The Last 10 Days of Ramadan: 7 Virtues and a Practical Plan to Make the Most of Them
A guide to the final ten nights of Ramadan, the search for Laylatul Qadr, and simple ways to organize your worship

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The last 10 days of Ramadan are among the greatest seasons of worship in the Islamic year, and their nights carry immense virtue. Within them lies Laylatul Qadr (the Night of Decree), a night the Quran describes as better than a thousand months. For Muslims everywhere, these nights are a precious chance to seek forgiveness, renew faith, and draw closer to Allah.
If you feel overwhelmed by the thought of making the most of these final days, or worry that your Arabic is not strong enough to connect deeply with the Quran, you are not alone. Many non-Arabic-speaking Muslims in the USA, Canada, the UK, and Australia share the same concern, especially while balancing work, family, and worship across demanding schedules and time zones.
The good news is that understanding the virtues of these nights, together with a simple plan and the right support, can make them far more manageable. This guide walks you through seven virtues of the last ten days, a practical way to organize your worship, and answers to common questions.
Allah says: “Indeed, We sent it down during the Night of Decree. And what can make you know what the Night of Decree is? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.” — Surah Al-Qadr, 97:1-3
What Are the Last 10 Days of Ramadan Called?
In Arabic, the last ten days of Ramadan are known as Al-‘Ashr Al-Awakhir (the final ten). They begin with the 21st night of Ramadan. Because the Islamic day starts at sunset, the 21st night begins at Maghrib at the end of the 20th day of fasting, and the period continues until the month ends, whether Ramadan completes 29 or 30 days.
The Prophet ﷺ taught that Laylatul Qadr is to be sought in these last ten nights, and that the odd nights are the most likely: the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, and 29th (Sahih al-Bukhari 2020; Sahih al-Bukhari 2017). Many scholars regarded the 27th night as especially hopeful, yet it is not a fixed date, so the wise approach is to strive on every one of the ten nights while giving extra attention to the odd ones.
The Prophet ﷺ treated these nights with extraordinary devotion. Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) reported that when the last ten days began, he would tighten his waist wrapper, stay up through the night in worship, and wake his family — Sahih al-Bukhari 2024. This is a model for every believer.
How do they compare with the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah? Both are blessed seasons. Scholars discussed which is better, and a well-known view, held by Ibn Taymiyyah among others, is that the days of the first ten of Dhul-Hijjah are better, while the nights of the last ten of Ramadan are better because they include Laylatul Qadr. Other scholars expressed this differently, but all agree that both seasons deserve extra effort.
The Earlier Nights of Ramadan and the Last 10 Nights
| Aspect | Earlier Nights of Ramadan | Last 10 Nights |
|---|---|---|
| Laylatul Qadr | The Prophet ﷺ directed believers to seek it in the last ten | Sought on all ten nights; the odd nights are most likely, with no fixed date |
| Special virtue | Part of the blessed month of fasting and night prayer | Contains a night in which worship is better than worship in a thousand months without Laylatul Qadr (97:3) |
| Acts of worship | Fasting, night prayer, Quran, dua, and charity throughout the month | The same acts with greater effort, plus i’tikaf for those able to observe it |
| The Prophet’s practice ﷺ | Fasting and night prayer | Greater effort: staying up at night, waking his family, and observing i’tikaf |
7 Virtues of the Last 10 Days of Ramadan Every Muslim Should Know
Virtue 1: They Contain Laylatul Qadr, a Night Better Than a Thousand Months
The greatest virtue of these ten nights is that Laylatul Qadr falls within them. Allah says: “The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months” — Surah Al-Qadr 97:3. Scholars explain that worship on this night is better than worship in a thousand months that do not contain Laylatul Qadr. Allah knows the full measure of its reward, so it is best not to reduce it to a fixed calculation.
The Prophet ﷺ also said that whoever stands in prayer on Laylatul Qadr out of faith and seeking reward will have his past sins forgiven — Sahih al-Bukhari 1901. The promise is tied to praying on that night with sincere faith and hope in Allah’s reward, not merely to the night passing by. Since no one knows for certain which night it is, the surest way to attain it is to stand in prayer on all ten nights.
A gentle reminder: scholars explain that major sins call for sincere repentance, and wrongs done to other people require returning their rights or seeking their pardon. Let these nights be a time for both: turning to Allah and setting things right with others.
To learn more about this night in particular, read our full guide to Laylatul Qadr: the Night of Power.
Virtue 2: The Angels and the Spirit Descend, and the Night Is Peace
On Laylatul Qadr, the angels descend along with the Spirit, Jibreel (Gabriel). Allah says: “The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter. Peace it is until the emergence of dawn” — Surah Al-Qadr 97:4-5.
Allah has described this night as peace until dawn. Knowing this, a believer approaches it with calm devotion: praying, reciting, remembering Allah, and asking Him sincerely, with hope in His mercy.
Virtue 3: The Prophet ﷺ Observed I’tikaf in These Days
The Prophet ﷺ devoted the last ten days to i’tikaf: remaining in the mosque with the intention of drawing closer to Allah. Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) reported that he observed i’tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan until Allah took his soul, and that his wives observed i’tikaf after him — Sahih al-Bukhari 2026.
