Best Ways to Spend the Last 10 Nights of Ramadan in Makkah
The last ten nights of Ramadan are considered most powerful and blessed in Islam. Most Muslims look for these nights in the odd ones. These last ten nights are part of the last and third stage (Ashra of Salvation) of Ramadan. Some Muslims observe Itikaf during these nights. One of the last ten nights is called “Night of Power or Decree”, sometimes also known as “Laylat ul Qadr”.
As a Muslim, you may desire to spend your Ramadan or its last stage in Makkah during the Umrah pilgrimage. Well, performing Umrah is a great act of worship in Islam, but when it’s performed in Ramadan, rewards can double or even more. However, if you intend to travel for Umrah during Ramadan, especially in the last ten nights, here you will find the best ways to spend your time in Makkah. These ways will later remind you of the memories of your pilgrimage.
Makkah is a significant and holy city for Muslims. Sometimes, it’s also known as the heart of Islam. In Makkah, there is the Masjid al-Haram, in the centre of which is the Holy Kaaba. Muslims, wherever in the world, face towards the Kaaba when praying; the direction of Qiblah. Every year, millions of Muslims visit Makkah to perform Hajj (the fifth pillar of Islam) and Umrah pilgrimages.
Set a Schedule of Worship in Masjid al-Haram.
The atmosphere during the last ten nights of Ramadan in Masjid al-Haram is completely different from the world. People use organised schedules for worship. How do you organise your schedule to spend these nights in the best way? Let’s explore!
Start your Tarawih right after the Isha prayer. In Masjid al-Haram, Tarawih prayers start immediately following the Isha prayer. Generally, 10 or 20 Raka’at Tarawih are offered in the Grand Mosque. Each year, when the recitation of the Holy Quran is complete on the 29th night, a long recitative-like Dua continues for long hours. So, don’t forget to participate in that.
Add Tahajjud prayer (Qiyam-ul-Lail) in your schedule. In the last ten nights, the most important thing is the Tahajjud prayer. The time for this prayer starts after the Isha prayers and lasts until the Fajar time starts. Therefore, you have the whole night to pray. You can pray as many Nafal Raka’hs as you want in this prayer, and it’s better to combine it with the remaining Witr prayer (The Odd-Numbered Prayer) of Isha.
This is a short schedule, but you can worship as much as you want. Just follow your timetable and keep worshipping God during your pilgrimage. Keep in mind that, during the last ten nights, the Mataf area becomes crowded. So, it’s better to perform Tawaf in the 2-3 hours available between Tarawih and Tahajjud.
Seek the Night of Decree (Laylat al-Qadr) during the Odd Nights.
Finding the night of decree is a spiritual experience in Makkah. In the holy Haram, the reward of good deeds (prayers) is 100,000 times greater; the importance of odd nights increases even more. The night of decree or power comes in any of these nights: 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, and 29th. Muslims usually stay awake on the 27th night, but it’s better to work equally hard for all fives. Allah SWT knows better which night Laylat al-Qadr is. Allah SWT said in the Holy Quran:
“The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.” – 97:3
In the first verse of this Surah (Al-Qadr), Allah SWT points toward the revelation of the Quran, indicating that it was sent down on one of these nights. Take a look:
“Indeed, We sent it (the Quran) down during the Night of Decree.” – 97:1
On this night, Muslims increase their prayers and ask for forgiveness from Allah SWT. On the 27th or 29th night, there is often a very emotional prayer for the completion of the Quran at the Grand Mosque. The acceptance of this prayer at that time is unparalleled. The biggest purpose or identity of Laylat al-Qadr is forgiveness. So, repent of your sins. Also, sitting in the courtyard of the Haram, looking at the Kaaba, and asking for forgiveness is a great act of worship. Muslims typically recite this Dua:
“O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, and You love to Forgive, so forgive me.”
The Opportunity for Iftar and Serving Others
The opportunity to break the fast in Makkah, especially in the Grand Mosque, is no less than a blessing. By the way, you can do Iftar at any time during Ramadan in Makkah, but in the last ten nights, it’s unmatched anywhere else in the world. The splendour of the Iftar table is totally different and is filled with blessings.
There are thousands of long dining spreads inside and outside of the Haram. Pilgrims begin to occupy the space immediately after the Asr prayer. You can sit there and offer Duas, then join others for Iftar. Typically, Suhoor and Iftar are provided by the volunteers and donations, a free service. Ask your Umrah Agent while booking whether you have to pay or not.
If you want to volunteer, you can do it in the Haram boundary and in the courtyard. You can also help the workers of the Grand Mosque. Moreover, you can do charity (investment for Akhirah) during these odd nights in Makkah. The reward of giving charity and other good deeds is better than usual. Offering dates and water to strangers is also a good act.
The Practice of Itikaf (Seclusion) in Makkah
Did you know? Itikaf is the only act that you can perform in the last ten nights of Ramadan. You cannot do Itikaf in the second or third stage (Ashra) except for the last ten nights. It usually starts from the 20th of Ramadan and ends on the sighting of the Shawwal moon. This means it consists of the full 10 days. Now, if one has to do Itikaf, they must do online registration via the Nusuk platform. In Masjid al-Haram, separate basements or specific floors are designated for those observing Itikaf. Apart from the Grand Mosque, you can also observe Itikaf in other mosques or places, if they permit you to do so.
During the last ten nights in Makkah, divide your time like this:
- Iftar to Isha: pray and worship
- Isha and Tarawih prayers
- Then take rest and do Quran recitation
- Perform Tahajjud prayers
- Do Suhoor in the Grand Mosque or outside
- Fajr to Ishraq: do remembrance of Allah SWT
You can also find other ways to add to your schedule for spending Ramadan in Makkah. Whatever the method you are following, the main focus should be on worshipping Allah SWT, which is the primary task. Make sure to observe the famous events of Ramadan, such as Shab-e-Qadr and Itikaf. May you have the memorable last ten nights of Ramadan in Makkah!
