapsed
So grasp what remains of it and profit.
Ramadan Worship Plan
Ramadan Worship Plan
Daily Ramadan Timetable
Daily Ramadan Worship Routine
Ramadan Worship Checklist
Please feel free to spread so that we can all benefit!!!
Everything you need to make this the best Ramadan EVER!
Everything you need to make this the best Ramadan EVER!
The following are all the resource’s you need to make this the best and most productive Ramadan ever:
Maximising worship during Ramadan:
10 Ways to Prepare for Ramadan
10 Ways to Prepare for Ramadan
**12 Ways to Maximize Everyday in Ramadan **
12 Ways to Maximize Everyday in Ramadan
Daily Ramadan Timetable
Daily Ramadan Worship Routine
Ramadan Worship Checklist
9 things a Women on Menses can to do in Ramadan
http://www.sunniforum.com/forum/showthread.php?75623-9-things-a-Women-on-Menses-can-do-in-Ramadan
**How Productive was your day today in Ramadan:
http://www.sunniforum.com/forum/showthread.php?75598-How-productive-was-your-day-today-in-Ramadan
Maximising Good Deeds during Ramadan:
**
The BEST sale in the Universe is now on!**
http://www.sunniforum.com/forum/showthread.php?91614-The-Best-Sale-in-the-Universe-is-on-Now!
40 Quick, Easy & Rewarding Good Deeds to do Everyday in Ramadan!
12 Hugely Rewarding Dhikr’s to keep repeating in Ramadan
15 Easy Good deeds to do throughout Ramadan!
http://www.sunniforum.com/forum/showthread.php?75500-15-Easy-Good-deeds-to-do-throughout-Ramadan!
10 Hugely Rewarding Good Deeds to do in Ramadan
http://www.sunniforum.com/forum/showthread.php?91422-10-Hugely-Rewarding-Good-Deeds-to-do-in-Ramadan
Trillions of Rewards in Just a Few Seconds!
http://www.sunniforum.com/forum/showthread.php?75702-Trillions-of-Rewards-in-just-a-few-Seconds
**
7 Good Deeds in Ramadan that carry the Reward of Hajj & Umrah! **
Maximising Qur’an during Ramadan:
Immense Rewards for reciting the Qur’an in Ramadan:
10 Reasons We Should Memorise the Qur’an
http://www.sunniforum.com/forum/showthread.php?73072-10-Reasons-We-Should-Memorise-the-Qur-an
Maximising Prayers during Ramadan
VERY Rewarding Nafl Salaahs we can Pray Everyday this Ramadan!
3 ways of attaining focus in our Salaah (prayer) - You will be amazed!
The Virtues and Sunnah’s of Jummah
http://www.sunniforum.com/forum/showthread.php?58767-The-Virtues-and-Sunnah-s-of-Jummah
Increasing Imaan (faith) during Ramadan:
A Life Changing Reminder: Ramadan Reminder
http://www.sunniforum.com/forum/showthread.php?110737-A-Life-Changing-Reminder-Ramadan-Reminder
10 Steps to Increase our Iman (Faith)
http://www.sunniforum.com/forum/showthread.php?40459-10-steps-to-increase-our-imaan(faith)
10 Steps to getting Closer to Allah this Ramadan:
Do you want to see Allah?
http://www.sunniforum.com/forum/showthread.php?121518-Do-you-want-to-see-Allah
**
My Last Ramadan before death!**
http://www.sunniforum.com/forum/showthread.php?120687-My-Last-Ramadan-before-Death
The Best Opportunity to Change Our Lives Forever!
Maximising the last ten days and nights of Ramadan:
10 ways to Maximize the Last 10 Days of Ramadan
http://www.sunniforum.com/forum/showthread.php?76512-10-ways-to-Maximize-the-Last-10-Days-of-Ramadan
**
Worship Plan to Maximise the Last 10 Nights of Ramadan!**
**
12 Ways To Maximize I’tikaf**
http://www.sunniforum.com/forum/showthread.php?76373-12-Ways-To-Maximize-I-tikaf
**Worship Plan to Maximise Laylatul Qadr (Night Of Power)
Five things to do on Laylatul Qadr
http://www.sunniforum.com/forum/showthread.php?62368-5-things-to-do-on-Laylatul-Qadr
On Laylatul Qadr Each Letter of Quran worth over 300,000 good deeds!
Giving just £10 to charity during Laylatul Qadr equals £300,000!
** Towards the end of Ramadan**
Do we have “Double Intentions” this Ramadan?
Ramadan Not Just For One Month But For Everyday Of Our Lives!
20 Sunnah’s to do on Eid
http://www.sunniforum.com/forum/showthread.php?111242-20-Sunnah-s-to-do-on-Eid
**7 Good Deeds to continue after Ramadan **
Spread these valuable Ramadan gems to all so everyone can benefit!!!
Re: Maximizing each second of Ramadan
12 Ways To Maximize I’tikaf
There is no doubt that I’tikaf is a great Sunnah:
Aishah (RA) reported that the Prophet (Salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam): “Used to perform i’tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan until Allah the Mighty & Majestic, took him.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
Abu Said reported that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Whoever makes I`tikaf with me is to make I’tikaf during the last ten [nights].” (Bukhari)
Imam Ahmad said, as was narrated from him by Abu Daawood: “I have not heard from any of the scholars that it is anything other than Sunnah.”
Az-Zuhri said: “How strange the Muslims are! They have given up I’tikaf, despite the fact that the Prophet, (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam), never abandoned this practice from the time he came to Madinah until his death.”
**Nawafil I’tikaf for those who do not sit for the whole 10 days:
**
If a person cannot sit I’tikaf for the full ten days & nights then they should try & sit I’thikaf on as many days & nights as they possibly can.
They can make intention of doing Nawafil I’tikaf everytime they enter the Masjid so a person will be rewarded for the duration of their stay in the Masjid as long as they did not commit any sins or indulge in idle talk.
**I’tikaf for women:
**
Women can also do I’tikaf in the Masjid if the facilities are available to them as long as they have been given permission by their husbands.
There is a difference of opinion whether or not a women can do I’tikaf at home. The Hanbalis, some Shafi’s & some Malikis say that a woman can only sit I’tikaf at the Masjid, whereas the Hanafi’s, some Shafi’s & some Malikis say it is permissable for a women to do I’tikaf at a designated place in her home because if her prayer is prefferred at home then surely her I’tikaf should also be preferred at home.
They state that a woman sitting I’tikaf at home can perform her domestic duties in her designated room for I’tikaf for eg. cooking, ironing etc. But it is best if she takes care of all her responsiblities si that she can devote as much time as possible to worship. She may not leave her desginated room unless it is necessery. The same rules apply to women sitting I’tikaf as they do for men. Even a women on her menses is permitted to sit I’tikaf at her designated place at home. She can do dhikr, dua, listening to Qur’an recitation & read, learn & ponder over the words & meanings of the Qur’an.
**The Virtues of I’tikaf:
**
The benefits & rewards for sitting I’tikaf are immense:
Ali Ibn Hussain (RA) narrates from his father that Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “He who observes the ten days I’tikaf during Ramadhan will obtain the reward of two Hajj & two Umrah.” (Bayhaqi)
Abdullah bin Abbas (RA) reported that Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said: “Whosoever for Allah’s sake did even one days i’tikaf, Allah would keep him away from Jahannam by trenches.” (Tabarani)
Ibn Abbas (RA) reported that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, (about him who engages in i’tikaf), “that he is safe from sin & he also gets that reward which everyone (outside i’tikaf) gets for pious deeds.” (Ibn Majah)
What an amazing opportunity for us to gain such immense & abundant rewards aswell as closeness to Allah. We can also take this opportunity to strengthen & boost our imaan (faith) for the rest of the year.
