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Asalaamu Alaikum brothers and sisters. Just a humble request that on this blessed night please help save these children's lives: The children of Afghanistan desperately need our help. Over 3 million children are suffering from malnutrition of which a million are critical and could die. Help save a life then you gain rewards as if you saved the whole of humanity: "and whoever saves a life, it will be as if they saved all of humanity. (Qur'an:5:32). If tonight is Laylatul Qadr then each £1 is like donating for over 83 years! https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/malnutritionpacks4afghanistan *100% Donation policy - Zakaat eligible - PayPal accepted* OneNationUk.org - Reg Charity No:1156200 malnutrition crisis.jfif

Five things to do on Laylatul QadrSo valuable is this Night of Qadr that the Quran devotes a special surah to it “Lailatul Qadr is better than a thousand months” [97:3]This one night surpasses the value of 30,000 nights. The most authentic account of the occurrence of the Night indicates that it can occur on any one of the last ten, odd numbered nights of Ramadan, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29.We should strive to stay up at least on the odd numbered nights of the last ten days. If we can't manage that then let us pray at least on the 27th night. If one prays on all of the last odd numbered nights then there is more chance that one may have caught this most powerful night and the reward is of over 83 YEARS OF WORSHIP! Subhanallah! Most will not even live up to that age!It is a night that we CANNOT miss out on so here is how we can maximise this blessed night:1. Recite the Qur’an abundantlyAz-Zuhri used to say upon the coming of Ramadan, “It is only about reciting the Qur’an and feeding the poor.”Abdur-Raziq said, “When Ramadan came, Sufyan Ath-Thawri (Ra) would give up all acts of (voluntary) worship and devote himself to the recitation of the Qur’an.”Laylatul Qadr is the night the Qur'an was revealed so we should spend much of the night reciting it for we will gain 700 hasanah (good deeds) or more by reciting each letter!2. Strive to gain forgivenessOne should strive and do their utmost to gain the mercy of Allah especially in the odd numbered nights of the last ten days. If one leaves Ramadan without gaining the mercy of Allah then surely they are the most unfortunate ones and are the biggest losers in this world and the next.The main Dua for Laylatul Qadr is the following:Aisha (Ra) said: “I asked the Messenger of Allah: 'O Messenger of Allah, if I know what night is the night of Qadr, what should I say during it?' He said: 'Say: O Allah, You are pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon me.' “"Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa'fu 'annee" (Ahmad, Ibn Majah, and Tirmidhi).Gaining forgiveness on Laylatul Qadr:Abu Huraira narrated that the Messenger said: “Whoever stands (in prayer) in Laylatul Qadr while nourishing his faith with self-evaluation, expecting reward from Allah, will have all of his previous sins forgiven.” (Bukhari and Muslim).We should sincerely repent for past and present sins with the intention of not repeating them again and ask of Allah to help us prevent ourselves from doing them again and ask Allah to perfect our characters and to help us improve ourselves in everyway possible.3. Do much Supererogatory Prayers (Nafil)Rabi'ah ibn Malik al-Aslami (Ra) reported that the Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said: "Ask (anything)." Rabi'ah (Ra) said: "I ask of you to be your companion in paradise." The Prophet said: "Or anything else?" Rabi'ah (Ra) said: "That is it." The Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said to him: "Then help me by making many prostrations (i.e., supererogatory prayers)." (Muslim)The Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said: “Whoever draws near to Allah during it (Ramadan) with a single characteristic from the characteristics of (voluntary) goodness, he is like whoever performs an obligatory act in other times. And whoever performs an obligatory act during it, he is like whoever performed seventy obligatory acts in other times.” – Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah, no. 1887.In this most blessed month of Ramadhan all good deeds are multiplied by 70 or more. Every Nafil one prays one will gain the reward of a Fard Salaah and every Fard Salah is the reward of 70 Fard Salaah. Subhanallah what other time of the year is this possible? NONE! So let us make the best of these precious seconds and pray as many Nafil prayers as is possible!Here are some Nafil prayers we can pray during the last 10 nights:1. Two Rakat after performing Wudu (Ablution)Abu Hurayrah (Ra) reported that the Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said to Bilal (Ra): “Tell me about the best of your deeds (i.e. one which you deem the most rewarding) since your embracing Islam because I heard your footsteps in front of me in Paradise.” Bilal (Ra) replied: “I do not consider any act of mine more rewarding than that whenever I make ablution at any time of night or day, I perform Prayer for as much as was destined for me to do.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)”2. TahajjudImam Abu Sa'id al-Khadimi (Ra) said,"There is scholarly consensus (ijma`) that among the best of virtuous acts is the night vigil prayer." [al-Bariqa al-Mahmudiyya Sharh al-Tariqa al-Muhammadiyya]The scholars derived the following in regards to Tahajjud from the Qur'an and prophetic hadiths:1. The minimal night vigil prayer is 2 rakats. [Hindiyya, quoting Fath al-Qadir]2. Its optimal recommended amount is 8 rakats, because this was the general practice of the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him, his family, and companions). [Hindiyya, quoting Fath al-Qadir]3. Lengthier recitation is superior to a larger number of rakats prayed. [Durr al-Mukhtar, Radd al-Muhtar]4. It is recommended to start the night vigil with two short rakats, because of the hadith of Abu Hurayra (Ra) that the Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said, "It you get up for night prayer, start with two short rakats." [Muslim, Ahmad, Abu Dawud]Ibn Mas`ud (Ra) was asked, "I cannot pray at night." He said, "Your sins have prevented you."4. Increase in Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah)We should glorify Allah night and day, especially in the last odd nights.Here are some easy and very beneficial Dhikr and glorification we can do throughout the last ten odd nights:1. Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa'fu 'annee2. Subhanallah3. Alhamdulillah4. Allahu Akbar5. Laa ilaha ilallah6. LA HAWLA WA LA QUWWATA ILLA BILLAH7. Asthaghfirullah8. SUB-HAN'ALLAH HIL AZEEM WA BI-HAM'DIHI,9. Subhāna-llāhi, wa-l-hamdu li-llāhi, wa lā ilāha illā-llāhu, wa-llāhu akbar. Wa lā hawla wa lā quwwata illā bi-llāhi-l-aliyyi-l-azīm10. Lā ilāha illā-llāhu waḥdahu lā sharīka lahu lahu-l-mulku wa lahu-l-ḥamdu yuhyi wa yumītu wa huwa ḥayyu-llā yamūtu abadan abada, ḏū-l-jalāli wa-l-ikrām, biyadihi-l-khayr, wa huwa alā kulli Shay-in qadīrOr the shortened version:11. Laa ilaaha illal-laahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu wa huwa ‘alaa kulli shay-in qadeerOne can also recite the durood that one recites in one's Salaah or a Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallim5. Make much DuaWe should be very busy in Dua as much as we can especially in the last 10 odd numbered.Allah Almighty says in the Qur'an:"When my servants ask you concerning me, (tell them) I am indeed close (to them). I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calls on me." [2:186]The place of duaa is so high to Allah, that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallim) had said: "Nothing is more honourable to Allah the Most High than Du`a." [Sahih al-Jami` no.5268].He also said: "The most excellent worship is du`a." [Sahih Al-Jami` no. 1133]It is a good idea to write down the things most important to us that we want to ask of Allah in our Dua's. That way we will not miss out asking of Allah anything important. Therefore let us devote much of the night of Qadr in Dua asking of Allah for his mercy and forgiveness for all of our past sins and making firm intentions to Allah that we will change for the better and strive to become closer to him as well as make our Deen a FULL part of our lives and not just a little part of our life as Allah says:Allah tells us In the Qur'an to enter fully into our Deen and not partly:O believers enter into Islam completely and do not follow the footsteps of shaitan, surely he is your clear-cut enemy.... (Surah Al-Baqara, Ayah 208-210)So then will we not make Islam a FULL part of our lives? This is our best opportunity and if we don't take it and death comes to us then surely we will regret it for ETERNITY!May Allah enable us to make the best of these blessed nights and to keep us away from sins and distractions and may he enable us to find Laylatul Qadr and give our best performance in it. Ameen

Asalaamu Alaikum. During these last blessed days & nights I will be fundraising for a very important cause because 3.5 Million children are suffering from Malnutrition in Afghanistan of which 1 million are at risk of dying unless we help. One Nation are on the ground in Afghanistan providing Malnutrition support packs to families. 68 Packs already raised. Please support, share & donate generously during these blessed days and nights and we hope our donations fall on the most powerful night of the year insha'Allah: https://www.justgiving.com/malnutritionpacks4afghanistan *100% Donations policy - Zakaat eligible, Sadaqah, PayPal accepted* OneNationUk.org - Registered Charity No:115620

