When the Prophet said: “Look for it in the last ten nights” he did not mean that we should literally “look for” signs and indications that distinguish Laylat al-Qadr from other nights. The things that distinguish this night from other nights are part of the Unseen.

Allah says:

Surely We revealed it on a blessed night. Surely We ever wish to warn (against evil) – On this night, every wise matter is made distinct. (44: 3-4)

Allah says in the Quran:

Laylat al-Qadr is better than a thousand months. The angels and the Spirit descend therein, by the permission of their Lord, with every decree. (This night is) peace, until the rising of the dawn. (97: 3-5)

These are the ways in which Laylat al-Qadr is special. They are not things that we can see with our eyes. No one after the Prophet can see the angels.

Observing a Retreat in the Mosque (I’tikaf)

Observing a retreat in the mosque is of the best things we can do during the last ten nights of Ramadan. Aisha tells us:

The Prophet used to observe a retreat in the mosque during the last ten nights of Ramadan up until he died. His wives continued to observe this practice after his death. (Al Bukhari and Muslim)

The practice of i’tikaf is a strongly recommended act. It is defined as remaining in retreat in the mosque for the express purpose of worship.

The purpose of i’tikaf is to devote one’s heart exclusively to Allah. And the person engaging in i’tikaf keeps this intention close to mind and seeks Allah’s blessings. He should not forget the reason why he is observing this retreat.

A person observing i’tikaf does not leave the mosque except for what is absolutely necessary (like going to the bathroom).

While in the mosque, he should busy himself with the remembrance of Allah. He should make sure to offer the remembrances of the morning and evening and the prescribed remembrances for the five daily prayers. He should perform all of the Sunnah prayers. He should read as much of the Quran as he can.

He should spend less time eating and sleeping as little as possible. He should avoid unnecessary talk. However, he should engage in advising his fellow Muslims and in enjoining them to truth and to patience.

Generosity

It is encouraged for us to be extra generous during the last ten nights of Ramadan, without being extravagant or ostentatious in our giving. Ibn `Abbas relates that:

Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) was the most generous of all people in doing good, and he was at his most generous during the month of Ramadan. Gabriel used to meet with him every year throughout the month of Ramadan, so the Prophet could recite the Quran to him. Whenever Gabriel met with him, he became more generous than a beneficial breeze. (Al Bukhari and Muslim)

Al-Nawawi, the Muslim scholar, states:

“Generosity and open-handedness are strongly encouraged in Ramadan, especially during the last ten nights. By doing so, we emulate the example of Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) as well as of our Pious Predecessors.

This month is noble, and good works carried out in this month are more blessed than they are at any other time.

Also, during this month, people are preoccupied with fasting and worship, and this distracts them from their livelihood, so they might need some assistance during this time.”

Source: en.islamtoday.net.

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