The following are 12 ways to maximize I’tikaf:
1. Purifying intentions
“Verily actions are judged by intention.” [Al-Bukhaari & Muslim]
It is crucial that we purify & correct our intentions before doing any act of worship. This is because we may have other underlying intentions in our hearts without even realizing it. Like for e.g. we may have in our hearts that we will sit I’tikaf to have fun with friends or to look good in front of others & family etc
So before doing any good deed we need to correct our intentions so that we are more sincere in our worship. The better our intentions, the greater the rewards for whatever good we are doing.
Ibn Al-Mubaarak said: “Maybe a small action is made great by its intention, & maybe a great action is made small by its intention.”
So for I’tikaf we should make as many good intentions as possible like for example we are sitting I’tikaf to draw closer to Allah, to strengthen one’s imaan, to correct one’s heart & purify oneself etc.
2. Schedule & Monitor Daily Worship
What better way to maximise our worship during I’tikaf than to plan & schedule our time so that we can spend it as effectively as possible. By setting ourselves daily targets we can ensure that we are more likely to achieve them.
Below are links where you can download an hourly scheduler where you can set yourself hourly worship targets & schedule your daily worship. There is also a daily worship check where you can check & monitor your daily worship throughout the last ten nights:
1. Daily I’tikaf Worship check
**2. I’tikaf hourly worship scheduler **
3. Exerting oneself in worship during last 10 night’s
Allah’s Messenger used to exert himself in devotion during the last ten nights to a greater extent than at any other time." (Muslim).
**Aisha (RA) reported: **With the start of the last ten days of Ramadan, the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) used to tighten his waist belt (i.e. work harder) & used to pray all the night, & used to keep his family awake for the prayers. (Bukhari)
The last ten days & nights of Ramadan are the most blessed. Therefore the person sitting I’tikaf should exert themselves in worship in each night of the last ten nights particularly the last ten odd numbered nights: 21, 23, 25, 27, 29.
By worshipping in as many of the last ten nights as possible there is more chance we will catch The night of power & gain the reward of over 83 years of worship! Subhanallah thats longer than an average human life!
4. Reciting Qur’an abundantly
The Qur’an was revealed on the night of Power, so we should increase our recitation even more during the last ten days & nights. The pious predecessors used to increase the amount of Qur’an they recited during the last ten days & nights.
**Remember: **The reward for reciting each letter of the Qur’an during Ramadan is 700 hasanah or more. Subhanallah!
So we should make a target during I’tikaf using the scheduler provided of how much Qur’an we will recite each day & night. We should aim to complete at least one whole Qur’an if not more by the end of I’tikaf.
Along with recitation we should also read & learn the meanings of the Qur’an. We should contemplate & ponder over the verses & implement what we read & learn into our daily lives.
Note: We should try & recite Surah Ya-sin everyday particularly after Fajr time. We should also recite Surah Mulk before we going to sleep & Surah Kahf every Jumma. Other very rewarding Surahs we can recite much of are Surah’s Zilzalah, Al Kaafirun & Al Ikhlas
Abdullah Ibn ‘Abbas & Anas Ibn Malik (RA) reported that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, ‘Whoever recited Surah Zilzilah (99) would get the reward of reciting half the Qur’an. Whoever recited Surah al Kaafirun (109) would get a reward as if reading a quarter of the Qur’an. Whoever recited Surah al Ikhlas (112) would get a reward as if reading one third of the Qur’an’. (At-Tirmidhi 2818/A)
**5. Nawafil (Voluntary) prayers
**
What better way of drawing closer to Allah during I’tikaf than by praying the voluntary prayers:
Allah says in Hadith Qudsi:
…And My slave keeps on coming closer to Me through performing Nawafil (voluntary deeds) until I love him, [Bukhari]
Does anyone want the company of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) in Jannah? Then increase in praying the Nawafil prayers:
Rabi’ah Ibn Malik al-Aslami reported that the Prophet Sallallahu alaihi Wasallam said: “Ask (anything).” Rabi’ah said: “I ask of you to be your companion in paradise.” The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Or anything else?” Rabi’ah said: “That is it.” The Prophet Sallallahu alaihi Wasallam said to him: “Then help me by making many prostrations (i.e., Nawafil prayers).” (Muslim)
The reward for praying fard prayers outside of Ramadan is the greatest a Muslim can gain but in Ramadan we get the same reward for praying a Nawafil prayer. Subhaanallah! What other time of the year are Nawafil prayers rewarded equal to that of a fard prayer?
Therefore we should strive to pray as many Nawafils as possible during I’tikaf so we can get closer to Allah, gain the company of the Prophet(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) in Jannah as well as gain the rewards of a fard prayer for each nawafil prayer!
**Sunnah & Nawafil prayers to pray during I’tikaf:
**
- Pray 12 Raka’ahs of Sunnah daily: - 2 Sunnah of Fajr, 4 Sunnah & 2 Sunnah of Dhuhr & 2 Sunnah of Maghrib
Umm Habibah Ramilah bint Abu Sufyan (RA) narrated she heard the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) saying: “A house will be built in Paradise for every Muslim who offers twelve units of Prayers other than the obligatory ones in day & night, to seek pleasure of Allah.” (Muslim)
- Salaatul Duhaa (Can be prayed from 20 mins after sunrise up until 20 minutes before Dhuhr begins)
So we should remain seated after Fajr prayer & recite the Qur’an or do Dhikr up until 20 minutes after Sunrise & pray Salaatul Duhaa. If not then we can pray it anytime before midday.
‘Salat al-Dhuhaa consists of 2 - 12 Rakaats & it is preferable to perform 8 Rakaats.’ (Raddul Mukhtaar vol.1 pg.505)
The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) is reported to have said: Whoever prayed twelve rakaats (before midday), then Allah will, as a reward, prepare a palace of gold for him in Paradise. (Mishkat, Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah)
- 4 Sunnah, 2 Sunnah & 2 Nawafil of Dhuhr
Umm Habibah (RA) narrated that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Whoever sticks to the habit of offering four rakahs before Noon Prayer & four rakahs after it, Allah will shield him against the Hell-Fire.” (Abu Dawud & At-Tirmidhi)
- 4 Raka’ahs Sunnah of Asr
The Prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi wa sallam) said:“May Allaah have Mercy on the one who offers four (Raka’ahs) before 'Asr prayer.”(Abu Dawud)
- **Two Raka’ahs Sunnah after entering Masjid **
Abu Qatadah (RA) narrated the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) as saying: “If any one of you enters a mosque, he should pray two rak`ahs before sitting.” (Al-Bukhari & Muslim)
- Tahiyyatul Wudu - 2 Raka’ahs Sunnah after doing Wudu (Ablution)
Abu Hurayrah (RA) reported the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) saying to Bilal (RA): “Tell me about the best of your deeds (i.e. one which you deem the most rewarding) since your embracing Islam because I heard your footsteps in front of me in Paradise.” **Bilal (RA) replied: **“I do not consider any act of mine more rewarding than that whenever I make ablution at any time of night or day, I perform Prayer for as much as was destined for me to do.” (Al-Bukhari & Muslim)”
- The MOST REWARDING Nawafil Prayer of all is Tahajjud
Allah Most High said: “Establish worship at the going down of the sun until the dark of the night, & (the recital of) the Qur’an at dawn. Lo! (the recital of) the Qur’an at dawn is ever witnessed. And some part of the night awake for its recital, as voluntary worship for you. It may be that your Lord will raise you to a praised estate.” **(Qur’an, 17: 78-79) **
Imam Abu Sa’id al-Khadimi said, “There is scholarly consensus (ijma`) that among the best of virtuous acts is the night vigil prayer.” [al-Bariqa al-Mahmudiyya Sharh al-Tariqa al-Muhammadiyya]
The scholars derived the following in regards to Tahajjud from the Qur’an & Prophetic Hadiths:
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The minimal night vigil prayer is 2 Rakaats. [Hindiyya, quoting Fath al-Qadir]
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Its optimal recommended amount is 8 Rakaats, because this was the general practice of the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) [Hindiyya, quoting Fath al-Qadir]
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Lengthier recitation of Qur’an is superior to a larger number of Rakaats prayed. [Durr al-Mukhtaar, Radd al-Muhtar]
If one has not memorized much of the Qur’an then one should recite whatever they know or recite Surah Ikhlas 3 times after Surah Faathiha in each rakah to gain reward of reciting entire Qur’an.