Worship routine for a woman on her Menses during the last 10 blessed Nights:09:30 - 10:00 pm - Open fast with family with dates and water so as to fulfil the Sunnah and also feel the atmosphere and feeling of fasting10:00 - 10:15 pm - Eat light in order to have optimum energy for worship. Avoid heavy and fried foods which will make one lethargic.Bonus: The lighter the stomach the more worship. The more worship the more reward!10:15 - 10:30 pm - Get ready and prepared. Make Ghusl, Wudu and wear ones best clothes. Sit I'tikaf at home.Bonus 1: Looking ones best actually has a significant impact in making one more productive! These are the nights of maximum productivity! So look good to be more productive!Bonus 2: According to many scholarly opinions including that of Hanafi Madhab. It is recommended for a woman to sit I'tikaf at a designated place in the depths of her home.10:30 pm - 12:00 am - Put on Taraweeh prayer from Makkah or locality if they have radio transmission. This will enable one to get the feeling of Ramadan and at the same time listen to the Qur'an recitation. Also read the translation to go with it in order to understand what is being recited.12:00 - 12:30 am - Drink water to hydrate. If one is hungry then eat (LIGHT) in order to prepare for worship for the rest of the Night. Do not partake in any idle talk. Go straight to the spot where there will be no disturbances at home and begin worship immediately. NO PROCRASTINATION during these blessed 10 nights!Bonus: The less time we waste the more time we have for worship. The more time we have for worship the more we can gain unimaginable rewards during these blessed 10 nights! Other things can be done at anytime but not during these blessed few nights.12:30 - 2:30 am - Ramadan is the month of the Qur'an and not being able to recite the Qur'an is no reason to feel down as you can read the tafseer (Meanings of the Qur'an) and contemplate and ponder over the words of Allah and gain the same rewards insha'Allah.Bonus: In one of these nights was the auspicious night that the Noble Qur'an was revealed. So surely we should spend most of these nights reciting the Meanings of the Qur'an so that we may understand it and ponder and reflect over it.2:00 - 2:30 am - Recite the Dua of Laylatul Qadr as much as possible for wiping out sins and make Dua of repentance to Allah, begging and crying unto him for mercy and forgiveness. (Allahumma Innaka Afuwun Thuhibbul Afwa Fa'fu Anna)2:30 - 3:00 - Prepare Suhoor and eat (Light).Bonus: Prepare Suhoor in the day and put it away in the fridge as nothing should get in the way of our worship during these blessed nights. Preparing Suhoor before hand leaves us with more time to worship. As I keep saying: The more time we have for worship the more unimaginable and incomprehensible rewards we can gain!3:00 am - until Fajr begins Spend the last half an hour in Dua and beg and cry unto Allah, by praising and glorifying him using his beautiful names asking for his mercy, forgiveness and for our parents, families and ourselves. Ask for anything ones heart desires. Include Dua's for the Ummah. Surely Allah will accept each and every sincere Dua during these blessed 10 nights more so more than any night of the year on the Night of power!Bonus: Make a Dua list and be sure to cover everything you can think of so that your mind does not go blank during making Dua on these blessed nights. So if we have made a Dua list before hand then we can make the best Dua which will cover everything and during these blessed nights Duas are readily accepted and if we catch the Night of power during these 10 nights then our Duas will be accepted without a doubt. Subhanallah!Repeat this schedule for the remaining time in Menses and know that you do not have to worry about earning less rewards as you can earn the same if not more than those who are not on menses!May Allah enable us to make the best of these nights and gain the rewards may he enable us to catch the blessed Night of Power and gain the rewards that are promised for it. Ameen

Worship Plan to Maximise Laylatul Qadr (Night Of Power) Almighty 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.} (Al-Qadr 97: 3-5)This blessed night can be found in any of the last 10 nights of Ramadan which are the most blessed nights of the year & therefore we should increase our Worship & Devotion in them:Aisha (Ra) reported: With the start of the last ten days of Ramadan, the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) used to tighten his waist belt (i.e. work harder) and used to pray the whole night, & used to keep his family awake for the prayers. (Bukhari)Imam Ibrahim Al-Nakha`i (Ra) says: "Good works performed on this night are better than those performed consistently for a thousand months." Abu Hurayrah (Ra) relates that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: "Whoever spends Laylat al-Qadr in prayer, believing in Allah and seeking His reward, will be forgiven all of his past sins." (Al-Bukhari & Muslim)Subhanallah! What immense rewards are to be gained during these blessed 10 nights. How can we afford to miss out on them? Who is to say that we will be alive next Ramadan? So we must make the best of these 10 nights. If we cannot manage all of the 10 nights then at least as many as we can manage particularly the last 10 odd numbered nights: 21st, 25th, 27th and 29th.There is a saying: A person who fails to plan, plans to fail. So I have created a Worship plan that we can use to maximise these blessed 10 nights of Ramadan. Before we get into the plan, there are a few points to consider:10 points to consider in the Worship Plan:1 - Remain in I'tikaf: The best way of catching the blessed night of Power is to remain in I'tikaf which both men and women can do. If it is not possible for one to remain in I'tikaf for the whole of the 10 days and nights then one should try to remain in I'tikaf as many days and nights as is possible. It is also possible to make intention of Nawafil I'tikaf each and every time one enters the Masjid in order to gain rewards for the time spent in the Masjid.2 - Worship all the 10 nights: Try to worship the whole of the 10 nights or at least as one can manage as that is the best way to catch the unimaginable and incomprehensible rewards of Laylatul Qadr. Each and every good deed from Maghrib until Fajr on Laylatul Qadr is rewarded a minimum of over 83 years of worship rewards. Subhanallah that is longer than most of us will live!3 - Best Dua of the last 10 nights: Recite the Dua for Lailatul Qadr (the Night of Power) abundantly throughout the last 10 nights.اَللَّهُمَّ اِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ ، تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّيAllahumma innaka ‘affuwwun tuhibbul ‘afwa fa’fu ‘anni’ ‘O Allah You are The One Who forgives greatly, and loves to forgive, so forgive me. [at Tirmidhi]This Dua was given by the Prophet [Sallallahu laihi Wasallam] to the most beloved person to him: Aisha [RA]. So that makes the Dua extra special. Normally when we ask for forgiveness then Allah may forgive us but may still mention the sin to us on the Day of Judgement. But in this Dua we are asking Allah to completely wipe away our sins so that they are totally erased. So recite this Dua frequently during this blessed night to get your sins totally wiped out and come out as sinless as a newborn baby. Subhanallah!4 - Give in charity: Give some charity during these 10 nights as any good act like charity during Laylatul Qadr is rewarded like one has done it for over 83 years!5 - EAT LIGHT: as one is going to stay up until Fajr and the more one eats the harder it will be to stay up and the less productive one will be!6 - Hydrate well: Keep some water with you at all times. This well help you stay up, feel energised and refreshed and have a clearer mind7 - Complete all tasks before hand: So that we are free to worship the 10 nights without being disturbed by having to complete worldy tasks. This is in order to spend minimum time on things other than worship.8 - Show exemplary character: The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Nothing is weightier on the Scale of Deeds than one’s Good manners.” (Al-Bukhari)So surely we should aim to be the best in character during these blessed nights and then continue to do so the rest of the year. So we must not argue, swear, backbite, slander or gossip. These things are prohibited anyway but how can we display such characteristics during these blessed few nights?9 - No time wasting: We must make firm intention that during these blessed 10 nights that we will take part in NO idle talk and NOT watch TV, or play Games, or spend time on Social Media. There is 355 days in the year for all that. This is just 10 nights! Utter loss and regret for those of us who waste these blessed 10 nights!!!10- Making life changes : Ramadan is not just for one month but it is for the whole year. So we should make the necessary changes that we need to make in order to better ourselves as Muslims and what better time to make such changes than during these blessed 10 nights where we can change our lives for the better forever. So we must internalise these changes and make firm commitment to Allah and it maybe that he will wipe our sins clean like we were a new born baby.The following is a possible worship routine for the last 10 blessed nights of Ramadan which can be adjusted according to the times in ones own country:09:30 - 10:00 pm - Open fast with dates and water and Pray Maghrib (Men with congregation and women at home). After that pray the 2 Sunnah and as many Nawafil (Voluntary) prayers in sets of 2 raka'ahs as one can manage.Bonus: The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Whoever draws near to Allah during it (Ramadan) with a single characteristic from the characteristics of (voluntary) goodness, he is like whoever performs an obligatory act in other times. And whoever performs an obligatory act during it, he is like whoever performed seventy obligatory acts in other times.” (Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah, no. 1887)So each Fard prayer during Ramadan entails a reward of 70 obligatory prayers and each voluntary prayer entails a reward of a Fard prayer. Can you imagine how much more reward a voluntary and Fard prayer will be rewarded during Laylatul Qadr,? Subhanallah! you will be rewarded like you have prayed the Fard and voluntary prayers for over 83 years!10:00 - 10:15 pm - Eat light in order to have optimum energy for worship. Avoid heavy and fried foods which will make one lethargic.Bonus: The lighter the stomach the more worship. The more worship the more reward!10:15 - 10:30 pm - Get ready and prepared to pray Isha and Tarawee. Make Ghusl or Wudu. Pray 2 Rakat Tahiyyatul Wudu after every Wudu. Wear ones best clothes and put on Attar and use Miswaak and comb hair, beard etc.Bonus 1: Looking ones best actually has a significant impact in making one more productive! These are the nights of maximum productivity! So look & smell good to be more productive!Bonus 2: Walk