For men, i’tikaf is observed in the mosque. The majority of scholars hold that a woman’s i’tikaf is also in the mosque, while the Hanafi school permits a woman to observe it in the designated prayer area of her home. A person in i’tikaf still sleeps, eats, and attends to genuine needs; the aim is to reduce worldly distractions and give more time to prayer, Quran, dhikr, and dua.
If you cannot observe i’tikaf, you can still devote much of these nights to worship at home, and that worship is rewarding. It is simply not called i’tikaf in the technical sense. Scholars also differ on the minimum length of i’tikaf, so if you can only stay in the mosque for part of the time, ask a trusted local scholar how your school treats a shorter stay.
Virtue 4: A Prophetic Dua for Seeking Allah’s Pardon
The Prophet ﷺ taught a short supplication for these nights. Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) asked him what she should say if she knew which night was Laylatul Qadr, and he told her to say:
“Allahumma innaka ‘Afuwwun tuhibbul-‘afwa fa’fu ‘anni”
(O Allah, You are the Pardoner, You love to pardon, so pardon me) — Sunan al-Tirmidhi 3513
Repeat it often on all ten nights with a present heart and sincere hope. Allah hears every sincere supplication and responds in the way and at the time He knows is best. Alongside it, ask Him for whatever you need of the good of this life and the next, in your own words.
Virtue 5: Laylatul Qadr Is Connected to the Revelation of the Quran
Allah tells us that the Quran was sent down in Ramadan, on Laylatul Qadr: “The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion” — Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185, and “Indeed, We sent it down during the Night of Decree” — Surah Al-Qadr 97:1. Many scholars explain that this refers to the Quran being sent down on that night and to the beginning of its revelation to the Prophet ﷺ.
This connection makes the last 10 days of Ramadan a natural time to give the Quran more of your attention: reciting, listening, and reflecting on its meanings. If you struggle with pronunciation or Tajweed, this can also be the motivation to start learning how to read Quran with Tajweed for beginners, so that each Ramadan your recitation grows stronger.
Virtue 6: A Time to Wake Your Family for Worship
The Prophet ﷺ did not only increase his own worship in these nights; he also woke his family. Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) reported that when the last ten days began, he would stay up at night, wake his family, and exert himself in worship — Sahih al-Bukhari 2024.
Following this example, encourage the members of your household to pray, read the Quran, and make dua during these nights, each according to their ability. Children in particular learn a great deal from seeing their parents value these nights.
Virtue 7: The Affairs of the Year Are Set Out on Laylatul Qadr
Allah describes the blessed night in which the Quran was sent down, saying: “On that night every matter of wisdom is made distinct” — Surah Ad-Dukhan 44:3-4. Many scholars explain that on Laylatul Qadr the affairs of the coming year are detailed and conveyed to the angels, in accordance with what Allah already knew and decreed. Allah’s knowledge does not change.
Dua is itself part of Allah’s decree and one of the means through which He brings about good. So ask Him for guidance, forgiveness, provision, health, and protection, with hope, humility, and complete reliance on Him, trusting that He chooses what is best for you.
How to Make the Most of the Last 10 Days of Ramadan
You do not need a perfect routine to benefit from these nights. Consistency, sincerity, and doing what you can matter more than ambitious targets you cannot keep. Here are the essentials:
- Guard the obligatory prayers. They come first, on time and with focus.
- Stand in night prayer as much as you are able. Taraweeh, Qiyam, or a few rak’ahs before suhoor all count; pray what you can sustain.
- Read the Quran and reflect on it. Choose an amount that suits your level and time, and give some attention to the meanings.
- Make dua, seek forgiveness, and repent. Use the prophetic dua for pardon, ask for your own needs, and turn back to Allah sincerely.
- Give charity according to your means. A small, steady amount given sincerely is valuable.
- Encourage your family and organize your time. Plan meals, sleep, and work so that your best energy is free for worship.
A sample evening plan. The following is only an organizational suggestion to help busy readers, not a prescribed act of worship or a set amount:
- After iftar: pray Maghrib, eat lightly, and rest briefly.
- Isha and Taraweeh: in congregation where possible, or at home.
- Before sleeping: a short Quran session and a few minutes of dua.
- Before suhoor: wake for some night prayer, dua, and istighfar, then eat suhoor and pray Fajr.
- During the day: keep your tongue busy with dhikr and fit in short Quran sessions between work and family duties.
There is no single required number of rak’ahs, pages, or amount of charity for everyone. Choose what is realistic for you and stay consistent. You may also find our guides on how to prepare for Ramadan and how to complete the Quran in Ramadan helpful.
Prepare for Ramadan With Quran Book Academy
Learn at Your Own Level
At Quran Book Academy, we work with non-Arabic speakers who want to recite the Quran with more confidence. Our teachers break Tajweed into small, manageable learning steps, each building on the one before. How quickly you progress depends on your starting level and how regularly you practice.