- It is recommended to start the night vigil with two short Rakaats, because of the Hadith of Abu Hurayrah (RA) that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, “If you get up for night prayer, start with two short Rakaats.” [Muslim, Ahmad, Abu Dawud]
Whilst in I’tikaf we should aim to pray Tahajjud every night in the last 10 nights. If not then we should pray it in as many nights as we possibly can particularly in the nights of the 21,23,25,27 & 29.
One should wake up a little earlier for Sehri, making Wudu & pray a minimum of 2 Raka’ahs of Tahajjud. It is best to pray at least 8 Raka’ahs.
Abu Hurayrah (RA), related that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: When the last one-third of the night remains, our Lord, the Glorious One descends towards the heaven of the earth & proclaims: Who is that who supplicates for Me, & I grant his supplication? Who is that who begs Me for anything & I grant it to him? And who is that who seeks My forgiveness, & I forgive him? (Bukhari, Muslim).
The last third portion of the night is the most blessed & dua’s are readily accepted at this time. So by praying Tahajjud it gives us the best opportunity to get closer to Allah & to make sincere dua, repenting for our sins past & present & to crying & asking of Allah for whatever we want.
If we cannot cry due to the hardness of our hearts then we should at least make the face as if we are crying. Just as a mother tends to her baby quicker & more promptly when it is crying in the same way Allah tends to his servants quicker when they are crying.
Ibn Mas`ud (Allah be pleased with him) was asked, “I cannot pray at night.” He said, "Your sins have prevented you.
**6. Excessive Remembrance of Allah
**
Whilst in I’tikaf we should spend as much time as possible in the remembrance of Allah, keeping our lips moist in his glorification & praises. Surely we will have utter regret in the hereafter for each second wasted without remembering Allah:
Muadh Ibn Jabal (RA) said that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said:** "The People of Paradise will not regret anything except one thing alone: the hour that passed them by in which they made no remembrance of Allah." **Narrated ****Bayhaqi in Shuab al-iman (1:392 #512-513)
The highest rank in Jannah are for those who remembered Allah the most:
Abu Sa`id (RA) narrates the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) was asked, “Which of the servants of Allah is best in rank before Allah on the Day of resurrection?” He said: "The ones who remember him much."I said: “O Messenger of Allah, what about the fighter in the way of Allah?” He answered: “Even if he strikes the unbelievers & mushrikin with his sword until it broke, & becomes red with their blood, truly those who do Dhikr are better than him in rank.” (Ahmad, Tirmidhi, & Bayhaqi)
Therefore we should remember Allah as much as we can & glorify him night & day, not just in Ramadan or in I’tikaf but until our very last breath. What better time to start remembering Allah more than during I’tikaf when we can sit in seclusion remembering Allah:
**The following are 11 Dhikr, supported by Hadith that we can recite throughout the duration of I’tikaf:
**
Note: We should try & aim to recite each of these 10 Dhikr a 100 times each which makes a total of 1000 a day minimum.
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Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa’fu 'annee - Recite this abundantly during the last ten nights of Ramadan.
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Subhaanallah
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Alhamdulillah
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Allahu Akbar
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Laa ilaaha illallah
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LA HAWLA WA LA QUWWATA ILLA BILLAH-HIL ALIYYIL ADHEEM
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Asthaghfirullah-halladhee Laa ilaaha illa-huwal Hayyul Qayyuumu Wa athoobu Ilay
Or short version: Asthaghfirullah
- SUB-HAAN’ALLAAHi WA BI-HAM’DIHI SUB-HAAN’ALLAH-IL ADHEEM
Or short version: SUB-HAAN’ALLAAHi WA BI-HAM’DIHI
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Subhāna-llāhi, wa-l-hamdu li-llāhi, wa lā ilāha illā-llāhu, wa-llāhu akbar. Wa lā hawla wa lā quwwata illā bi-llāhi-l-aliyyi-l-azīm
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Lā ilāha illā-llāhu waḥdahu lā sharīka lahu lahu-l-mulku wa lahu-l-ḥamdu yuhyi wa yumītu wa huwa ḥayyu-llā yamūtu abadan abada, ḏū-l-jalāli wa-l-ikrām, biyadihi-l-khayr, wa huwa alā kulli Shay-in qadīr
Or the shortened version:
Laa ilaaha illal-laahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu wa huwa ‘alaa kulli shay-in qadeer
- Radeetu billahi Rabban Wa bil Islami deenan Wabi Muhammadin Nabiyyan
We should also recite much of durood e Ibrahim which is the durood that is recited towards the end of Salaah.
Or the shortest durood is: Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallim
7. Making Excessive Dua & Repentance
What better opportunity to repent & make long & sincere dua’s to Allah than whilst devoting oneself to Allah in his house.
Almighty Allah says in the Qur’an:
“When my servants ask you concerning me, (tell them) I am indeed close (to them). I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calls on me.” **[2:186] **
The place of Dua is so high in front of Allah, that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallim) has said: “Nothing is more honourable to Allah the Most High than Dua.” **[Sahih al-Jami` no.5268]. **
Allah loves repentance & loves those who turn to him in sincere repentance, so repent unto him sincerely as much as possible:
Truly Allah loves those who turn [to Him] in repentance… **(Qur’an 2:222)
**Many of us rush our Dua’s & quite often our hearts are not present whilst we are making dua to Allah. That is why we lose out on much of the benefits & blessings of Dua. Therefore we should not let our minds wonder whilst in Dua & we should concentrate more, making sure our hearts are present whilst asking of Allah. Whilst we are in dua we should imagine Almighty Allah in front of us & so we should humble ourselves in front of him in a state of meekness & humility.
It may also help if we made a list of what we want to ask Allah during our dua’s. We can then refer to this list as a reminder so that we can cover everything we need to ask him, which may help in making our Dua’s longer & more sincere. This is because we will not always remember everything we want to ask Allah unless we note it down & refer back to it when we need to.
**The times when Dua’s are most accepted during I’thikaf are: **
- The third portion of the night shortly before sehri ends. 2. Whilst fasting. 3. Between Asr & Maghrib. 4. Just before fast opens. 5. On Jumma before & after khutba. 6. Between Adhan & Iqamah. 7. After Qur’an recitation. 8. The Night of Qadr
Let us not be of those who pass by Ramadan without gaining any forgiveness:
Rasullullah (sallahu’ ‘alaihi wasallam) said: …the angel Jibra’il appeared before me & said: Destruction to him who found the blessed month of Ramadan & let it pass by without gaining forgiveness…’ Upon that I said: ‘Amin.’ (Al-Bukhari, Al-Tabrani)
We should ask of Allah whilst in I’tikaf to accept all of our good deeds & efforts throughout Ramadan & be hopeful that Allah will accept it from us. We should also have FULL hope that Allah will accept our Dua’s if not in this world then in the hereafter. We should accept his decree for he knows best in all matters.
**8. Practising the Sunnah
**
Following the Sunnah is a command from Allah:
"Say (O Muhammad to mankind): “If you (really) love Allah, then follow me (i.e. accept Islamic monotheism, follow the Quran & the Sunnah), Allah will love you & forgive you your sins. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Quran: 3:31)
**Almighty Allah says: **“There certainly is an excellent example in Allah’s messenger for he who fears Allah & the last day & remembers Allah abundantly” (al-Ahzaab 21)
By following the Sunnah in every aspect of our daily lives, everything we do will become worship, even going to the toilet, having a bath, dressing & undressing etc.