to the Masjid if you are not in I'tikaf. Each and every step is rewarded like you have been walking to the Masjid for over 83 years! Subhanallah!10:30 pm - 12:00 am - Pray Isha & Taraweeh. Men with congregation and women may also pray in the Masjid in order to hear recitation of Qur'an, if the facilities are available and there is no danger of free mixing. Pray 2 rakat Tahiyyatul Masjid upon arriving at the Masjid and also remember to pray the 4 raka'ahs of Sunnah before the 4 Fard of Isha' which is often neglected.Bonus: Praying Taraweeh during the night of power will bring rewards of over 83 years for each and every letter recited by the Imam and for each and every prostration (Sajda).12:00 - 12:30 am - As soon as Taraweeh is finished then prepare for worship until Fajr. Make Fresh Wudu or Ghusl if one wants. Drink water to hydrate. If one is hungry then eat (LIGHT).Either stay at the Masjid or go home immediately not partaking in any idle talk and go straight to the spot where there will be no disturbances and begin worship immediately being firm in remaining free of any disturbances. NO PROCRASTINATION during these blessed 10 nights!Bonus: The less time we waste the more time we have for worship. The more time we have for worship the more we can gain unimaginable rewards during these blessed 10 nights!12:30 - 1:30 am - Recite Qur'an with its tafseer (Meanings of the Qur'an) and contemplate and ponder over the words of Allah.Bonus: In one of these nights was the auspicious night that the Noble Qur'an was revealed. So surely we should spend most of these nights reciting the Qur'an. Each and every letter is normally rewarded as 10 good deeds and during Ramadan this is increased further, but during Laylatul Qadr each letter will be rewarded like one has recited it for over 83 years. Subanallah!1:30 - 2:00 am - Salaatul Tasbih. Or continue reciting Qur'an with Tafseer and recite the Laylatul Qadr Dua as much as possible for wiping out sins.Bonus: Salaatul Tasbih contains a Dhikr (remembrance of Allah) which is one of the best glorifications of Allah (Abu Dawud):Subhaanallaahi walhamdu lillaahi walaa ilaaha illallaahu wallaahu AkbarThis is recited 300 times during this prayer. So can you imagine the rewards of reciting this prayer during Laylatul Qadr? Subanallah!How to Pray Salaatul Tasbih: Pray like a normal 4 raka'ah (Nawafil) prayer except above Dhikr is said 15 times after the Surah after Surah Faathiha,10 times in Ruku (After Subanarabbiyyal Adheem), 10 times after Qiyaam (Saami-Allah), 10 times in Sajda (After Subhanarabiyyal Adheem),10 times when up from Sajda in sitting position,10 times in second Sajda,10 times when up from second sajda in sitting position. Repeat for every Raka'h.2:00 - 2:45 am - 8 Rakats of Tahajjud prayer with long Sajdas reciting as many Sura'hs as one knows by memory. Before hand reading the meanings of the Surahs that are going to be recited in order to gain Khushu and feel the Surah's being recited in ones heart.Bonus: The best Nawafil (voluntary) prayer is Tahajjud and it is a prayer in order to get closer to Almighty Allah which can be prayed after Isha until just before Fajr begins. The best recitation of the Qur'an is that done during Tahajjud prayer. So one should recite as much of the Qur'an as one has memorised and in the long prostrations ask and beg of Allah in Arabic for forgiveness and mercy and surely Allah will never turn away his slaves who beg of him during this prayer.2:45 - 3:00 am - Eat Suhoor slightly earlier so as to spend the last half an hour in Dua as Dua just before Fajr is the best and most accepted Dua and any Dua on Laylatul Qadr is accepted without doubt.Bonus: Prepare Suhoor in the day and put it away in the fridge as nothing should get in the way of our worship during these blessed nights. Preparing Suhoor before hand leaves us with more time to worship. As I keep saying: The more time we have for worship the more unimaginable and incomprehensible rewards we can gain!3:00 am until Fajr begins. Devote the last half an hour in Dua. Beg and cry unto Allah, by praising and glorifying him using his beautiful names asking for his mercy, forgiveness and for our parents, families and ourselves. Ask for anything ones heart desires. Include Dua's for the Ummah. Surely Allah will accept each and every sincere Dua during these blessed 10 nights more so more than any night of the year on the Night of power!Bonus: Make a Dua list and be sure to cover everything you can think of so that your mind does not go blank during making Dua on these blessed nights. So if we have made a Dua list before hand then we can make the best Dua which will cover everything and during these blessed nights Duas are readily accepted and if we catch the Night of power during these 10 nights then our Duas will be accepted without a doubt. Subhanallah!Fajr until 20 Minutes after Sunrise:Annas (Ra) narrated that the Prophet (Sallallaahu `alayhi wa Sallam) said: “Whoever prays the Fajr prayer in congregation and then he remains sitting mentioning Allah until the sun rises, and then he prays two Rak’ahs, will receive the reward of one Hajj and one ‘Umrah, complete, complete, complete.” [At-Tirmithi with a good chain of narrators]So remain seated after the Fajr prayer and engage in Dua, contemplation, recitation of Qur'an and in the glorification and remembrance of Allah until 20 minutes after sunrise and then get up and pray 2x2 raka'ah Salaatul Duha.Bonus: Remaining seated after prayer and engaged in worship until 20 minutes after sunrise brings the rewards of a Hajj and Umrah. Subhanallah! If that was not enough then the rewards are further increased during this blessed month.Repeat this schedule for each and every night of worship during the last 10 nights of Ramadan and know that at least one of the nights we will gain the rewards like we did each and every worship for over 83 years. Subhanallah that is longer than most of us will live!May Allah enable us to make the best of these nights and gain the rewards may he enable us to catch the blessed Night of Power and gain the rewards that are promised for it. Ameen

10 ways to Maximize the Last 10 Days of RamadanThe last 10 days of Ramadan are the most blessed & we should increase our Worship & Devotion:Allah's Messenger used to exert himself in devotion during the last ten nights to a greater extent than at any other time." (Muslim).Aisha (Ra) reported: With the start of the last ten days of Ramadan, the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) used to tighten his waist belt (i.e. work harder) and used to pray the whole night, & used to keep his family awake for the prayers. (Bukhari)So there is still time for us to redeem ourselves in the last 10 blessed days of Ramadan. We must NOT miss this opportunity otherwise we will regret it forever. We should strive to seek out night of power which is hidden in one of the last 10 nights of Ramadan, particularly in the odd numbered nights.So this is our chance to get closer to Allah & to gain his mercy and forgiveness of ALL of our past and present sins! Therefore we should put everything into the last 10 nights & know that we will get so much more in return. But if we waste these nights then we will regret it FOREVER!The following are 10 ways which we can maximize these blessed nights:1. Sitting I'tikaf in the last 10 daysI`tikaf is the seclusion and staying in the Masjid with the intention of becoming closer to Allah by doing constant remembrance, glorification and worship of Allah. I'tikaf is a great Sunnah:Aishah (RA) reported that the Prophet (Salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam): "Used to perform i'tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan until Allah the Mighty & Majestic, took him." (Bukhari & Muslim)Abu Said reported that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: "Whoever makes I`tikaf with me is to make I'tikaf during the last ten [nights]." (Bukhari)Women can also sit I'tikafWomen can also sit I'tikaf at the Masjid with husbands permission. There is a difference of opinion whether she can sit I'tikaf at home. The Hanafi madhab states a woman can sit I'tikaf at a designated place in her home.Nawafil I'tikaf:If a person cannot sit I'tikaf for the full 10 days & nights then they should try & sit I'thikaf on as many days & nights as they possibly can.They can make intention of doing Nawafil I'tikaf everytime they enter the Masjid so a person will be rewarded for the duration of their stay in the Masjid as long as they did not commit any sins or indulge in idle talk.Immense rewards for sitting I'tikafAli Ibn Hussain (RA) narrates from his father that Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “He who observes the ten days I’tikaf during Ramadhan will obtain the reward of two Hajj & two Umrah.” (Bayhaqi)Abdullah bin Abbas (RA) reported that Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said: “Whosoever for Allah’s sake did even one days i’tikaf, Allah would keep him away from Jahannam by trenches.” (Tabarani)What an amazing opportunity for us to gain such immense & abundant rewards aswell as closeness to Allah. We can also take this opportunity to strengthen & boost our imaan (faith) for the rest of the year.2. Schedule & Monitor Daily WorshipWhat better way to maximise our worship during the last 10 days of Ramadan than to plan & schedule our time so that we can spend it as effectively as possible. By setting ourselves daily targets we can ensure that we are more likely to achieve them.Below are links where you can download an hourly scheduler where you can set yourself hourly worship targets & schedule your daily worship. There is also a daily worship check where you can check & monitor your daily worship throughout the last ten nights:1. Worship check for the last 10 daysRamadan Planner.pdf2. Last 10 days hourly worship schedulerhttps://www.islamicboard.com/images/imported/2011/08/Ramadhaan_Time_Table-1.pdf3. Exerting oneself in worship during last 10 night'sWe should make more effort during the last 10 days:Allah's Messenger used to exert himself in devotion during the last ten nights to a greater extent than at any other time." (Muslim).Aisha (RA) reported: With the start of the last ten days of Ramadan, the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) used to tighten his waist belt (i.e. work harder) & used to pray all the night, & used to keep his family awake