The virtue of striving in worship during the last ten days of Ramadan and the Mufti's recommendations
His Eminence the Grand Mufti of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Chairman of the Council of Senior Scholars and General President of Scientific Research and Ifta, Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Fawzan Al-Fawzan, advised all Muslims across the globe to strive diligently and persevere in acts of worship during the last ten days of Ramadan . This valuable advice serves to remind believers of the importance of seizing these blessed days, which are filled with immense divine blessings, following the example and guidance of our Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), who gave these days great importance.
The Prophet's guidance during the last ten days of Ramadan
Historically, the month of Ramadan holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims, a significance that is amplified during its last third. Since the dawn of Islam, Muslims have consistently venerated these days, following the example of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). In this context, His Eminence the Grand Mufti cited the hadith narrated in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim from Aisha, the Mother of the Believers (may God be pleased with her), who said: “When the last ten days of Ramadan began, the Messenger of God (peace be upon him) would tighten his waistcloth (i.e., exert himself in worship), stay up all night in prayer, and awaken his family.” Imam Muslim also narrated from her that she said: “The Messenger of God (peace be upon him) would strive harder in the last ten days of Ramadan than at any other time.” These noble hadiths establish a firm foundation in Islamic history, urging Muslims to redouble their efforts and dedicate themselves to worship at the conclusion of this blessed month.
The importance of seclusion and seeking Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree)
His Eminence explained that the noble Prophetic traditions clearly indicate that these days should be dedicated to increased good deeds and sincere obedience to God Almighty. Among the most prominent of these deeds is spending the nights in prayer and worship, in addition to the Sunnah of i'tikaf (seclusion in the mosque). In the two Sahihs (Bukhari and Muslim), it is narrated on the authority of Aisha, may God be pleased with her, that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, used to observe i'tikaf during the last ten days of Ramadan until he passed away. Scholars have explained that the wisdom behind the Prophet's i'tikaf during this period was to completely detach himself from worldly affairs, freeing his heart and mind for supplication to the Creator, and seeking Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree), which is better than a thousand months. In compliance with the Prophet's saying, peace and blessings be upon him, "Seek Laylat al-Qadr in the odd-numbered nights of the last ten days of Ramadan" (reported by Bukhari), it is recommended for Muslims to intensify their supplication and remembrance of God.
The supplication recited during the nights of deliverance from Hellfire
Sheikh Al-Fawzan added that it is recommended for those who are blessed to witness these great nights to frequently recite the supplication taught by the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) to Aisha (may God be pleased with her). She asked him, “O Messenger of God, if I knew which night was Laylat al-Qadr, what should I say in it?” He replied, “Say: ‘O God, You are Forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me.’” (Narrated by At-Tirmidhi, who said it is a sound and authentic hadith). This concise supplication embodies humility and dependence on God’s forgiveness and pardon, which represents the essence of worship during these days.
The impact of the spiritual unity of Muslims locally and internationally
Reviving these blessed days has an impact not only on the individual but also on the entire Muslim community. Locally and regionally, this atmosphere of faith strengthens social bonds and spreads the values of tolerance and solidarity among community members through acts of charity and providing meals for those fasting. Internationally, the gathering of millions of Muslims around the world to fast, pray, and supplicate simultaneously embodies the highest form of unity and spiritual cohesion. In concluding his address, His Eminence offered fatherly advice, saying: “I urge myself and all Muslims to strive in acts of worship such as prayer, reciting the Quran, giving charity, and other good deeds. I also urge everyone to increase their supplication and be persistent in it, for you are calling upon One who is All-Hearing, Ever-Near, Generous, Kind, Compassionate, and Merciful.” He urged people to pray for themselves, their parents, family, and offspring, as well as to pray for the rulers, the homelands, and all Muslims, in accordance with the Almighty’s words: {And when My servants ask you, [O Muhammad], concerning Me - indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me that they may be [rightly] guided.}.