Annas (RA) reports Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) advised, “Whoever cherishes my Sunnah, indeed he cherishes me & whoever loves me will be with me in Jannah.” (Tirmidhi: 2678: Ibid)
We should practise & implement the Sunnah throughout the duration of I’tikaf like for eg the Sunnah’s of awakening, using miswak, of eating, drinking, going to the toilet, before sleeping etc. Then EVERYTHING we do whilst in I’tikaf will become worship & reward. Doing voluntary good deeds in Ramadan carrys the reward of FARD! Subhanallah!
**Reviving the Sunnah:
**Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Whoever revives an aspect of my Sunnah that is forgotten after my death, he will have a reward equivalent to that of the people who follow him, without it detracting in the least from their reward.” (Tirmidhi)
The following free E book contains complete daily Sunnah’s & dua’s from waking up in the morning until going to sleep at night:
Download Beautiful Daily Sunnah’s
26863499-Beautiful-Sunnah-s-of-Rasulallah-to-Do-Everyday.pdf
**9. Refraining from sin & idle talk
**
The person sitting in I’tikaf must take extra care & attention to ensure that they refrain from committing any sins. That includes guarding the ears, eyes, tongue, privates & heart, thus deriving the maximum benefit from I’tikaf & attaining a special closeness to Allah & an increase & strengthening of imaan (faith).
The mu’takif (person sitting I’tikaf) should remember that they are the guest of Almighty Allah in his house so therefore they should be extremely vigilant of their behaviour in the House of Almighty Allah.
They must also avoid getting into idle discussions, debates & arguments which will be of no benefit but cause more harm than good.
**Remember: **Time will go quick & if we waste our precious time during I’tikaf then surely we will regret it forever. So let us use this valuable time wisely as this may be our last I’tikaf so let us treat it like our very last.
**10. Avoiding over eating & sleeping
**
Excessive eating & sleeping during I’tikaf is a major factor in stopping a person from maximizing their I’tikaf.
Ibrahim al-Nakha’i (RA), one of the teachers of Imam Abu Hanifa (RA) mentioned: “The people ruined before you were done in by three characteristics: too much talking, too much eating, & too much sleeping.”
Ash-Shafi’I (RA) said: I have not filled myself in sixteen years because filling oneself makes the body heavy, removes clear understanding, induces sleep & makes one weak for worship.
It used to be said: Whoever takes control of his stomach gets control of all good deeds.
So a person must ensure that they do NOT over eat or over sleep during I’tikaf. Doing so will make a person feel heavy,tired & lazy resulting in that person not being as productive as they should be during I’tikaf.
Remember: Set yourself limits & stick to them. Stay focused on your main goals & purpose for sitting in I’tikaf & what you hope to achieve out of it.
**11. Not leaving Masjid unless necessery
**
It is not permitted for a man or woman to leave the Masjid during I’tikaf unless:
- To answer the call of nature.
- To pass wind.
- To make wudhu.
- To take an obligatory bath.
- To proclaim the adhan even if one is not the muadhin.
It is not permitted for a person sitting in I’tikaf to leave the Masjid to have a Sunnah Friday bath only obligatory bath. It is also not permitted to go out of Masjid to use mobile phone. One should also try not to disturb others. It is permissable to Take head out of the window in the Masjid.
12. Searching for the Night of Power (Laylatul Qadr)
So valuable is the Night of Qadr (Power) that the Quran devotes a special surah to it: “Lailatul Qadr is better than a thousand months” [97:3]
This one night surpasses the value of 30,000 nights. The most authentic account of the occurrence of the Night indicates that it can occur on any one of the last ten, odd numbered nights of Ramadan, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29. It may also occur on any of the even nights.
Therefore we should strive to stay up & worship on all of the last 10 nights of Ramadan. If we can’t do that then we should at least worship the odd numbered nights of the last ten days. If we still can’t manage that then let us pray on whatever nights we can, minimum on the 27th night.
There is NO doubt that if we pray on all of the last ten nights of Ramadan then we will catch this auspicious night & gain the rewards of over 83 YEARS OF WORSHIP! Subhaanallah! Most do not live upto such an age!
The following dua should be recited as much as possible during the last 10 nights of Ramadan:
Aisha (RA) said: I asked the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam): ‘O Messenger of Allah, if I know what night is the night of Qadr, what should I say during it?’ He said Say:
"Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa’fu 'annee
Trans: ‘Say: O Allah, You are pardoning & You love to pardon, so pardon me.’ " (Ahmad, Ibn Majah, & Tirmidhi).
May Allah enable us to make the best of the last ten days & nights of Ramadan. May Allah enable us to find the night of power & may he accept our I’tikaf & make it a salvation for us on the day of judgement. Ameen
Re: Maximizing each second of Ramadan
*Worship Plan to Maximise Laylatul Qadr (Night Of Power)
*
**
Almighty Allah says in the Quran:** {Laylat al-Qadr is better than a thousand months. The angels and the Spirit descend therein, by the permission of their Lord, with every decree. (This night is) peace, until the rising of the dawn.} (Al-Qadr 97: 3-5)
This blessed night can be found in any of the last 10 nights of Ramadan which are the most blessed nights of the year & therefore we should increase our Worship & Devotion in them:
*Aisha (Ra) reported: **With the start of the last ten days of Ramadan, the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) used to tighten his waist belt (i.e. work harder) and used to pray the whole night, & used to keep his family awake for the prayers. *(Bukhari) **
Imam Ibrahim Al-Nakha`i (Ra) says: "Good works performed on this night are better than those performed consistently for a thousand months."
**
Abu Hurayrah (Ra) relates that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said:** "Whoever spends Laylat al-Qadr in prayer, believing in Allah and seeking His reward, will be forgiven all of his past sins." (Al-Bukhari & Muslim)
Subhanallah! What immense rewards are to be gained during these blessed 10 nights. How can we afford to miss out on them? Who is to say that we will be alive next Ramadan? So we must make the best of these 10 nights. If we cannot manage all of the 10 nights then at least as many as we can manage particularly the last 10 odd numbered nights: 21st, 25th, 27th and 29th.
There is a saying: A person who fails to plan, plans to fail. So I have created a Worship plan that we can use to maximise these blessed 10 nights of Ramadan. Before we get into the plan, there are a few points to consider:
*10 points to consider in the Worship Plan: *
1 - **Remain in I'tikaf: **The best way of catching the blessed night of Power is to remain in I'tikaf which both men and women can do. If it is not possible for one to remain in I'tikaf for the whole of the 10 days and nights then one should try to remain in I'tikaf as many days and nights as is possible. It is also possible to make intention of Nawafil I'tikaf each and every time one enters the Masjid in order to gain rewards for the time spent in the Masjid.
2 - Worship all the 10 nights: Try to worship the whole of the 10 nights or at least as one can manage as that is the best way to catch the unimaginable and incomprehensible rewards of Laylatul Qadr. Each and every good deed from Maghrib until Fajr on Laylatul Qadr is rewarded a minimum of over 83 years of worship rewards. Subhanallah that is longer than most of us will live!
3 - Best Dua of the last 10 nights: Recite as much of the Dua for Lailatul Qadr (the Night of Power) as is possible throughout these 10 nights. For this Dua literally wipes out sins rather than just mere forgiveness of sins
اَللَّهُمَّ اِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ ، تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي
Allahumma innaka ‘affuwwun tuhibbul ‘afwa fa’fu ‘anni’ ‘
O Allah You are The One Who forgives greatly, and loves to forgive, so forgive me. [at Tirmidhi]
4 - **Give in charity: **Give some charity during these 10 nights as any good act like charity during Laylatul Qadr is rewarded like one has done it for over 83 years!
