Ramadan is not only a month but a divine part of time of mercy, forgiveness, and an ascend to the spiritual level. Ramadan is an incredible gift, and with every day that passes, it is a chance for us to get closer to Allah through our fast, prayer and dedication. A month that molds hearts, rectifies souls, and fortifies belief.
Allah (SWT) highlights the importance of this sacred time in the Qur’an:
“The month of Ramadan is that in which the Qur’an was revealed as guidance for humanity and clear proofs of guidance and criterion.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185)
In order to maximize the blessings of Ramadan, it is important to gain the awareness of its important dates and events, so that we do not allow these blessed moments to pass us by. Now that we are into the first week of Ramadan, it is time to prepare for the special nights, the special acts of worship and the special milestones of this sacred journey.
Key Phases of the Ramadan Calendar
1. The First Ten Days (Days of Mercy – Rahmah)
The first ten days are considered the “Days of Mercy” (Ayyam al-Rahmah), when Allah’s mercy and blessings descend abundantly.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“The first ten days of Ramadan are mercy, the middle ten days are forgiveness, and the last ten days are salvation from the Hellfire.”
(Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah 1887)
Key Focus During These Days:
- Starting Off Strong: Maintaining consistency in prayers, fasting, and Qur’an recitation.
- Increasing Dua For Mercy: “O Allah, have mercy on me with Your vast mercy.”
- Giving In Charity: Taking care of those who don’t have enough to eat early on in Ramadan to gain the most rewards.
2. The Middle Ten Days (Days of Forgiveness – Maghfirah)
Moving on to the second ten days, it becomes all about asking forgiveness from Allah. It is a time to cleanse the heart and genuinely repent for past misdeeds.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever fasts during Ramadan with faith and seeking reward, all his past sins will be forgiven.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 38, Sahih Muslim 760)
Key Focus During These Days:
Increase Istighfar (Seeking Forgiveness): “I seek forgiveness from Allah and turn to Him in repentance.”
Strengthen Night Prayers: Establishing the habit of Tahajjud in anticipation of the last ten nights.
Reflect On Personal Growth: Reflecting on spiritual growth and reviewing goals.
3. The Last Ten Nights (Days of Salvation – ‘Itqun Min al-Nar)
The last ten nights of Ramadan are the most intense spiritually. One of these nights is the Night of Deliverance from Hellfire, and the Night of Decree (layalat al-Qadr), which is over a thousand months.
Allah (SWT) says:
“Laylat al-Qadr is better than a thousand months.”
(Surah Al-Qadr 97:3)
During these nights, The Prophetﷺ used to strive much harder in worship than at any other time. Aisha (RA) reported:
“When the last ten nights of Ramadan began, the Prophet (ﷺ) would tighten his belt, stay up at night, and wake his family.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 2024, Sahih Muslim 1174)
Key Focus During These Nights:
- Seeking Laylat Al-Qadr: Establishing extra prayers, reciting Qur’an, and making more and more dua.
- Reciting The Best Dua For Laylat Al-Qadr: “O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, and You love to forgive, so forgive me.”
- Itikaf (Spiritual Retreat): Confine to worship in the masjid.
Special Dates in the Ramadan Calendar
1. The Night Before Ramadan Begins
This is the first shift in spirit, when the crescent moon is sighted. The Prophet ﷺ instructed:
“Fast when you see it (the moon), and break your fast when you see it.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 1909, Sahih Muslim 1081)
2. Every Night of Iftar (Breaking the Fast)
Iftar is not merely a meal, it is a moment of divine acceptance. The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“The dua of a fasting person at the time of breaking his fast is never rejected.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah 1753)
3. Laylat al-Qadr (The Night of Decree – Found in the Last Ten Nights)
The night more powerful than the most powerful of nights, the night more promising than a thousand months is described in Surah Al-Qadr.
4. The Last Friday of Ramadan (Jumu’atul Wida’)
However, because it is the last Friday of Ramadan, it is a time of great importance to make dua, give charity and pray extra Salah.
5. Eid al-Fitr – The Celebration of Gratitude
Eid al-Fitr is a festive celebration marking the end of Ramadan and the month of fasting. Zakat al-Fitr must be given before the Eid prayers.
How to Make the Most of the Remaining Ramadan Days?
Given that we are already one week into Ramadan, here are some practical steps to make the most of the remaining days ahead:
- Revive Your Ramadan Goals: If you’re off track, renew your intentions.
- Supercharge Your Night Worship: You have not missed your chance to set a strong routine for Taraweeh and Tahajjud.
- Be Consistently Charitable: The Prophet ﷺ was most constant (in giving) in (doing good) works (in Ramadan) (Sahih al-Bukhari 6).
- Duas and Forgiveness: Mercy is still pouring down upon us.
- Prepare for Laylat al-Qadr: Prepare yourself to worship more and more in the last ten nights.
Conclusion: Embracing the Gift of Time in Ramadan
The month of Ramadan is a time when every second matters. By being familiar with its significant secrets, blessed days, and remaining chances, we can guarantee with certainty that we leave this month spiritually renewed and closer to Allah.
While we navigate these blessed days, let’s just remind ourselves:
“By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who believe, do righteous deeds, and enjoin each other to truth and patience.”
(Surah Al-Asr 103:1-3)
May Allah allow us to maximise the remaining days in Ramadan, witness laylat al-qadr and exit this month with our sins forgiven. Ameen.
“O Allah, bless us in the days of Ramadan, grant us the ability to fast and pray, and help us remember You, be grateful to You, and worship You in the best way.” Aameen.
