The Beauty of the last 10 days of Ramadan

Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“Whoever fasted the month of Ramadan out of sincere Faith (i.e. belief) and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his past sins will be forgiven, and whoever stood for the prayers in the night of Qadr out of sincere Faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all of his previous sins will be forgiven” (Bukhari 2014)

See also: Ramadan Ashra Duas

The last ten days of Ramadan carry with them very special circumstances and specific benefits for Muslims, all of which are essential for our journey of pleasing Allah (SWT). Not only do one of the odd days in the last ten days hold the Night of Power (Laylat ul Qadr), the most auspicious night in the year, but they also give us the opportunity to benefit from replicating the specific activities that can allow us to be better, more responsible, and more aware Muslims.

One of the Sunnahs of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) was to sit in Etikaf during the last month. For men, this means residing in a mosque for the last ten days, in which the sole objective is to engage in the worship of Allah (SWT) in solitude, free from the confines, constraints, and demands of the material world. For women, this means residing in a predetermined place within the confines of their house, with the objective being the same. Aetikaf is one of the only instances where Muslims are asked to spend time in prayer disconnected from the material world, and is hence a brilliant opportunity for anyone wishing to amend broken connections. 

Generally, the last ten days are also seen as times when Muslims try to avoid worldly affairs, and spend more time in prayer. Know that Allah (SWT)’s doors are always open, and even if we have spent the previous 20 days of Ramadan aloof from His blessings, He is ever-ready to bestow upon us His most prized blessings if we make efforts during the last 10 days. 

It is even more important to understand that this parting of Ramadan, and the repeated declarations asking Muslims to seek the Night of Power in the last 10 days is actually asking Muslims to be more cognizant of Allah (SWT) and His blessings and continue to strive to receive them. Perhaps the very fact that the Night of Power is not explicitly disclosed is an opportunity for us Muslims to keep trying; all in hope of benefiting from the auspicious night. It surely is an attempt to show the Allah (SWT) that we are desperate for His mercy. We should try not to miss any prayer this Ramadan and offer nafls as much as we can to add up to our naikis (good deeds).
See also: Prayer Times App

May Allah (SWT) bless us all and forgive our sins. May we all become better humans and practice deen better than we did before. Not only is Ramadan the best time to do maximum dhikr and seek for forgivenes; but also for giving out Zakat and Sadaqah for the ones who are worthy and needy. Human Concern International is currently working to provide zakat and food baskets this Ramadan to thousands of deserving people. We urge you all take some money out of your pockets and contibute your share! 
Donate now and make someone's Ramadan and Eid special this year.
See also: Ramadan Duas