5 - EAT LIGHT: as one is going to stay up until Fajr and the more one eats the harder it will be to stay up and the less productive one will be!
6 - Hydrate well: Keep some water with you at all times. This well help you stay up, feel energised and refreshed and have a clearer mind
7 -** Complete all tasks before hand:** So that we are free to worship the 10 nights without being disturbed by having to complete worldy tasks. This is in order to spend minimum time on things other than worship.
8 - Show exemplary character: The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Nothing is weightier on the Scale of Deeds than one’s Good manners.” *(Al-Bukhari) *
So surely we should aim to be the best in character during these blessed nights and then continue to do so the rest of the year. So we must not argue, swear, backbite, slander or gossip. These things are prohibited anyway but how can we display such characteristics during these blessed few nights?
9 - No time wasting: We must make firm intention that during these blessed 10 nights that we will take part in NO idle talk and NOT watch TV, or play Games, or spend time on Social Media. There is 355 days in the year for all that. This is just 10 nights! Utter loss and regret for those of us who waste these blessed 10 nights!!!
10- **Making life changes : **Ramadan is not just for one month but it is for the whole year. So we should make the necessary changes that we need to make in order to better ourselves as Muslims and what better time to make such changes than during these blessed 10 nights where we can change our lives for the better forever. So we must internalise these changes and make firm commitment to Allah and it maybe that he will wipe our sins clean like we were a new born baby.
The following is a possible worship routine for the last 10 blessed nights of Ramadan which can be adjusted according to the times in ones own country:
**09:30 - 10:00 pm - **Open fast with dates and water and Pray Maghrib (Men with congregation and women at home). After that pray the 2 Sunnah and as many Nawafil (Voluntary) prayers in sets of 2 raka'ahs as one can manage.
Bonus: The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Whoever draws near to Allah during it (Ramadan) with a single characteristic from the characteristics of (voluntary) goodness, he is like whoever performs an obligatory act in other times. And whoever performs an obligatory act during it, he is like whoever performed seventy obligatory acts in other times.” (Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah, no. 1887)
So each Fard prayer during Ramadan entails a reward of 70 obligatory prayers and each voluntary prayer entails a reward of a Fard prayer. Can you imagine how much more reward a voluntary and Fard prayer will be rewarded during Laylatul Qadr,? Subhanallah! you will be rewarded like you have prayed the Fard and voluntary prayers for over 83 years!
10:00 - 10:15 pm - Eat light in order to have optimum energy for worship. Avoid heavy and fried foods which will make one lethargic.
*Bonus: * The lighter the stomach the more worship. The more worship the more reward!
10:15 - 10:30 pm - Get ready and prepared to pray Isha and Tarawee. Make Ghusl or Wudu. Pray 2 Rakat Tahiyyatul Wudu after every Wudu. Wear ones best clothes and put on Attar and use Miswaak and comb hair, beard etc.
Bonus 1: Looking ones best actually has a significant impact in making one more productive! These are the nights of maximum productivity! So look & smell good to be more productive!
Bonus 2: Walk to the Masjid if you are not in I'tikaf. Each and every step is rewarded like you have been walking to the Masjid for over 83 years! Subhanallah!
10:30 pm - 12:00 am - Pray Isha & Taraweeh. Men with congregation and women may also pray in the Masjid in order to hear recitation of Qur'an, if the facilities are available and there is no danger of free mixing. Pray 2 rakat Tahiyyatul Masjid upon arriving at the Masjid and also remember to pray the 4 raka'ahs of Sunnah before the 4 Fard of Isha' which is often neglected.
Bonus: Praying Taraweeh during the night of power will bring rewards of over 83 years for each and every letter recited by the Imam and for each and every prostration (Sajda).
12:00 - 12:30 am - As soon as Taraweeh is finished then prepare for worship until Fajr. Make Fresh Wudu or Ghusl if one wants. Drink water to hydrate. If one is hungry then eat (LIGHT).
Either stay at the Masjid or go home immediately not partaking in any idle talk and go straight to the spot where there will be no disturbances and begin worship immediately being firm in remaining free of any disturbances. NO PROCRASTINATION during these blessed 10 nights!
Bonus: The less time we waste the more time we have for worship. The more time we have for worship the more we can gain unimaginable rewards during these blessed 10 nights!
12:30 - 1:30 am - Recite Qur'an with its tafseer (Meanings of the Qur'an) and contemplate and ponder over the words of Allah.
Bonus: In one of these nights was the auspicious night that the Noble Qur'an was revealed. So surely we should spend most of these nights reciting the Qur'an. Each and every letter is normally rewarded as 10 good deeds and during Ramadan this is increased further, but during Laylatul Qadr each letter will be rewarded like one has recited it for over 83 years. Subanallah!
1:30 - 2:00 am - Salaatul Tasbih. Or continue reciting Qur'an with Tafseer and recite the Laylatul Qadr Dua as much as possible for wiping out sins.
Bonus: Salaatul Tasbih contains a Dhikr (remembrance of Allah) which is one of the best glorifications of Allah (Abu Dawud):
Subhaanallaahi walhamdu lillaahi walaa ilaaha illallaahu wallaahu Akbar
This is recited 300 times during this prayer. So can you imagine the rewards of reciting this prayer during Laylatul Qadr? Subanallah!
How to Pray Salaatul Tasbih: Pray like a normal 4 raka'ah (Nawafil) prayer except above Dhikr is said 15 times after the Surah after Surah Faathiha,10 times in Ruku (After Subanarabbiyyal Adheem), 10 times after Qiyaam (Saami-Allah), 10 times in Sajda (After Subhanarabiyyal Adheem),10 times when up from Sajda in sitting position,10 times in second Sajda,10 times when up from second sajda in sitting position. Repeat for every Raka'h.
2:00 - 2:45 am - 8 Rakats of Tahajjud prayer with long Sajdas reciting as many Sura'hs as one knows by memory. Before hand reading the meanings of the Surahs that are going to be recited in order to gain Khushu and feel the Surah's being recited in ones heart.
** Bonus: ** The best Nawafil (voluntary) prayer is Tahajjud and it is a prayer in order to get closer to Almighty Allah which can be prayed after Isha until just before Fajr begins. The best recitation of the Qur'an is that done during Tahajjud prayer. So one should recite as much of the Qur'an as one has memorised and in the long prostrations ask and beg of Allah in Arabic for forgiveness and mercy and surely Allah will never turn away his slaves who beg of him during this prayer.
2:45 - 3:00 am - Eat Suhoor slightly earlier so as to spend the last half an hour in Dua as Dua just before Fajr is the best and most accepted Dua and any Dua on Laylatul Qadr is accepted without doubt.
Bonus: Prepare Suhoor in the day and put it away in the fridge as nothing should get in the way of our worship during these blessed nights. Preparing Suhoor before hand leaves us with more time to worship. As I keep saying: The more time we have for worship the more unimaginable and incomprehensible rewards we can gain!
3:00 am until Fajr begins. Devote the last half an hour in Dua. Beg and cry unto Allah, by praising and glorifying him using his beautiful names asking for his mercy, forgiveness and for our parents, families and ourselves. Ask for anything ones heart desires. Include Dua's for the Ummah. Surely Allah will accept each and every sincere Dua during these blessed 10 nights more so more than any night of the year on the Night of power!
Bonus: Make a Dua list and be sure to cover everything you can think of so that your mind does not go blank during making Dua on these blessed nights. So if we have made a Dua list before hand then we can make the best Dua which will cover everything and during these blessed nights Duas are readily accepted and if we catch the Night of power during these 10 nights then our Duas will be accepted without a doubt. Subhanallah!
Repeat this schedule for each and every night of worship during the last 10 nights of Ramadan and know that at least one of the nights we will gain the rewards like we did each and every worship for over 83 years. Subhanallah that is longer than most of us will live!
