My, how time flies, we are already into Day 24 of Ramadan, only six days left to relish in and gain from the last blessings of this holy month.

The month of Ramadan is said to be superior than all the other months as it is during this month that the first verses of Holy Koran were revealed to Prophet Muhammad (may peace be upon him) as a mercy and a guide to all mankind.

“The month of Ramadhan [is that] in which was revealed the Koran, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. [ …] Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful.“ (2:185)

It is said in a Hadith, that the ten days are even more significant and blessed than the two parts before as the remaining days of Ramadan are jam-packed with wonderful blessings. Indeed, we would be foolish not to take advantage of them.

The last ten days of Ramadan are a gift of mercy from Allah (swt), a chance for salvation and protection from the hell fire.

Who does not want to be saved from the dreaded hell fire whose heat is 70 – yes 70 – times hotter than any fire or heat we have ever experienced!

Shouldn't we be seeking and begging refuge from the hellfire? There is a duaa (prayer) that we can repeat often, especially during these last ten days of Ramadan. It's short, sweet and oh so powerful. It goes like this: “O Allah! Save me from the fire.” Let’s try to recite this simple yet impactful duaa often, and especially over the next six days.

Also, super special during this time is the Night of Power (Laylatul Qadr), a mighty powerful night!

In the Koran it says, “lailatul qadri khairum min alfee shahr”, the night of decree is better than a thousand months.“ (97:3)

This was the night that the Koran was revealed to the Prophet (pbuh) and thus began the journey of the Prophet (pbuh) as a guide to us all.

“We sent it (Koran) down on a blessed night. Verily, we are ever warning. Therein (in that night) is decreed every matter of ordainment. Amran (ie a command or this Koran or His Decree of every matter) from us. Verily, we are ever sending Messenger (pbuh) a mercy from your Lord.” (Koran 44: 3-6).

It is for this reason that the last ten days of Ramadan is so full of blessings and rewards. One must look for the night of power that is hidden in the odd nights of this month, it is usually hoped that it is on Day 27 of Ramadan, but there is no absolute certainty so we must stay in constant worship so as not to miss this esteemed night that benefits us so immensely.

Ibn Abbas (RA) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (pbuh) said: “Look for the Night of Qadr 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 the Ramadan.” (Bukhari 975)

With regards to the last ten nights of Ramadan, Aisha (RA) reported that: “When the last ten nights began Allah’s Messenger (pbuh) kept awake at night (for prayer and devotion), wakened his family, and prepared himself to observe prayer (with more vigour).” (Muslim 6: 2643)

She also reported that: “Allah’s Messenger (pbuh) used to exert himself in devotion during the last ten nights to a greater extent than at any other time.” (Muslim 6:2644)

Following the sunnah of our beloved Holy Prophet (pbuh), one must devote oneself fully to the cause of the Almighty and pray with zeal and fervour each night in the last ten nights of Ramadan. The benefits of worship (Ibadah) in these ten nights, seeking the night of power, are many and varied.

In the Koran, in Surah Qadr, Allah says: “We have indeed revealed this (message) in the Night of Power: And what will explain to thee what the Night of Power is? The Night of Power is better than a thousand months. Therein come down the angels and the Spirit by Allah's permission, on every errand. Peace it is until the emergence of dawn.” (Koran 97:1-5).

Likewise, another Hadith says: “Whoever establishes the prayers on the night of Qadr out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah’s rewards (not to show off) then all his past sins will be forgiven.” (Bukhari 1: 2:34).

This Hadith very clearly states the importance and rewards of praying in the Night of Power. What better reward is there for a Muslim than to start over with a clean slate and to have no prior sins recorded … this is next level forgiveness and mercy by our compassionate Lord. It is indeed the best reward there is for people of faith.

I pray that we will all come out of Ramadan better people than when we entered. May Allah be pleased with our efforts and may the spirit of the noble month of Ramadan remain within us throughout the coming year. Ameen.

Eid Mubarak!

On Friday we will celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the Festival of Breaking of the Fast that signifies the end of Ramadan. The Muslim communities invite you to join us at Bernard Park from 9am until 3pm. Rain venue is the Masjid Muhammad on Cedar Avenue.