The month of Ramadan is a very important time of the Islamic calendar. It falls within the ninth month of the year and serves as a chance for Muslims all over the world to grow spiritually. This month is one of the most sacred times during the Islamic year because it provides believers with the chance to spend more time dedicating themselves to Islam, allowing them to purify themselves and come out of the month with a sense of renewal.
The month can occur at all different times of the year every year in the Gregorian calendar, since the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle. This means that every year, Ramadan will come around approximately 10 days earlier than the previous year, depending on when the crescent moon is sighted. It was created due to the significant Islamic history that occurred within it and has been observed ever since. This history is what gave the month its name. Ramadan translates to scorching heat, which is a reflection of the weather conditions that Muslims experienced during the first ever observance. Muslims today follow the traditional way of observing the sacred month and pass down its significance from generation to generation to keep the month going for years to come.
But why is it so important to continue observing the holy month? Well, it was the month a vital piece of Islamic history happened. The Angel Jibril came down to reveal the first verses of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) during this time of the lunar calendar. This revelation occurred in the cave of Hira where the Prophet (PBUH) was meditating. After this, the Quran continued to be revealed to him over 23 years until it was complete. The Quran is what guides Muslims and helps them fulfil their duties because it shows them the words of Allah (SWT) and how to please Him.
This night when the verses were shared with Muhammad (PBUH) is known as Laylat al-Qadr or the Night of Power. It is believed to have occurred during the last 10 days of Ramadan, but the exact date is unknown. Due to this, the last ten days of Ramadan are a time for even more acts of worship because they hold immense blessings for Muslims.
The first revelation included the opening verses of Surah Al-'Alaq, which emphasise the Creator’s wisdom and the power of knowledge:
"Recite in the name of your Lord who created. Created man from a clinging substance. Recite, and your Lord is the most generous. Who taught by the pen. Taught man that which he knew not." (Surah Al- ‘Alaq, 96:1-5)
It is a month that focuses on increased acts of worship to connect closer to Allah (SWT) and seek forgiveness from Him. It allows them to be spiritually renewed and purify their heart, body and mind, coming out of the month with rewards from Allah (SWT) and a fresh purpose of focusing on their faith. It involves fasting (Sawm), one of the five pillars, during daylight hours to create compassion for those less fortunate and earn reward. But it’s much more than this. It’s a time for devotion to Allah (SWT) through prayer, giving charity and self-restraint. Fasting is obligatory for every able-bodied Muslim adult, while exemptions apply to children who have not reached puberty, menstruating, pregnant, or breastfeeding women, the elderly or anyone unable to fast due to health reasons.
The last ten days of Ramadan are known as Laylat al-Qadr and are the most important part of the holy month. They are believed to be the time when the Quran started to be revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), which began the way of life in Islam as we know it today. This occurred on one specific night that is still unknown today, which is why believers will seek the night of power during these last ten days. Because such crucial history began during this time of Ramadan, Muslims have always been encouraged to further increase their devotion to their faith because the night of power holds even more blessings than the entire month.
The last ten days of Ramadan are the most spiritually important part of the whole holy month. It is a time when Muslims dedicate themselves as much as they possibly can to worship and reflection. They increase their acts of worship and seek forgiveness from Allah (SWT) for past sins to ensure that they come out of the month spiritually renewed and closer to Him. But why will believers further increase their devotion to Islam during the last 10 days of Ramadan 2026? Well, it’s because Laylat al-Qadr, the night of power, is believed to fall within these last 10 days. Specifically, it is believed to fall within the odd nights of these days, meaning for Laylat al-Qadr 2026, Muslims will perform even more acts of worship and ask for forgiveness during this time to ensure they are devoted during the night of power. This night that falls on one of the odd nights is described in the Quran as "better than a thousand months”, so it holds immense powers for believers to gain rewards that equal more than a thousand months!
Alongside this, Muslims increase their devotion during this time because it is following in the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). He would intensify his worship during this time of Ramadan by performing I’tikaf, which is focused on retreating to the mosque for uninterrupted devotion. Acts of dhikr, making dua for the last 10 days of Ramadan, and reading the Quran were all essential to his practice. Following his example, many Muslims around the world participate in I’tikaf to maximise their spiritual rewards.
The start date of the last 10 days of Ramadan in 2026 will depend on when the month of Ramadan begins. This changes every year in the Gregorian calendar because the Islamic calendar works on the lunar cycle, not the solar cycle. The holy month is expected to fall on the 17th February, but this date can change closer to the time depending on the sighting of the crescent moon. Since this is the start of the month, it means that Laylat al-Qadr in 2026 could start on the 10th March, which will be the 21st night of Ramadan. However, this can change subject to moon sightings.
One of the most profound acts of worship during the last ten nights of Ramadan is making dua. A highly recommended dua for the last 10 days of Ramadan is:
"Allaahumma innaka ‘afuwwun, tuhibb al- ‘afwa, fa’fu ‘anni."
This translates as:
"O Allah, You are the Most Forgiving, and You love to forgive, so forgive me."
Muslims are encouraged to recite this dua on Laylat al-Qadr and throughout the last 10 days in Ramadan, seeking Allah’s (SWT) mercy and forgiveness.
The last Ashra of Ramadan can be a confusing term for many people because it is something that is less commonly heard. The meaning of Ashra is the three phases of Ramadan that happen throughout the holy month. Attached to these different phases of the month is a dua to recite for Muslims to acknowledge each phase and enter into them correctly.
The first phase is the first ten days of the month and is known in Islam as the Days of Mercy. During these first days of the month, Muslims will seek mercy from Allah (SWT) with a dua:
“O! My Lord forgive and have Mercy and You are the Best of Merciful”
After the first ten days are over, the second phase of Ramadan begins. This lasts throughout the second ten days of Ramadan and is known as the Days of Forgiveness. During this time, Muslims seek forgiveness for all sins committed and repent to Allah (SWT). Believers should carry out Astaghfaar (forgiveness), feel sorry, avoid sinning again and take measures to prevent sinning. They should also recite the dua:
“I seek forgiveness from Allah, my Lord, from every sin I committed”
Once the second ten days of the month end, the third (and last) phase will begin. This is the last Ashra, otherwise known as the last ten days of Ramadan. It is the most significant time because the night of power falls within this last Ashra of Ramadan. The phase is known as the Days of Seeking Refuge and Muslims increase their devotion by reciting the Quran and performing I’tikaf to escape hellfire. A dua for the last 10 days of Ramadan can be:
“O Allah! Save me from the Hell- Fire.”
So, because the last Ashra is the last ten days of the month, it means that the last Ashra of Ramdan in 2026 could begin on the 10th March. This is the 21st night of the month, but it all depends on the sighting of the moon that determines when the holy month will begin.
The last 10 days of Ramadan 2026 present an unparalleled opportunity to gain multiplied rewards through acts of charity and kindness. By donating during these days, particularly across Laylat al-Qadr, you can significantly impact the lives of those in need while earning immense blessings.
Make the most of this sacred time by choosing to donate across the last 10 nights of Ramadan 2026. Your contributions not only help those in need but also bring you closer to Allah (SWT) during these blessed days.
Seize this opportunity in the last 10 days of Ramadan 2026 to make dua, reflect and give generously, ensuring this Ramadan brings you closer to Allah (SWT) than ever before.
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