May Allah enable us to make the best of these nights and gain the rewards may he enable us to catch the blessed Night of Power and gain the rewards that are promised for it. Ameen
Re: Maximizing each second of Ramadan
**10 ways to Maximize the Last 10 Days of Ramadan
**
The last 10 days of Ramadan are the most blessed & we should increase our Worship & Devotion:
Allah’s Messenger used to exert himself in devotion during the last ten nights to a greater extent than at any other time." **(Muslim). **
**Aisha (Ra) reported: **With the start of the last ten days of Ramadan, the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) used to tighten his waist belt (i.e. work harder) and used to pray the whole night, & used to keep his family awake for the prayers. **(Bukhari) **
So there is still time for us to redeem ourselves in the last 10 blessed days of Ramadan. We must NOT miss this opportunity otherwise we will regret it forever. We should strive to seek out night of power which is hidden in one of the last 10 nights of Ramadan, particularly in the odd numbered nights.
So this is our chance to get closer to Allah & to gain his mercy and forgiveness of ALL of our past and present sins! Therefore we should put everything into the last 10 nights & know that we will get so much more in return. But if we waste these nights then we will regret it FOREVER!
**The following are 10 ways which we can maximize these blessed nights:
**
1. Sitting I’tikaf in the last 10 days
I`tikaf is the seclusion and staying in the Masjid with the intention of becoming closer to Allah by doing constant remembrance, glorification and worship of Allah. I’tikaf is a great Sunnah:
Aishah (RA) reported that the Prophet (Salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam): “Used to perform i’tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan until Allah the Mighty & Majestic, took him.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
Abu Said reported that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Whoever makes I`tikaf with me is to make I’tikaf during the last ten [nights].” (Bukhari)
Women can also sit I’tikaf
Women can also sit I’tikaf at the Masjid with husbands permission. There is a difference of opinion whether she can sit I’tikaf at home. The Hanafi madhab states a woman can sit I’tikaf at a designated place in her home.
Nawafil I’tikaf:
If a person cannot sit I’tikaf for the full 10 days & nights then they should try & sit I’thikaf on as many days & nights as they possibly can.
They can make intention of doing Nawafil I’tikaf everytime they enter the Masjid so a person will be rewarded for the duration of their stay in the Masjid as long as they did not commit any sins or indulge in idle talk.
Immense rewards for sitting I’tikaf
Ali Ibn Hussain (RA) narrates from his father that Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “He who observes the ten days I’tikaf during Ramadhan will obtain the reward of two Hajj & two Umrah.” (Bayhaqi)
Abdullah bin Abbas (RA) reported that Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said: “Whosoever for Allah’s sake did even one days i’tikaf, Allah would keep him away from Jahannam by trenches.” (Tabarani)
What an amazing opportunity for us to gain such immense & abundant rewards aswell as closeness to Allah. We can also take this opportunity to strengthen & boost our imaan (faith) for the rest of the year.
2. Schedule & Monitor Daily Worship
What better way to maximise our worship during the last 10 days of Ramadan than to plan & schedule our time so that we can spend it as effectively as possible. By setting ourselves daily targets we can ensure that we are more likely to achieve them.
Below are links where you can download an hourly scheduler where you can set yourself hourly worship targets & schedule your daily worship. There is also a daily worship check where you can check & monitor your daily worship throughout the last ten nights:
1. Worship check for the last 10 days
**2. Last 10 days hourly worship scheduler **
**3. Exerting oneself in worship during last 10 night’s
**
We should make more effort during the last 10 days:
Allah’s Messenger used to exert himself in devotion during the last ten nights to a greater extent than at any other time." (Muslim).
**Aisha (RA) reported: **With the start of the last ten days of Ramadan, the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) used to tighten his waist belt (i.e. work harder) & used to pray all the night, & used to keep his family awake for the prayers. (Bukhari)
The last ten days & nights of Ramadan are the most blessed. Therefore we should exert themselves in worship even more during each of the last 10 days and nights, particularly the last ten odd numbered nights: 21, 23, 25, 27, 29.
By worshipping the last 10 nights we would be most likely to catch the night of power & gain the reward of over 83 years of worship! Subhanallah thats longer than the average human life expectancy!
**4. Reciting Qur’an abundantly
**
What better time to recite the Qur’an than in ones of the very nights it was revealed - The Night of Power.
Therefore we should increase our recitation even more during the last ten days & nights. The pious predecessors used to increase the amount of Qur’an they recited during the last ten days & nights.
**Remember: **The reward for reciting each letter of the Qur’an during Ramadan is 700 hasanah or more. Subhanallah!
So we should make a target during the last 10 days using the scheduler provided above in point 4 and put down a target of how much Qur’an we will recite each day & night. We should try & aim to complete the Qur’an at least once if not more by the end of the last 10 days of Ramadan.
Along with recitation we should also read & learn the meanings of the Qur’an. We should contemplate & ponder over the verses & implement what we read & learn into our daily lives.
Note: We should try & recite Surah Ya-sin everyday particularly after Fajr time. We should also recite Surah Mulk before we going to sleep & Surah Kahf every Jumma. Other very rewarding Surahs we can recite much of are Surah’s Zilzalah, Al Kaafirun & Al Ikhlas
Abdullah Ibn ‘Abbas & Anas Ibn Malik (RA) reported that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, ‘Whoever recited Surah Zilzilah (99) would get the reward of reciting half the Qur’an. Whoever recited Surah al Kaafirun (109) would get a reward as if reading a quarter of the Qur’an. Whoever recited Surah al Ikhlas (112) would get a reward as if reading one third of the Qur’an’. (At-Tirmidhi 2818/A)
**5. Nawafil (Voluntary) prayers
**
What better way of drawing closer to Allah during the last 10 days of Ramadan than by praying the voluntary prayers:
Allah says in Hadith Qudsi:
…And My slave keeps on coming closer to Me through performing Nawafil (voluntary deeds) until I love him, [Bukhari]
Does anyone want the company of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) in Jannah? Then increase in praying the Nawafil prayers:
Rabi’ah Ibn Malik al-Aslami reported that the Prophet Sallallahu alaihi Wasallam said: “Ask (anything).” Rabi’ah said: “I ask of you to be your companion in paradise.” The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Or anything else?” Rabi’ah said: “That is it.” The Prophet Sallallahu alaihi Wasallam said to him: “Then help me by making many prostrations (i.e., Nawafil prayers).” (Muslim)
The reward for praying fard prayers outside of Ramadan is the greatest a Muslim can gain but in Ramadan we get the same reward for praying a Nawafil prayer. Subhaanallah! What other time of the year are Nawafil prayers rewarded equal to that of a fard prayer?
Therefore we should strive to pray as many Nawafils as possible during the last 10 days & nights of Ramadan, so that we can get closer to Allah & gain the company of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) in Jannah. On top of that each Nawafil prayer carries the reward of a fard prayer!
**Sunnah & Nawafil prayers to pray during last 10 days:
**
- Pray 12 Raka’ahs of Sunnah daily: - 2 Sunnah of Fajr, 4 Sunnah & 2 Sunnah of Dhuhr & 2 Sunnah of Maghrib
Umm Habibah Ramilah bint Abu Sufyan (RA) narrated she heard the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) saying: “A house will be built in Paradise for every Muslim who offers twelve units of Prayers other than the obligatory ones in day & night, to seek pleasure of Allah.” (Muslim)
- Salaatul Duhaa (Can be prayed from 20 mins after sunrise up until 20 minutes before Dhuhr begins)
So we should remain seated after Fajr prayer & recite the Qur’an or do Dhikr up until 20 minutes after Sunrise & pray Salaatul Duhaa. If not then we can pray it anytime before midday.