- One-on-one live lessons on Zoom: your teacher listens to your recitation, corrects your pronunciation, and guides you step by step.
- A learning portal to follow your progress: review your lessons and keep track of what you have covered.
- Practice with real verses: lessons focus on applying what you learn to actual Quranic recitation.
- Flexible scheduling: lessons are arranged around your time zone and daily commitments.
Explore our Quran Reading and Tajweed courses, and start with a free trial lesson to see whether the approach suits you.
The trial helps you and your teacher understand your current level and plan your next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Last 10 Days of Ramadan
Why are the last 10 days of Ramadan so important?
Because they contain Laylatul Qadr, a night better than a thousand months (97:3). The Prophet ﷺ exerted himself in worship during these nights more than at other times, woke his family, and observed i’tikaf (Sahih al-Bukhari 2024 and 2026). Whoever stands in prayer on Laylatul Qadr out of faith and seeking reward is promised forgiveness of past sins (Sahih al-Bukhari 1901).
When do the last 10 days of Ramadan start?
They begin with the 21st night of Ramadan, which starts at Maghrib at the end of the 20th day of fasting, and continue until the end of the month. The exact calendar dates depend on the start of Ramadan and moon sighting in your region, so check with your local mosque or moon-sighting authority.
What dua should I make on Laylatul Qadr?
The Prophet ﷺ taught Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) to say: “Allahumma innaka ‘Afuwwun tuhibbul-‘afwa fa’fu ‘anni” (O Allah, You are the Pardoner, You love to pardon, so pardon me) — Sunan al-Tirmidhi 3513. Repeat it often on all ten nights, and ask Allah for anything good you need in your own words.
What are the signs of Laylatul Qadr?
One sign mentioned in Sahih Muslim is that the sun rises the following morning bright but without strong rays (Sahih Muslim 762a). Some other narrations describe a calm, mild night. Signs are often recognized only after the night has passed, so the best approach is to strive on every one of the ten nights, with extra effort on the odd nights.
Can I learn to read the Quran with Tajweed before Ramadan?
Yes, you can start at any level. Quran Book Academy offers one-on-one Tajweed lessons on Zoom that move in small, manageable learning steps. Progress depends on your starting point and how regularly you practice. A free trial lesson is a simple way to assess your level and plan your learning.
What should I read during the last 10 days of Ramadan?
Read as much of the Quran as you are able, with some reflection on its meanings, along with abundant dhikr, istighfar, and dua. There is no single required amount. If reciting Surah Al-Mulk nightly is part of your routine, keep it up, but note that its virtue is not specific to the last ten days. Even a few verses recited sincerely and carefully are valuable.
How do I observe i’tikaf during the last 10 days?
I’tikaf means remaining in the mosque with the intention of worship. For men it is in the mosque; the majority of scholars hold the same for women, while the Hanafi school allows a woman to observe it in the prayer area of her home. You still sleep, eat, and attend to genuine needs, while giving most of your time to prayer, Quran, dhikr, and dua. Scholars differ on the minimum duration, so if you can only stay part of the time, ask a trusted local scholar. If i’tikaf is not possible for you, worship at home during these nights is still rewarding, even though it is not called i’tikaf.
Start Your Quran Journey Before the Last 10 Days of Ramadan
Do not let another Ramadan pass without strengthening your connection with the Quran. Whether you are a complete beginner or want to improve your Tajweed, Quran Book Academy’s teachers can guide you through one-on-one lessons on Zoom, scheduled around your time zone, with a learning portal to follow your progress. Steady practice, step by step, is what builds confidence over time.
Meet a teacher, assess your level, and plan your next steps.
Learn More About Ramadan
How to Prepare for Ramadan
Practical tips and spiritual habits to prepare your heart and mind for the blessed month.
Read the guide →How to Complete the Quran in Ramadan
Practical strategies and schedules for reading the whole Quran during the month.
Read the guide →Laylatul Qadr: The Night of Power
A closer look at Laylatul Qadr, its signs, its virtues, and how to seek it.
Read the guide →References
Quran
- Surah Al-Qadr (97:1-5) — quran.com/97/1-5
- Surah Ad-Dukhan (44:3-4) — quran.com/44/3-4
- Surah Al-Baqarah (2:185) — quran.com/2/185
Hadith
- Sahih al-Bukhari 1901 (standing in prayer on Laylatul Qadr out of faith and seeking reward) — sunnah.com/bukhari:1901
- Sahih al-Bukhari 2017 (seeking it in the odd nights of the last ten) — sunnah.com/bukhari:2017
- Sahih al-Bukhari 2020 (seeking it in the last ten nights) — sunnah.com/bukhari:2020
- Sahih al-Bukhari 2024 (staying up at night and waking the family) — sunnah.com/bukhari:2024
- Sahih al-Bukhari 2026 (the Prophet’s i’tikaf and his wives after him) — sunnah.com/bukhari:2026
- Sahih Muslim 762a (the sun rising without strong rays) — sunnah.com/muslim:762a
- Sunan al-Tirmidhi 3513 (the dua for pardon) — sunnah.com/tirmidhi:3513
