for the prayers. (Bukhari)The last ten days & nights of Ramadan are the most blessed. Therefore we should exert themselves in worship even more during each of the last 10 days and nights, particularly the last ten odd numbered nights: 21, 23, 25, 27, 29.By worshipping the last 10 nights we would be most likely to catch the night of power & gain the reward of over 83 years of worship! Subhanallah thats longer than the average human life expectancy!4. Reciting Qur'an abundantlyWhat better time to recite the Qur'an than in ones of the very nights it was revealed - The Night of Power.Therefore we should increase our recitation even more during the last ten days & nights. The pious predecessors used to increase the amount of Qur'an they recited during the last ten days & nights.Remember: The reward for reciting each letter of the Qur'an during Ramadan is 700 hasanah or more. Subhanallah!So we should make a target during the last 10 days using the scheduler provided above in point 4 and put down a target of how much Qur'an we will recite each day & night. We should try & aim to complete the Qur'an at least once if not more by the end of the last 10 days of Ramadan.Along with recitation we should also read & learn the meanings of the Qur'an. We should contemplate & ponder over the verses & implement what we read & learn into our daily lives.Note: We should try & recite Surah Ya-sin everyday particularly after Fajr time. We should also recite Surah Mulk before we going to sleep & Surah Kahf every Jumma. Other very rewarding Surahs we can recite much of are Surah's Zilzalah, Al Kaafirun & Al IkhlasAbdullah Ibn ‘Abbas & Anas Ibn Malik (RA) reported that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, ‘Whoever recited Surah Zilzilah (99) would get the reward of reciting half the Qur’an. Whoever recited Surah al Kaafirun (109) would get a reward as if reading a quarter of the Qur’an. Whoever recited Surah al Ikhlas (112) would get a reward as if reading one third of the Qur’an’. (At-Tirmidhi 2818/A)5. Nawafil (Voluntary) prayersWhat better way of drawing closer to Allah during the last 10 days of Ramadan than by praying the voluntary prayers:Allah says in Hadith Qudsi:....And My slave keeps on coming closer to Me through performing Nawafil (voluntary deeds) until I love him, [Bukhari]Does anyone want the company of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) in Jannah? Then increase in praying the Nawafil prayers:Rabi'ah Ibn Malik al-Aslami reported that the Prophet Sallallahu alaihi Wasallam said: "Ask (anything)." Rabi'ah said: "I ask of you to be your companion in paradise." The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: "Or anything else?" Rabi'ah said: "That is it." The Prophet Sallallahu alaihi Wasallam said to him: "Then help me by making many prostrations (i.e., Nawafil prayers)." (Muslim)The reward for praying fard prayers outside of Ramadan is the greatest a Muslim can gain but in Ramadan we get the same reward for praying a Nawafil prayer. Subhaanallah! What other time of the year are Nawafil prayers rewarded equal to that of a fard prayer?Therefore we should strive to pray as many Nawafils as possible during the last 10 days & nights of Ramadan, so that we can get closer to Allah & gain the company of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) in Jannah. On top of that each Nawafil prayer carries the reward of a fard prayer!Sunnah & Nawafil prayers to pray during last 10 days:1. Pray 12 Raka'ahs of Sunnah daily: - 2 Sunnah of Fajr, 4 Sunnah & 2 Sunnah of Dhuhr & 2 Sunnah of MaghribUmm Habibah Ramilah bint Abu Sufyan (RA) narrated she heard the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) saying: “A house will be built in Paradise for every Muslim who offers twelve units of Prayers other than the obligatory ones in day & night, to seek pleasure of Allah.” (Muslim)2. Salaatul Duhaa (Can be prayed from 20 mins after sunrise up until 20 minutes before Dhuhr begins)So we should remain seated after Fajr prayer & recite the Qur'an or do Dhikr up until 20 minutes after Sunrise & pray Salaatul Duhaa. If not then we can pray it anytime before midday.'Salat al-Dhuhaa consists of 2 - 12 Rakaats & it is preferable to perform 8 Rakaats.' (Raddul Mukhtaar vol.1 pg.505)The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) is reported to have said: Whoever prayed twelve rakaats (before midday), then Allah will, as a reward, prepare a palace of gold for him in Paradise. (Mishkat, Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah)3. 4 Sunnah, 2 Sunnah & 2 Nawafil of DhuhrUmm Habibah (RA) narrated that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Whoever sticks to the habit of offering four rak`ahs before Noon Prayer & four rak`ahs after it, Allah will shield him against the Hell-Fire.” (Abu Dawud & At-Tirmidhi)4. 4 Raka'ahs Sunnah of AsrThe Prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi wa sallam) said:"May Allaah have Mercy on the one who offers four (Raka'ahs) before 'Asr prayer."(Abu Dawud)5. Two Raka'ahs Sunnah after entering MasjidAbu Qatadah (RA) narrated the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) as saying: “If any one of you enters a mosque, he should pray two rak`ahs before sitting.” (Al-Bukhari & Muslim)6. Tahiyyatul Wudu - 2 Raka'ahs Sunnah after doing Wudu (Ablution)Abu Hurayrah (RA) reported the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) saying to Bilal (RA): “Tell me about the best of your deeds (i.e. one which you deem the most rewarding) since your embracing Islam because I heard your footsteps in front of me in Paradise.” Bilal (RA) replied: “I do not consider any act of mine more rewarding than that whenever I make ablution at any time of night or day, I perform Prayer for as much as was destined for me to do.” (Al-Bukhari & Muslim)”7. The MOST REWARDING Nawafil Prayer of all is TahajjudAllah Most High said: “Establish worship at the going down of the sun until the dark of the night, & (the recital of) the Qur’an at dawn. Lo! (the recital of) the Qur’an at dawn is ever witnessed. And some part of the night awake for its recital, as voluntary worship for you. It may be that your Lord will raise you to a praised estate.” (Qur’an, 17: 78-79)Imam Abu Sa'id al-Khadimi said, "There is scholarly consensus (ijma`) that among the best of virtuous acts is the night vigil prayer." [al-Bariqa al-Mahmudiyya Sharh al-Tariqa al-Muhammadiyya]The scholars derived the following in regards to Tahajjud from the Qur'an & Prophetic Hadiths:1. The minimal night vigil prayer is 2 Rakaats. [Hindiyya, quoting Fath al-Qadir]2. Its optimal recommended amount is 8 Rakaats, because this was the general practice of the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) [Hindiyya, quoting Fath al-Qadir]3. Lengthier recitation of Qur'an is superior to a larger number of Rakaats prayed. [Durr al-Mukhtaar, Radd al-Muhtar]If one has not memorized much of the Qur'an then one should recite whatever they know or recite Surah Ikhlas 3 times after Surah Faathiha in each rakah to gain reward of reciting entire Qur'an.4. It is recommended to start the night vigil with two short Rakaats, because of the Hadith of Abu Hurayrah (RA) that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, "If you get up for night prayer, start with two short Rakaats." [Muslim, Ahmad, Abu Dawud]We should pray Tahajjud every night in the last 10 nights for one of those nights could be Laylatul Qadr (The Night of Power). If we cannot do all 10 nights then we should at least try to pray Tahajjud in as many nights as we possibly can particularly in the odd numbered nights: 21,23,25,27,29.We should wake up a little earlier for Sehri, make Wudu & pray a minimum of 2 Raka'ahs of Tahajjud but try to aim for at least 8 Raka'ahs.Abu Hurayrah (RA), related that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: When the last one-third of the night remains, our Lord, the Glorious One descends towards the heaven of the earth & proclaims: Who is that who supplicates for Me, & I grant his supplication? Who is that who begs Me for anything & I grant it to him? And who is that who seeks My forgiveness, & I forgive him? (Bukhari, Muslim).The last third portion of the night is the most blessed & dua's are readily accepted at this time. So by praying Tahajjud it gives us the best opportunity to get closer to Allah & to make sincere dua, repenting for our sins past & present & to crying & asking of Allah for whatever we want.If we cannot cry due to the hardness of our hearts then we should at least make the face as if we are crying. Just as a mother tends to her baby quicker & more promptly when it is crying in the same way Allah tends to his servants quicker when they are crying.Ibn Mas`ud (Allah be pleased with him) was asked, "I cannot pray at night." He said, "Your sins have prevented you."6. Excessive Remembrance of AllahWe should increase our remembrance of Allah during the last 10 days of Ramadan, keeping our lips moist in his glorification & praises.Surely we will have utter regret in the hereafter for each second wasted without remembering Allah:Mu`adh Ibn Jabal (RA) said that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: "The People of Paradise will not regret anything except one thing alone: the hour that passed them by in which they made no remembrance of Allah." Narrated Bayhaqi in Shu`ab al-iman (1:392 #512-513)The highest rank in Jannah are for those who remembered Allah the most:Abu Sa`id (RA) narrates the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) was asked, "Which of the servants of Allah is best in rank before Allah on the Day of resurrection?" He said: "The ones who remember him much."I said: "O Messenger of Allah, what about the fighter in the way of Allah?" He answered: "Even if he strikes the unbelievers & mushrikin with his sword until it broke, & becomes red with their blood, truly those who do Dhikr are better than him in rank." (Ahmad, Tirmidhi, & Bayhaqi)What better time to start remembering Allah more than during the blessed last 10 days od Ramadan.The following are 11 Dhikr, supported by Hadith that we can recite throughout last 10 nights:Note: We should try & aim to recite each of these 10 Dhikr a 100 times each which makes a total of 1000 a day minimum.1. Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa'fu 'annee - Recite this abundantly during the last ten nights of Ramadan.2. Subhaanallah3. Alhamdulillah4. Allahu Akbar5. Laa ilaaha illallah6. LA HAWLA WA LA QUWWATA ILLA BILLAH-HIL ALIYYIL ADHEEM7. Asthaghfirullah-halladhee Laa ilaaha illa-huwal Hayyul Qayyuumu Wa athoobu IlayOr short version: Asthaghfirullah8. SUB-HAAN'ALLAAHi WA BI-HAM'DIHI SUB-HAAN'ALLAH-IL ADHEEMOr short version: SUB-HAAN'ALLAAHi WA BI-HAM'DIHI9. Subhāna-llāhi, wa-l-hamdu li-llāhi, wa lā ilāha illā-llāhu, wa-llāhu akbar. Wa lā hawla wa lā quwwata illā bi-llāhi-l-aliyyi-l-azīm10. Lā ilāha illā-llāhu waḥdahu lā sharīka lahu lahu-l-mulku wa lahu-l-ḥamdu yuhyi wa yumītu wa huwa ḥayyu-llā yamūtu abadan abada, ḏū-l-jalāli wa-l-ikrām, biyadihi-l-khayr, wa huwa alā kulli Shay-in qadīrOr the shortened version:Laa ilaaha illal-laahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu wa huwa ‘alaa kulli shay-in qadeer11. Radeetu billahi Rabban Wa bil Islami deenan Wabi Muhammadin NabiyyanWe should also recite much of durood e Ibrahim which is the durood that is recited towards the end of Salaah.Or the shortest durood is: Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallim7. Making Excessive DuaAlmighty Allah says in the Qur'an:"When my servants ask you concerning me, (tell them) I am indeed close (to them). I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calls on me." [2:186]The place of Dua is so high in front of Allah, that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallim) has said: "Nothing is more honourable to Allah the Most High than Dua." [Sahih al-Jami` no.5268].Allah loves repentance & loves those who turn to him in sincere repentance, so repent unto him sincerely as much as possible:Truly Allah loves those who turn [to Him] in repentance... (Qur'an 2:222)Many of us rush our Dua’s & quite often our hearts are not present whilst we are making dua to Allah. That is why we lose out on much of the benefits & blessings of Dua. Therefore we should not let our minds wonder whilst in Dua & we should concentrate more, making sure our hearts are present whilst asking of Allah. Whilst we are in dua we should imagine Almighty Allah in front of us & so we should humble ourselves in front of him in a state of meekness & humility.It may also help if we made a list of what we want to ask Allah during our dua’s. We can then refer to this list as a reminder so that we can cover everything we need to ask him, which may help in making our Dua’s longer & more sincere. This is because we will not always remember everything we want to ask Allah unless we note it down & refer back to it when we need to.The times when Dua's are most accepted during the last 10 days are:1. The third portion of the night shortly before sehri ends. 2. Whilst fasting. 3. Between Asr & Maghrib. 4. Just before fast opens. 5. On Jumma before & after khutba. 6. Between Adhan & Iqamah. 7. After Qur'an recitation. 8. The Night of Qadr 9. Whilst it is raining.Let us not be of those who pass by Ramadan without gaining any forgiveness:Rasullullah (sallahu’ ‘alaihi wasallam) said: ...the angel Jibra’il appeared before me & said: Destruction to him who found the blessed month of Ramadan & let it pass by without gaining forgiveness...’ Upon that I said: ‘Amin.’ (Al-Bukhari, Al-Tabrani)What better opportunity to make long & sincere dua's to Allah than in the last 10 days & nights of Ramadan. If we make dua every night then we may be lucky enough to have made dua in the night of power where all dua's are accepted.8. Practising the SunnahFollowing the Sunnah is a command from Allah:"Say (O Muhammad to mankind): "If you (really) love Allah, then follow me (i.e. accept Islamic monotheism, follow the Quran & the Sunnah), Allah will love you & forgive you your sins. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." (Quran: 3:31)Almighty Allah says: “There certainly is an excellent example in Allah's messenger for he who fears Allah & the last day & remembers Allah abundantly” (al-Ahzaab 21)By following the Sunnah in every aspect of our daily lives, everything we do will become worship, even going to the toilet, having a bath, dressing & undressing etc.Annas (RA) reports the Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) advised: “Whoever cherishes my Sunnah, indeed he cherishes me & whoever loves me will be with me in Jannah.” (Tirmidhi: 2678: Ibid)We should practise & implement the Sunnah throughout the last 10 days of Ramadan for eg the Sunnah's of awakening, using miswak, of eating, drinking, going to the toilet, before sleeping etc. Then EVERYTHING we do during the last 10 days of Ramadan will become worship & immense reward!REMEMBER: Doing voluntary good deeds in Ramadan carries the reward of FARD! Subhanallah!Reviving the Sunnah:Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Whoever revives an aspect of my Sunnah that is forgotten after my death, he will have a reward equivalent to that of the people who follow him, without it detracting in the least from their reward.” (Tirmidhi)The following free E book contains complete daily Sunnah's & dua's from waking up in the morning until going to sleep at night:Download Beautiful Daily Sunnah'shttps://www.islamicboard.com/images/imported/2011/08/26863499BeautifulSunnahsof-1.pdf9. Repentance of past & present sinsWe should cry & beg of Allah to give us his mercy & forgiveness especially in the last 10 blessed nights of Ramadan. If we leave Ramadan without gaining the mercy of Allah then surely we are of the most unfortunate and amongst the biggest losers in this world and the next.Best dua for gaining mercy & forgiveness in the last 10 days & nights:Aisha (Ra) said: “I asked the Messenger of Allah: 'O Messenger of Allah, if I know what night is the night of Qadr, what should I say during it?' He said: "Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa'fu 'annee" (Ahmad, Ibn Majah, & Tirmidhi).Stand in prayer to gain forgiveness for all sinsAbu Huraira (RA) narrated that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Whoever stands (in prayer) in Laylatul Qadr while nourishing his faith with self-evaluation, expecting reward from Allah, will have all of his previous sins forgiven.” (Bukhari and Muslim).Best opportunity for forgiveness of past & present sins:This is our best opportunity to gain forgiveness of our past ans present sins. Forget the past now, lear from it & take lessons from it. What matters is NOW. So ask of Allah everynight epecially in the odd numbered nights for mercy & forgiveness.When we make Dua we should imagine Allah is watching us and so we should call on him like a begger, crying to him. If we can't cry due to the hardness of our hearts then we should at least act & make the face like we are crying. We should ask of Allah sincerely with remorse & intention not to repeat such sins again for forgiveness of our past & present sins.10. Seeking out Laylatul Qadr (Night of Power){By the manifest Book (the Quran) that makes thing clear. We sent it (this Quraan) down on a Blessed Night (i.e. the Night of Qadr) in the month of Ramadaan..(The Smoke 44:2-5)So valuable is the Night of Qadr (Power) that the Quran devotes a special surah to it: “Lailatul Qadr is better than a thousand months” [97:3]This one night surpasses the value of 30,000 nights. The most authentic account of the occurrence of the Night indicates that it can occur on any one of the last ten, odd numbered nights of Ramadan, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29. It may also occur on any of the even nights.Therefore we should strive to stay up & worship on all of the last 10 nights of Ramadan. If we can't do that then we should at least worship on the odd numbered nights of the last ten days. If we still can't manage that then let us pray on whatever nights we can, minimum on the 27th night.There is NO doubt that if we pray on all of the last ten nights of Ramadan then we will catch this auspicious night & gain the rewards of over 83 YEARS OF WORSHIP! Subhaanallah! Most do not live upto such an age!The following dua should be recited as much as possible during the last 10 nights of Ramadan:Aisha (RA) said: I asked the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam): 'O Messenger of Allah, if I know what night is the night of Qadr, what should I say during it?' He said Say:"Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa'fu 'anneeTrans: 'Say: O Allah, You are pardoning & You love to pardon, so pardon me.' " (Ahmad, Ibn Majah, & Tirmidhi).Forgiveness of past & present sins on Laylatul QadrAbu Hurairah (RA) narrated that the Prophet (Sallallahu`Alayhi Wa sallam) said: "Whoever stands (in qiyaam) in Laylat ul-Qadr out of faith and expectation (of Allah's reward), will have ALL of his previous sins forgiven." (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)ConclusionAs we fast approach the end of Ramadan we must evaluate ourselves & think to ourselves what we have learnt about ourselves & what good habits we have acquired and what evil and bad habits we have left behind.We must NOT stop doing the good we aqcuired throughout Ramadan as soon as it finishes. We should continue reciting the Qur'an & making long sincere dua's. We should continue guarding our eyes, ears, tongue and privates away from sin & harm. We should continue to strive to please Allah & get closer to him. We should continue to make effort on our imaan (faith). We must NOT let go of the good habits we acquired & instead go back to our old ways again.Allah knows our intentions and what is in our hearts and If we go back to the way we are before Ramadan then how can we expect our good deeds and efforts to be accepted? The very purpose of Ramadan is that doing good becomes easier & so it gives us a wonderful opportunity to be able to train ourselves to become better & stronger Muslims. It enables us to let go of the bad habits & to acquire good ones instead. It enables us to strengthen our imaan (faith). Best of all it enables us to get closer to AllahIf we leave all of the good we acquired as soon as Ramadan ends then we will in effect just throw away our Ramadan & risk our good deeds & efforts not being accepted.This is our chance to change our lives for the better FOREVER. So we must NOT miss this opportunity for we may not be alive next Ramadan.Therefore let us continue the good we acquired during Ramadan throughout the year & never go back to our old ways.May Allah enable us to make the necessery changes this Ramadan and for us to continue that way throughout the year. Ameen.