‘Salat al-Dhuhaa consists of 2 - 12 Rakaats & it is preferable to perform 8 Rakaats.’ (Raddul Mukhtaar vol.1 pg.505)
The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) is reported to have said: Whoever prayed twelve rakaats (before midday), then Allah will, as a reward, prepare a palace of gold for him in Paradise. (Mishkat, Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah)
- 4 Sunnah, 2 Sunnah & 2 Nawafil of Dhuhr
Umm Habibah (RA) narrated that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Whoever sticks to the habit of offering four rakahs before Noon Prayer & four rakahs after it, Allah will shield him against the Hell-Fire.” (Abu Dawud & At-Tirmidhi)
- 4 Raka’ahs Sunnah of Asr
The Prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi wa sallam) said:“May Allaah have Mercy on the one who offers four (Raka’ahs) before 'Asr prayer.”(Abu Dawud)
- **Two Raka’ahs Sunnah after entering Masjid **
Abu Qatadah (RA) narrated the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) as saying: “If any one of you enters a mosque, he should pray two rak`ahs before sitting.” (Al-Bukhari & Muslim)
- Tahiyyatul Wudu - 2 Raka’ahs Sunnah after doing Wudu (Ablution)
Abu Hurayrah (RA) reported the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) saying to Bilal (RA): “Tell me about the best of your deeds (i.e. one which you deem the most rewarding) since your embracing Islam because I heard your footsteps in front of me in Paradise.” **Bilal (RA) replied: **“I do not consider any act of mine more rewarding than that whenever I make ablution at any time of night or day, I perform Prayer for as much as was destined for me to do.” (Al-Bukhari & Muslim)”
- The MOST REWARDING Nawafil Prayer of all is Tahajjud
Allah Most High said: “Establish worship at the going down of the sun until the dark of the night, & (the recital of) the Qur’an at dawn. Lo! (the recital of) the Qur’an at dawn is ever witnessed. And some part of the night awake for its recital, as voluntary worship for you. It may be that your Lord will raise you to a praised estate.” **(Qur’an, 17: 78-79) **
Imam Abu Sa’id al-Khadimi said, “There is scholarly consensus (ijma`) that among the best of virtuous acts is the night vigil prayer.” [al-Bariqa al-Mahmudiyya Sharh al-Tariqa al-Muhammadiyya]
The scholars derived the following in regards to Tahajjud from the Qur’an & Prophetic Hadiths:
-
The minimal night vigil prayer is 2 Rakaats. [Hindiyya, quoting Fath al-Qadir]
-
Its optimal recommended amount is 8 Rakaats, because this was the general practice of the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) [Hindiyya, quoting Fath al-Qadir]
-
Lengthier recitation of Qur’an is superior to a larger number of Rakaats prayed. [Durr al-Mukhtaar, Radd al-Muhtar]
If one has not memorized much of the Qur’an then one should recite whatever they know or recite Surah Ikhlas 3 times after Surah Faathiha in each rakah to gain reward of reciting entire Qur’an.
- It is recommended to start the night vigil with two short Rakaats, because of the Hadith of Abu Hurayrah (RA) that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, “If you get up for night prayer, start with two short Rakaats.” [Muslim, Ahmad, Abu Dawud]
We should pray Tahajjud every night in the last 10 nights for one of those nights could be Laylatul Qadr (The Night of Power). If we cannot do all 10 nights then we should at least try to pray Tahajjud in as many nights as we possibly can particularly in the odd numbered nights: 21,23,25,27,29.
We should wake up a little earlier for Sehri, make Wudu & pray a minimum of 2 Raka’ahs of Tahajjud but try to aim for at least 8 Raka’ahs.
Abu Hurayrah (RA), related that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: When the last one-third of the night remains, our Lord, the Glorious One descends towards the heaven of the earth & proclaims: Who is that who supplicates for Me, & I grant his supplication? Who is that who begs Me for anything & I grant it to him? And who is that who seeks My forgiveness, & I forgive him? (Bukhari, Muslim).
The last third portion of the night is the most blessed & dua’s are readily accepted at this time. So by praying Tahajjud it gives us the best opportunity to get closer to Allah & to make sincere dua, repenting for our sins past & present & to crying & asking of Allah for whatever we want.
If we cannot cry due to the hardness of our hearts then we should at least make the face as if we are crying. Just as a mother tends to her baby quicker & more promptly when it is crying in the same way Allah tends to his servants quicker when they are crying.
Ibn Mas`ud (Allah be pleased with him) was asked, “I cannot pray at night.” He said, “Your sins have prevented you.”
**6. Excessive Remembrance of Allah
**
We should increase our remembrance of Allah during the last 10 days of Ramadan, keeping our lips moist in his glorification & praises.
Surely we will have utter regret in the hereafter for each second wasted without remembering Allah:
Muadh Ibn Jabal (RA) said that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said:** "The People of Paradise will not regret anything except one thing alone: the hour that passed them by in which they made no remembrance of Allah." **Narrated ****Bayhaqi in Shuab al-iman (1:392 #512-513)
The highest rank in Jannah are for those who remembered Allah the most:
Abu Sa`id (RA) narrates the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) was asked, “Which of the servants of Allah is best in rank before Allah on the Day of resurrection?” He said: "The ones who remember him much."I said: “O Messenger of Allah, what about the fighter in the way of Allah?” He answered: “Even if he strikes the unbelievers & mushrikin with his sword until it broke, & becomes red with their blood, truly those who do Dhikr are better than him in rank.” (Ahmad, Tirmidhi, & Bayhaqi)
What better time to start remembering Allah more than during the blessed last 10 days od Ramadan.
**The following are 11 Dhikr, supported by Hadith that we can recite throughout last 10 nights:
**
Note: We should try & aim to recite each of these 10 Dhikr a 100 times each which makes a total of 1000 a day minimum.
-
Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa’fu 'annee - Recite this abundantly during the last ten nights of Ramadan.
-
Subhaanallah
-
Alhamdulillah
-
Allahu Akbar
-
Laa ilaaha illallah
-
LA HAWLA WA LA QUWWATA ILLA BILLAH-HIL ALIYYIL ADHEEM
-
Asthaghfirullah-halladhee Laa ilaaha illa-huwal Hayyul Qayyuumu Wa athoobu Ilay
Or short version: Asthaghfirullah
- SUB-HAAN’ALLAAHi WA BI-HAM’DIHI SUB-HAAN’ALLAH-IL ADHEEM
Or short version: SUB-HAAN’ALLAAHi WA BI-HAM’DIHI
-
Subhāna-llāhi, wa-l-hamdu li-llāhi, wa lā ilāha illā-llāhu, wa-llāhu akbar. Wa lā hawla wa lā quwwata illā bi-llāhi-l-aliyyi-l-azīm
-
Lā ilāha illā-llāhu waḥdahu lā sharīka lahu lahu-l-mulku wa lahu-l-ḥamdu yuhyi wa yumītu wa huwa ḥayyu-llā yamūtu abadan abada, ḏū-l-jalāli wa-l-ikrām, biyadihi-l-khayr, wa huwa alā kulli Shay-in qadīr
Or the shortened version:
Laa ilaaha illal-laahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu wa huwa ‘alaa kulli shay-in qadeer
- Radeetu billahi Rabban Wa bil Islami deenan Wabi Muhammadin Nabiyyan
We should also recite much of durood e Ibrahim which is the durood that is recited towards the end of Salaah.
Or the shortest durood is: Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallim
**7. Making Excessive Dua
**
Almighty Allah says in the Qur’an:
“When my servants ask you concerning me, (tell them) I am indeed close (to them). I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calls on me.” **[2:186] **
The place of Dua is so high in front of Allah, that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallim) has said: “Nothing is more honourable to Allah the Most High than Dua.” **[Sahih al-Jami` no.5268]. **
Allah loves repentance & loves those who turn to him in sincere repentance, so repent unto him sincerely as much as possible:
Truly Allah loves those who turn [to Him] in repentance…**(Qur’an 2:222)
**Many of us rush our Dua’s & quite often our hearts are not present whilst we are making dua to Allah. That is why we lose out on much of the benefits & blessings of Dua. Therefore we should not let our minds wonder whilst in Dua & we should concentrate more, making sure our hearts are present whilst asking of Allah. Whilst we are in dua we should imagine Almighty Allah in front of us & so we should humble ourselves in front of him in a state of meekness & humility.
