THE last ten days of the month of Ramadhan are considered to be the most sacred time of the year. During this period, Muslims all over the world engage in intense spiritual practices and reflect on their past deeds and faith. The significance of these last ten days is attributed to the fact that the Laylatul Qadr or the Night of Power, the most important night of the year, occurs during this period.
The Laylatul Qadr is the night on which the first verses of the Quran were revealed to Prophet Muhammad (SAW) through the Angel Gabriel. It is said to be a night of great blessings, and worship and supplications made during this night are believed to be equivalent to those made during a thousand months. The significance of this night can be inferred from the fact that an entire chapter of the Quran, Surah Al-Qadr, is dedicated to it.
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) himself used this time to pray and increase his worship during this period. He would seclude himself in the mosque and spend the entire night in prayer and supplication. This practice done by the prophet is what we call as Iʿtikāf.
I’tikaf is an Islamic practice consisting of a period of staying in a mosque for a certain number of days, devoting oneself to ibadah (ibadah is usually translated as "worship" and means obedience, submission, and devotion to God). During I'tikaf, the individual disconnects themselves from the world and focuses on their relationship with Allah (SWT), performing various acts of worship such as prayer, recitation of the Quran, and remembrance of Allah.
For some Muslims who have enough resources, they spend their last ten days of Ramadhan in Mecca by performing Umrah (which is a non-obligatory, but important pilgrimage to the holy city of Masjid al-Haram).
Despite the importance of Laylatul Qadr and I'tikaf, they are becoming increasingly rare for Muslims to observe these practices because of various reasons like having a busy lifestyle, lack of awareness, lack of facilities (mosques that can accommodate people to perform I’tikaf), and sometimes due to lack of spiritual motivation.
Younger generations must understand that there is a strong correlation between Laylatul Qadr and the practice of I'tikaf. During the older times, it was easier for Muslims to observe I'tikaf in anticipation of the Laylatul Qadr. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) would often say, "Seek the Night of Power during the last ten nights of Ramadhan." This old tradition is relevant to our generation today and to be reminded that the holy month is not just for fasting from food and water.
As we observe the last few days of Ramadhan, let's remind ourselves that Laylatul Qadr and the practice of I'tikaf are closely related in Islamic spirituality. By observing I'tikaf during this period, we can deepen our spiritual connection with Allah, and seek the blessings and forgiveness of Allah during the Night of Power. May Allah bless us all and accept our good deeds, prayers, and fasting.