How to make the most of the first ten nights of Ramadan
Ramadan is a time of mercy, an opportunity for us to gain closeness to Allah (SWT) and gain immense r rewards by performing the simplest acts of worship.
The Prophet (saw) narrated, “Ramadan is a month, the first part of which brings Allah’s mercy, the middle of which brings Allah’s forgiveness, and the last part of which brings emancipation from the hellfire” [Bukhari].
Here are our top 10 tips on how you can make the most out of the first ten days of mercy:
1. Fasting is an important act of mercy:
Allah (SWT) promises us great rewards for fasting in the Noble Quran:
“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed to those before you so that you may become righteous” [Surah Baqarah]
Not only is fasting a food detox but it also a great way of strengthening your Imaan. Spend these first few days renewing your intentions for why you are fasting as this will help you maintain high morale and motivation throughout the first ten days.
2. Make plenty of Dhikr:
The Prophet (saw) said, “Should I not remind you of the Best of your Deeds, and the Purest of them with your Master, and the highest of them in your ranks?” They said, “Of course”. He (saw) replied, “The remembrance of Allah, The Most High” [Tirmidhi]
Dhikr is an excellent way of constantly reminding yourself of Allah’s presence. One easy Dhikr you can make is reciting “Subhan-Allahi wa bi-hamdi-hi” 100 times a day as the Prophet (saw) narrated that reciting this Dhikr obliterates one’s sins, even if they were as much as the foam of the ocean. [Muslim]
3. Recite Duas for mercy: Seek the mercy of Allah by reciting these Duas during the first ten days of Ramadan:
"ربي اغفر وارحم ، وأنت خير الرحمن".
Rabbi ighfir warham wa anta khair-ur-raahimeen
’And [O Prophet] say, “My Lord, forgive and have mercy, and You are the best of the merciful”’. (Qur’an, 23:118)
‘اللّهُـمَّ إِنَّـي أَسْـأَلُـكَ بِرَحْمَـتِكَ الّتِي وَسِـعَتْ كُلَّ شيْء، أَنْ تَغْـفِرَ لي’
Allaahumma inni as’aluka bi-rahmatika al-lati wasi’at kulla shay’in an taghfira li
‘O Allah, I ask You by Your mercy which envelopes all things, that You forgive me’.
‘اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَارْحَمْنِي وَأَلْحِقْنِي بِالرَّفِيقِ الأَعْلَى’
Allahuma ighfir li warhamni wa alhiqni bir-rafiq-il-a’laa
Aisha (ra) said, ‘I heard the Messenger of Allah (saw) saying at his death, “O Allah, forgive me and have mercy on me, and join me with the Highest Company”’. (Tirmidhi)
4. Recite the Holy Quran: Make a Quran timetable and plan how many completions of the Quran you would like to make in the holy month. Recite a portion of the Quran after every Salah, as this will get you into a routine to recite the Quran daily and help you reach your goal.
5. Make Dua at the time of Iftar: The Prophet (saw) said, “Whatever is prayed for at the time of breaking the fast is granted and never refused” [Tirmidhi].
The time of Iftar is a blessed time when Duas are readily accepted. Sit on your musallah before Iftar and ensure you have minimal disturbance and make sincere Dua. Make sure you supplicate using the names of the Almighty “Ar-Rahman” and “Ar- Rahim” (The Most Merciful) as Allah’s mercy knows no bounds during the first ten days.
6. Practice being merciful: The Prophet (saw) said, “If you show mercy to those who are on the Earth, He who is in the Heavens will show mercy to you” [Tirmidhi]
During these days of mercy, practice being compassionate and kind to all those around you. Give Sadaqah to beggars, go the extra mile for your family and friends, show kindness towards children and help the elderly. Practice simple acts of kindness and make an intention to make it a continuous habit, Insha Allah.
7. Practice the Sunnah: There are many simple yet rewarding practices from the Sunnah of our Nabi (saw). Eat dates at Suhoor as this was the habit of our Prophet (saw), make wudhu before you sleep, read Sunnah salah, drink water from the right hand, or simply smile towards your Muslim brothers and sisters. Remember to always make an intention of practicing the Sunnah when performing these actions.
8. Seek forgiveness: Allah’s mercy is endless during the first ten days of Ramadan s make sincere Tawbah for your sins and recite “Astagfirullah” after every Salah as this is the thikr for asking for forgiveness from Allah (swt). You should also try and repair broken family ties and strengthen relationships with your loved ones during these first ten days, as Allah (swt) shows mercy towards those who love others for His sake.
9. Give charity: Ramadan is a tough time for many poor Muslims across the globe. Millions of struggling families suffer during the month of Ramadan, unable to put food on the table for Suhoor or Iftar. Giving charity in the first days of mercy to help these families with food so that they too can enjoy Ramadan is highly beneficial. Allah (SWT) shows mercy towards those who show mercy to others so donate towards our Iftar meals campaign and help give hope to these families.