It may also help if we made a list of what we want to ask Allah during our dua’s. We can then refer to this list as a reminder so that we can cover everything we need to ask him, which may help in making our Dua’s longer & more sincere. This is because we will not always remember everything we want to ask Allah unless we note it down & refer back to it when we need to.
**The times when Dua’s are most accepted during the last 10 days are: **
- The third portion of the night shortly before sehri ends. 2. Whilst fasting. 3. Between Asr & Maghrib. 4. Just before fast opens. 5. On Jumma before & after khutba. 6. Between Adhan & Iqamah. 7. After Qur’an recitation. 8. The Night of Qadr 9. Whilst it is raining.
Let us not be of those who pass by Ramadan without gaining any forgiveness:
Rasullullah (sallahu’ ‘alaihi wasallam) said: …the angel Jibra’il appeared before me & said: Destruction to him who found the blessed month of Ramadan & let it pass by without gaining forgiveness…’ Upon that I said: ‘Amin.’ (Al-Bukhari, Al-Tabrani)
What better opportunity to make long & sincere dua’s to Allah than in the last 10 days & nights of Ramadan. If we make dua every night then we may be lucky enough to have made dua in the night of power where all dua’s are accepted.
**8. Practising the Sunnah
**
Following the Sunnah is a command from Allah:
"Say (O Muhammad to mankind): “If you (really) love Allah, then follow me (i.e. accept Islamic monotheism, follow the Quran & the Sunnah), Allah will love you & forgive you your sins. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Quran: 3:31)
**Almighty Allah says: **“There certainly is an excellent example in Allah’s messenger for he who fears Allah & the last day & remembers Allah abundantly” (al-Ahzaab 21)
By following the Sunnah in every aspect of our daily lives, everything we do will become worship, even going to the toilet, having a bath, dressing & undressing etc.
Annas (RA) reports the Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) advised: “Whoever cherishes my Sunnah, indeed he cherishes me & whoever loves me will be with me in Jannah.” (Tirmidhi: 2678: Ibid)
We should practise & implement the Sunnah throughout the last 10 days of Ramadan for eg the Sunnah’s of awakening, using miswak, of eating, drinking, going to the toilet, before sleeping etc. Then EVERYTHING we do during the last 10 days of Ramadan will become worship & immense reward!
REMEMBER: Doing voluntary good deeds in Ramadan carries the reward of FARD! Subhanallah!
**Reviving the Sunnah:
**Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Whoever revives an aspect of my Sunnah that is forgotten after my death, he will have a reward equivalent to that of the people who follow him, without it detracting in the least from their reward.” (Tirmidhi)
The following free E book contains complete daily Sunnah’s & dua’s from waking up in the morning until going to sleep at night:
Download Beautiful Daily Sunnah’s
26863499-Beautiful-Sunnah-s-of-Rasulallah-to-Do-Everyday.pdf
9. Repentance of past & present sins
We should cry & beg of Allah to give us his mercy & forgiveness especially in the last 10 blessed nights of Ramadan. If we leave Ramadan without gaining the mercy of Allah then surely we are of the most unfortunate and amongst the biggest losers in this world and the next.
Best dua for gaining mercy & forgiveness in the last 10 days & nights:
Aisha (Ra) said: “I asked the Messenger of Allah: ‘O Messenger of Allah, if I know what night is the night of Qadr, what should I say during it?’ **He said: **“Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa’fu 'annee” (Ahmad, Ibn Majah, & Tirmidhi).
Stand in prayer to gain forgiveness for all sins
Abu Huraira (RA) narrated that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Whoever stands (in prayer) in Laylatul Qadr while nourishing his faith with self-evaluation, expecting reward from Allah, will have all of his previous sins forgiven.” (Bukhari and Muslim).
Best opportunity for forgiveness of past & present sins:
This is our best opportunity to gain forgiveness of our past ans present sins. Forget the past now, lear from it & take lessons from it. What matters is NOW. So ask of Allah everynight epecially in the odd numbered nights for mercy & forgiveness.
When we make Dua we should imagine Allah is watching us and so we should call on him like a begger, crying to him. If we can’t cry due to the hardness of our hearts then we should at least act & make the face like we are crying. We should ask of Allah sincerely with remorse & intention not to repeat such sins again for forgiveness of our past & present sins.
**
10. Seeking out Laylatul Qadr (Night of Power)**
{By the manifest Book (the Quran) that makes thing clear. We sent it (this Quraan) down on a Blessed Night (i.e. the Night of Qadr) in the month of Ramadaan..(The Smoke 44:2-5)
So valuable is the Night of Qadr (Power) that the Quran devotes a special surah to it: “Lailatul Qadr is better than a thousand months” [97:3]
This one night surpasses the value of 30,000 nights. The most authentic account of the occurrence of the Night indicates that it can occur on any one of the last ten, odd numbered nights of Ramadan, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29. It may also occur on any of the even nights.
Therefore we should strive to stay up & worship on all of the last 10 nights of Ramadan. If we can’t do that then we should at least worship on the odd numbered nights of the last ten days. If we still can’t manage that then let us pray on whatever nights we can, minimum on the 27th night.
There is NO doubt that if we pray on all of the last ten nights of Ramadan then we will catch this auspicious night & gain the rewards of over 83 YEARS OF WORSHIP! Subhaanallah! Most do not live upto such an age!
The following dua should be recited as much as possible during the last 10 nights of Ramadan:
Aisha (RA) said: I asked the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam): ‘O Messenger of Allah, if I know what night is the night of Qadr, what should I say during it?’ He said Say:
"Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa’fu 'annee
Trans: ‘Say: O Allah, You are pardoning & You love to pardon, so pardon me.’ " (Ahmad, Ibn Majah, & Tirmidhi).
Forgiveness of past & present sins on Laylatul Qadr
Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that the Prophet (Sallallahu`Alayhi Wa sallam) said: “Whoever stands (in qiyaam) in Laylat ul-Qadr out of faith and expectation (of Allah’s reward), will have ALL of his previous sins forgiven.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
Conclusion
As we fast approach the end of Ramadan we must evaluate ourselves & think to ourselves what we have learnt about ourselves & what good habits we have acquired and what evil and bad habits we have left behind.
We must NOT stop doing the good we aqcuired throughout Ramadan as soon as it finishes. We should continue reciting the Qur’an & making long sincere dua’s. We should continue guarding our eyes, ears, tongue and privates away from sin & harm. We should continue to strive to please Allah & get closer to him. We should continue to make effort on our imaan (faith). We must NOT let go of the good habits we acquired & instead go back to our old ways again.
Allah knows our intentions and what is in our hearts and If we go back to the way we are before Ramadan then how can we expect our good deeds and efforts to be accepted? The very purpose of Ramadan is that doing good becomes easier & so it gives us a wonderful opportunity to be able to train ourselves to become better & stronger Muslims. It enables us to let go of the bad habits & to acquire good ones instead. It enables us to strengthen our imaan (faith). Best of all it enables us to get closer to Allah
If we leave all of the good we acquired as soon as Ramadan ends then we will in effect just throw away our Ramadan & risk our good deeds & efforts not being accepted.
This is our chance to change our lives for the better FOREVER. So we must NOT miss this opportunity for we may not be alive next Ramadan.
Therefore let us continue the good we acquired during Ramadan throughout the year & never go back to our old ways.
May Allah enable us to make the necessery changes this Ramadan and for us to continue that way throughout the year. Ameen.