12 Ways To Maximize I'tikafThere is no doubt that I'tikaf is a great Sunnah:Aishah (RA) reported that the Prophet (Salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam): "Used to perform i'tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan until Allah the Mighty & Majestic, took him." (Bukhari & Muslim)Abu Said reported that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: "Whoever makes I`tikaf with me is to make I'tikaf during the last ten [nights]." (Bukhari)Imam Ahmad said, as was narrated from him by Abu Daawood: “I have not heard from any of the scholars that it is anything other than Sunnah.”Az-Zuhri said: “How strange the Muslims are! They have given up I’tikaf, despite the fact that the Prophet, (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam), never abandoned this practice from the time he came to Madinah until his death.”Nawafil I'tikaf for those who do not sit for the whole 10 days:If a person cannot sit I'tikaf for the full ten days & nights then they should try & sit I'thikaf on as many days & nights as they possibly can.They can make intention of doing Nawafil I'tikaf everytime they enter the Masjid so a person will be rewarded for the duration of their stay in the Masjid as long as they did not commit any sins or indulge in idle talk.I'tikaf for women:Women can also do I'tikaf in the Masjid if the facilities are available to them as long as they have been given permission by their husbands.There is a difference of opinion whether or not a women can do I'tikaf at home. The Hanbalis, some Shafi's & some Malikis say that a woman can only sit I'tikaf at the Masjid, whereas the Hanafi's, some Shafi's & some Malikis say it is permissable for a women to do I'tikaf at a designated place in her home because if her prayer is prefferred at home then surely her I'tikaf should also be preferred at home.They state that a woman sitting I'tikaf at home can perform her domestic duties in her designated room for I'tikaf for eg. cooking, ironing etc. But it is best if she takes care of all her responsiblities si that she can devote as much time as possible to worship. She may not leave her desginated room unless it is necessery. The same rules apply to women sitting I'tikaf as they do for men. Even a women on her menses is permitted to sit I'tikaf at her designated place at home. She can do dhikr, dua, listening to Qur'an recitation & read, learn & ponder over the words & meanings of the Qur'an.The Virtues of I'tikaf:The benefits & rewards for sitting I'tikaf are immense:Ali Ibn Hussain (RA) narrates from his father that Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “He who observes the ten days I’tikaf during Ramadhan will obtain the reward of two Hajj & two Umrah.” (Bayhaqi)Abdullah bin Abbas (RA) reported that Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said: “Whosoever for Allah’s sake did even one days i’tikaf, Allah would keep him away from Jahannam by trenches.” (Tabarani)Ibn Abbas (RA) reported that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, (about him who engages in i’tikaf), “that he is safe from sin & he also gets that reward which everyone (outside i’tikaf) gets for pious deeds.” (Ibn Majah)What an amazing opportunity for us to gain such immense & abundant rewards aswell as closeness to Allah. We can also take this opportunity to strengthen & boost our imaan (faith) for the rest of the year.The following are 12 ways to maximize I'tikaf:1. Purifying intentions"Verily actions are judged by intention." [Al-Bukhaari & Muslim]It is crucial that we purify & correct our intentions before doing any act of worship. This is because we may have other underlying intentions in our hearts without even realizing it. Like for e.g. we may have in our hearts that we will sit I'tikaf to have fun with friends or to look good in front of others & family etcSo before doing any good deed we need to correct our intentions so that we are more sincere in our worship. The better our intentions, the greater the rewards for whatever good we are doing.Ibn Al-Mubaarak said: "Maybe a small action is made great by its intention, & maybe a great action is made small by its intention."So for I'tikaf we should make as many good intentions as possible like for example we are sitting I'tikaf to draw closer to Allah, to strengthen one's imaan, to correct one's heart & purify oneself etc.2. Schedule & Monitor Daily WorshipWhat better way to maximise our worship during I'tikaf than to plan & schedule our time so that we can spend it as effectively as possible. By setting ourselves daily targets we can ensure that we are more likely to achieve them.Below are links where you can download an hourly scheduler where you can set yourself hourly worship targets & schedule your daily worship. There is also a daily worship check where you can check & monitor your daily worship throughout the last ten nights:1. Daily I'tikaf Worship checkRamadan Planner.pdf2. I'tikaf hourly worship schedulerhttps://www.islamicboard.com/images/imported/2011/08/Ramadhaan_Time_Table-1.pdf3. Exerting oneself in worship during last 10 night'sAllah's Messenger used to exert himself in devotion during the last ten nights to a greater extent than at any other time." (Muslim).Aisha (RA) reported: With the start of the last ten days of Ramadan, the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) used to tighten his waist belt (i.e. work harder) & used to pray all the night, & used to keep his family awake for the prayers. (Bukhari)The last ten days & nights of Ramadan are the most blessed. Therefore the person sitting I'tikaf should exert themselves in worship in each night of the last ten nights particularly the last ten odd numbered nights: 21, 23, 25, 27, 29.By worshipping in as many of the last ten nights as possible there is more chance we will catch The night of power & gain the reward of over 83 years of worship! Subhanallah thats longer than an average human life!4. Reciting Qur'an abundantlyThe Qur'an was revealed on the night of Power, so we should increase our recitation even more during the last ten days & nights. The pious predecessors used to increase the amount of Qur'an they recited during the last ten days & nights.Remember: The reward for reciting each letter of the Qur'an during Ramadan is 700 hasanah or more. Subhanallah!So we should make a target during I'tikaf using the scheduler provided of how much Qur'an we will recite each day & night. We should aim to complete at least one whole Qur'an if not more by the end of I'tikaf.Along with recitation we should also read & learn the meanings of the Qur'an. We should contemplate & ponder over the verses & implement what we read & learn into our daily lives.Note: We should try & recite Surah Ya-sin everyday particularly after Fajr time. We should also recite Surah Mulk before we going to sleep & Surah Kahf every Jumma. Other very rewarding Surahs we can recite much of are Surah's Zilzalah, Al Kaafirun & Al IkhlasAbdullah Ibn ‘Abbas & Anas Ibn Malik (RA) reported that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, ‘Whoever recited Surah Zilzilah (99) would get the reward of reciting half the Qur’an. Whoever recited Surah al Kaafirun (109) would get a reward as if reading a quarter of the Qur’an. Whoever recited Surah al Ikhlas (112) would get a reward as if reading one third of the Qur’an’. (At-Tirmidhi 2818/A)5. Nawafil (Voluntary) prayersWhat better way of drawing closer to Allah during I'tikaf than by praying the voluntary prayers:Allah says in Hadith Qudsi:....And My slave keeps on coming closer to Me through performing Nawafil (voluntary deeds) until I love him, [Bukhari]Does anyone want the company of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) in Jannah? Then increase in praying the Nawafil prayers:Rabi'ah Ibn Malik al-Aslami reported that the Prophet Sallallahu alaihi Wasallam said: "Ask (anything)." Rabi'ah said: "I ask of you to be your companion in paradise." The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: "Or anything else?" Rabi'ah said: "That is it." The Prophet Sallallahu alaihi Wasallam said to him: "Then help me by making many prostrations (i.e., Nawafil prayers)." (Muslim)The reward for praying fard prayers outside of Ramadan is the greatest a Muslim can gain but in Ramadan we get the same reward for praying a Nawafil prayer. Subhaanallah! What other time of the year are Nawafil prayers rewarded equal to that of a fard prayer?Therefore we should strive to pray as many Nawafils as possible during I'tikaf so we can get closer to Allah, gain the company of the Prophet(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) in Jannah as well as gain the rewards of a fard prayer for each nawafil prayer!Sunnah & Nawafil prayers to pray during I'tikaf:1. Pray 12 Raka'ahs of Sunnah daily: - 2 Sunnah of Fajr, 4 Sunnah & 2 Sunnah of Dhuhr & 2 Sunnah of MaghribUmm Habibah Ramilah bint Abu Sufyan (RA) narrated she heard the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) saying: “A house will be built in Paradise for every Muslim who offers twelve units of Prayers other than the obligatory ones in day & night, to seek pleasure of Allah.” (Muslim)2. Salaatul Duhaa (Can be prayed from 20 mins after sunrise up until 20 minutes before Dhuhr begins)So we should remain seated after Fajr prayer & recite the Qur'an or do Dhikr up until 20 minutes after Sunrise & pray Salaatul Duhaa. If not then we can pray it anytime before midday.'Salat al-Dhuhaa consists of 2 - 12 Rakaats & it is preferable to perform 8 Rakaats.' (Raddul Mukhtaar vol.1 pg.505)The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) is reported to have said: Whoever prayed twelve rakaats (before midday), then Allah will, as a reward, prepare a palace of gold for him in Paradise. (Mishkat, Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah)3. 4 Sunnah, 2 Sunnah & 2 Nawafil of DhuhrUmm Habibah (RA) narrated that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Whoever sticks to the habit of offering four rak`ahs before Noon Prayer & four rak`ahs after it, Allah will shield him against the Hell-Fire.” (Abu Dawud & At-Tirmidhi)4. 4 Raka'ahs Sunnah of AsrThe Prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi wa sallam) said:"May Allaah have Mercy on the one who offers four (Raka'ahs) before 'Asr prayer."(Abu Dawud)5. Two Raka'ahs Sunnah after entering MasjidAbu Qatadah (RA) narrated the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) as saying: “If any one of you enters a mosque, he should pray two rak`ahs before sitting.” (Al-Bukhari & Muslim)6. Tahiyyatul Wudu - 2 Raka'ahs Sunnah after doing Wudu (Ablution)Abu Hurayrah (RA) reported the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) saying to Bilal (RA): “Tell me about the best of your deeds (i.e. one which you deem the most rewarding) since your embracing Islam because I heard your footsteps in front of me in Paradise.” Bilal (RA) replied: “I do not consider any act of mine more rewarding than that whenever I make ablution at any time of night or day, I perform Prayer for as much as was destined for me to do.” (Al-Bukhari & Muslim)”7. The MOST REWARDING Nawafil Prayer of all is TahajjudAllah Most High said: “Establish worship at the going down of the sun until the dark of the night, & (the recital of) the Qur’an at dawn. Lo! (the recital of) the Qur’an at dawn is ever witnessed. And some part of the night awake for its recital, as voluntary worship for you. It may be that your Lord will raise you to a praised estate.” (Qur’an, 17: 78-79)Imam Abu Sa'id al-Khadimi said, "There is scholarly consensus (ijma`) that among the best of virtuous acts is the night vigil prayer." [al-Bariqa al-Mahmudiyya Sharh al-Tariqa al-Muhammadiyya]The scholars derived the following in regards to Tahajjud from the Qur'an & Prophetic Hadiths:1. The minimal night vigil prayer is 2 Rakaats. [Hindiyya, quoting Fath al-Qadir]2. Its optimal recommended amount is 8 Rakaats, because this was the general practice of the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) [Hindiyya, quoting Fath al-Qadir]3. Lengthier recitation of Qur'an is superior to a larger number of Rakaats prayed. [Durr al-Mukhtaar, Radd al-Muhtar]If one has not memorized much of the Qur'an then one should recite whatever they know or recite Surah Ikhlas 3 times after Surah Faathiha in each rakah to gain reward of reciting entire Qur'an.4. It is recommended to start the night vigil with two short Rakaats, because of the Hadith of Abu Hurayrah (RA) that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, "If you get up for night prayer, start with two short Rakaats." [Muslim, Ahmad, Abu Dawud]Whilst in I'tikaf we should aim to pray Tahajjud every night in the last 10 nights. If not then we should pray it in as many nights as we possibly can particularly in the nights of the 21,23,25,27 & 29.One should wake up a little earlier for Sehri, making Wudu & pray a minimum of 2 Raka'ahs of Tahajjud. It is best to pray at least 8 Raka'ahs.Abu Hurayrah (RA), related that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: When the last one-third of the night remains, our Lord, the Glorious One descends towards the heaven of the earth & proclaims: Who is that who supplicates for Me, & I grant his supplication? Who is that who begs Me for anything & I grant it to him? And who is that who seeks My forgiveness, & I forgive him? (Bukhari, Muslim).The last third portion of the night is the most blessed & dua's are readily accepted at this time. So by praying Tahajjud it gives us the best opportunity to get closer to Allah & to make sincere dua, repenting for our sins past & present & to crying & asking of Allah for whatever we want.If we cannot cry due to the hardness of our hearts then we should at least make the face as if we are crying. Just as a mother tends to her baby quicker & more promptly when it is crying in the same way Allah tends to his servants quicker when they are crying.Ibn Mas`ud (Allah be pleased with him) was asked, "I cannot pray at night." He said, "Your sins have prevented you."6. Excessive Remembrance of AllahWhilst in I'tikaf we should spend as much time as possible in the remembrance of Allah, keeping our lips moist in his glorification & praises. Surely we will have utter regret in the hereafter for each second wasted without remembering Allah:Mu`adh Ibn Jabal (RA) said that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: "The People of Paradise will not regret anything except one thing alone: the hour that passed them by in which they made no remembrance of Allah." Narrated Bayhaqi in Shu`ab al-iman (1:392 #512-513)The highest rank in Jannah are for those who remembered Allah the most:Abu Sa`id (RA) narrates the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) was asked, "Which of the servants of Allah is best in rank before Allah on the Day of resurrection?" He said: "The ones who remember him much."I said: "O Messenger of Allah, what about the fighter in the way of Allah?" He answered: "Even if he strikes the unbelievers & mushrikin with his sword until it broke, & becomes red with their blood, truly those who do Dhikr are better than him in rank." (Ahmad, Tirmidhi, & Bayhaqi)Therefore we should remember Allah as much as we can & glorify him night & day, not just in Ramadan or in I'tikaf but until our very last breath. What better time to start remembering Allah more than during I'tikaf when we can sit in seclusion remembering Allah:The following are 11 Dhikr, supported by Hadith that we can recite throughout the duration of I'tikaf:Note: We should try & aim to recite each of these 10 Dhikr a 100 times each which makes a total of 1000 a day minimum.1. Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa'fu 'annee - Recite this abundantly during the last ten nights of Ramadan.2. Subhaanallah3. Alhamdulillah4. Allahu Akbar5. Laa ilaaha illallah6. LA HAWLA WA LA QUWWATA ILLA BILLAH-HIL ALIYYIL ADHEEM7. Asthaghfirullah-halladhee Laa ilaaha illa-huwal Hayyul Qayyuumu Wa athoobu IlayOr short version: Asthaghfirullah8. SUB-HAAN'ALLAAHi WA BI-HAM'DIHI SUB-HAAN'ALLAH-IL ADHEEMOr short version: SUB-HAAN'ALLAAHi WA BI-HAM'DIHI9. Subhāna-llāhi, wa-l-hamdu li-llāhi, wa lā ilāha illā-llāhu, wa-llāhu akbar. Wa lā hawla wa lā quwwata illā bi-llāhi-l-aliyyi-l-azīm10. Lā ilāha illā-llāhu waḥdahu lā sharīka lahu lahu-l-mulku wa lahu-l-ḥamdu yuhyi wa yumītu wa huwa ḥayyu-llā yamūtu abadan abada, ḏū-l-jalāli wa-l-ikrām, biyadihi-l-khayr, wa huwa alā kulli Shay-in qadīrOr the shortened version:Laa ilaaha illal-laahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu wa huwa ‘alaa kulli shay-in qadeer11. Radeetu billahi Rabban Wa bil Islami deenan Wabi Muhammadin NabiyyanWe should also recite much of durood e Ibrahim which is the durood that is recited towards the end of Salaah.Or the shortest durood is: Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallim7. Making Excessive Dua & RepentanceWhat better opportunity to repent & make long & sincere dua's to Allah than whilst devoting oneself to Allah in his house.Almighty Allah says in the Qur'an:"When my servants ask you concerning me, (tell them) I am indeed close (to them). I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calls on me." [2:186]The place of Dua is so high in front of Allah, that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallim) has said: "Nothing is more honourable to Allah the Most High than Dua." [Sahih al-Jami` no.5268].Allah loves repentance & loves those who turn to him in sincere repentance, so repent unto him sincerely as much as possible:Truly Allah loves those who turn [to Him] in repentance... (Qur'an 2:222)Many of us rush our Dua’s & quite often our hearts are not present whilst we are making dua to Allah. That is why we lose out on much of the benefits & blessings of Dua. Therefore we should not let our minds wonder whilst in Dua & we should concentrate more, making sure our hearts are present whilst asking of Allah. Whilst we are in dua we should imagine Almighty Allah in front of us & so we should humble ourselves in front of him in a state of meekness & humility.It may also help if we made a list of what we want to ask Allah during our dua’s. We can then refer to this list as a reminder so that we can cover everything we need to ask him, which may help in making our Dua’s longer & more sincere. This is because we will not always remember everything we want to ask Allah unless we note it down & refer back to it when we need to.The times when Dua's are most accepted during I'thikaf are:1. The third portion of the night shortly before sehri ends. 2. Whilst fasting. 3. Between Asr & Maghrib. 4. Just before fast opens. 5. On Jumma before & after khutba. 6. Between Adhan & Iqamah. 7. After Qur'an recitation. 8. The Night of QadrLet us not be of those who pass by Ramadan without gaining any forgiveness:Rasullullah (sallahu’ ‘alaihi wasallam) said: ...the angel Jibra’il appeared before me & said: Destruction to him who found the blessed month of Ramadan & let it pass by without gaining forgiveness...’ Upon that I said: ‘Amin.’ (Al-Bukhari, Al-Tabrani)We should ask of Allah whilst in I'tikaf to accept all of our good deeds & efforts throughout Ramadan & be hopeful that Allah will accept it from us. We should also have FULL hope that Allah will accept our Dua’s if not in this world then in the hereafter. We should accept his decree for he knows best in all matters.8. Practising the SunnahFollowing the Sunnah is a command from Allah:"Say (O Muhammad to mankind): "If you (really) love Allah, then follow me (i.e. accept Islamic monotheism, follow the Quran & the Sunnah), Allah will love you & forgive you your sins. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." (Quran: 3:31)Almighty Allah says: “There certainly is an excellent example in Allah's messenger for he who fears Allah & the last day & remembers Allah abundantly” (al-Ahzaab 21)By following the Sunnah in every aspect of our daily lives, everything we do will become worship, even going to the toilet, having a bath, dressing & undressing etc.Annas (RA) reports Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) advised, “Whoever cherishes my Sunnah, indeed he cherishes me & whoever loves me will be with me in Jannah.” (Tirmidhi: 2678: Ibid)We should practise & implement the Sunnah throughout the duration of I'tikaf like for eg the Sunnah's of awakening, using miswak, of eating, drinking, going to the toilet, before sleeping etc. Then EVERYTHING we do whilst in I'tikaf will become worship & reward. Doing voluntary good deeds in Ramadan carrys the reward of FARD! Subhanallah!Reviving the Sunnah:Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Whoever revives an aspect of my Sunnah that is forgotten after my death, he will have a reward equivalent to that of the people who follow him, without it detracting in the least from their reward.” (Tirmidhi)The following free E book contains complete daily Sunnah's & dua's from waking up in the morning until going to sleep at night:Download Beautiful Daily Sunnah'shttps://www.islamicboard.com/images/imported/2011/08/26863499BeautifulSunnahsof-1.pdf9. Refraining from sin & idle talkThe person sitting in I'tikaf must take extra care & attention to ensure that they refrain from committing any sins. That includes guarding the ears, eyes, tongue, privates & heart, thus deriving the maximum benefit from I’tikaf & attaining a special closeness to Allah & an increase & strengthening of imaan (faith).The mu’takif (person sitting I'tikaf) should remember that they are the guest of Almighty Allah in his house so therefore they should be extremely vigilant of their behaviour in the House of Almighty Allah.They must also avoid getting into idle discussions, debates & arguments which will be of no benefit but cause more harm than good.Remember: Time will go quick & if we waste our precious time during I'tikaf then surely we will regret it forever. So let us use this valuable time wisely as this may be our last I'tikaf so let us treat it like our very last.10. Avoiding over eating & sleepingExcessive eating & sleeping during I'tikaf is a major factor in stopping a person from maximizing their I'tikaf.Ibrahim al-Nakha’i (RA), one of the teachers of Imam Abu Hanifa (RA) mentioned: “The people ruined before you were done in by three characteristics: too much talking, too much eating, & too much sleeping.”Ash-Shafi’I (RA) said: I have not filled myself in sixteen years because filling oneself makes the body heavy, removes clear understanding, induces sleep & makes one weak for worship.It used to be said: Whoever takes control of his stomach gets control of all good deeds.So a person must ensure that they do NOT over eat or over sleep during I'tikaf. Doing so will make a person feel heavy,tired & lazy resulting in that person not being as productive as they should be during I'tikaf.Remember: Set yourself limits & stick to them. Stay focused on your main goals & purpose for sitting in I'tikaf & what you hope to achieve out of it.11. Not leaving Masjid unless necesseryIt is not permitted for a man or woman to leave the Masjid during I'tikaf unless:1. To answer the call of nature.2. To pass wind.3. To make wudhu.4. To take an obligatory bath.5. To proclaim the adhan even if one is not the muadhin.It is not permitted for a person sitting in I'tikaf to leave the Masjid to have a Sunnah Friday bath only obligatory bath. It is also not permitted to go out of Masjid to use mobile phone. One should also try not to disturb others. It is permissable to Take head out of the window in the Masjid.12. Searching for the Night of Power (Laylatul Qadr)So valuable is the Night of Qadr (Power) that the Quran devotes a special surah to it: “Lailatul Qadr is better than a thousand months” [97:3]This one night surpasses the value of 30,000 nights. The most authentic account of the occurrence of the Night indicates that it can occur on any one of the last ten, odd numbered nights of Ramadan, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29. It may also occur on any of the even nights.Therefore we should strive to stay up & worship on all of the last 10 nights of Ramadan. If we can't do that then we should at least worship the odd numbered nights of the last ten days. If we still can't manage that then let us pray on whatever nights we can, minimum on the 27th night.There is NO doubt that if we pray on all of the last ten nights of Ramadan then we will catch this auspicious night & gain the rewards of over 83 YEARS OF WORSHIP! Subhaanallah! Most do not live upto such an age!The following dua should be recited as much as possible during the last 10 nights of Ramadan:Aisha (RA) said: I asked the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam): 'O Messenger of Allah, if I know what night is the night of Qadr, what should I say during it?' He said Say:"Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa'fu 'anneeTrans: 'Say: O Allah, You are pardoning & You love to pardon, so pardon me.' " (Ahmad, Ibn Majah, & Tirmidhi).May Allah enable us to make the best of the last ten days & nights of Ramadan. May Allah enable us to find the night of power & may he accept our I'tikaf & make it a salvation for us on the day of judgement. Ameen

Will we be the winners or losers at the end of Ramadan? Hasan (al Basri) stated: Indeed Allah has made Ramadan a means of gain for His creation. (Within this month) they race to gain His pleasure through obedience to Him. Some individuals will gain (win), while others will remain back and lose. It is amazing to see a person playing and laughing on a day that the good doers will be rewarded, and the wrong doers will be defeated.It is reported that Ali bin Abi Talib would call out on the last day of Ramadan: Where is the winner so that we may congratulate him, and where is the loser so that we may give him condolences. Oh winner, we congratulate you! Oh loser, may Allah give you ease in your time of calamity!So by the end of Ramadan will we be among the winners or losers? That is upto us. So let us ACT NOW to be among the winners and not among the losers!

12 Ways to Maximize Everyday in RamadanThe most beautiful month has come upon us. Almighty Allah says:“The month of Ramadan is the one in which the Quran was sent down, a guidance for mankind, clear proofs for the guidance, the Criterion; so whoever amongst you witnesses this month, let him fast it." (Surah al-Baqarah 2:185)In this blessed month good deeds are multiplied:The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Whoever draws near to Allah during it (Ramadan) with a single characteristic from the characteristics of (voluntary) goodness, he is like whoever performs an obligatory act in other times. And whoever performs an obligatory act during it, he is like whoever performed seventy obligatory acts in other times.” (Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah, no. 1887)We should thank Allah abundantly for giving us the opportunity to be able to benefit from such a blessed month. But as we all know life is very uncertain & unfortunately many will have passed away before the coming of this blessed month & so it may well be our very last Ramadan as we may not be alive to see the next.Therefore we should treat this Ramadan as our last and do our utmost to ensure that we maximize each precious second in this blessed month to ensure that we gain maximum benefit from it.The following are 12 ways we can maximize each precious day in Ramadan:1. Purifying our intentions"Verily actions are judged by intention." [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]It is crucial that we purify & correct our intentions before doing any acts of worship. This is because we may have other underlying intentions in our hearts without even realizing it. Like for e.g. we may have in our hearts that we fast because we don't want to look bad in front of our family or friends or because others fast etc.So before doing any good deed we need to align & focus our intention to ONLY pleasing Allah. By doing this we will increase the sincerity in our worship & acts of virtues & by having better intentions when doing any good act is a means of earning greater rewards for whatever good deed we are doing.Ibn Al-Mubaarak said: "Maybe a small action is made great by its intention, and maybe a great action is made small by its intention."Even daily routines like eating, drinking, sleeping, waking up, traveling etc can be a source of great reward by having the right intentions. Having good Intentions is easy & great rewards can be gained without making any hard physical effort. By just spending a couple of seconds having the right intention in our hearts we can turn a whole day to a day of worship. It is like turning dust into gold.2. Schedule & Monitor Daily WorshipOne of the best ways that we can maximize each day in Ramadan is to plan & schedule our time effectively. By doing so we will have clearly defined goals and targets which we can strive towards achieving each day. In this way we can also check & monitor our daily progress & make adjustments & improvements accordingly.The following two downloads will help us to plan, check & monitor our daily worship throughout Ramadan:1. Daily Ramadan Worship checkRamadan Planner.pdf2. Daily Ramadan hourly schedulerhttps://www.islamicboard.com/images/imported/2011/08/Ramadhaan_Time_Table-1.pdf3. Avoiding distractionsThere will be many things getting in our way & distracting us from our worship. But we must take all necessary precautions & measures in order to avoid any possible distractions.The first thing we must do is to avoid major distractions like TV for a month or at least as much as possible. Putting away games consoles. If we meet with friends then not getting into useless & idle discussions. Not going to places like the mall or high street's unless it is absolutely necessary.We must also not spend hours on end cooking a table full of food every single day for Iftaar for this is contrary to the purpose of Ramadan. We should spend as little time as possible on things other than worship. We should fulfill our daily duties as quickly as possible & spend as much time as possible in worshiping Allah.4. Avoid eating excessivelyAl-Hassan Al-Basri (RA): “The test of Adam (AS) was food and it is your test until Qiyamah.Al-Miqdaam ibn Maadiy-Karib (RA) said: I heard the Prophet (Salla Allahu Alaihi Wasallam) saying: “No human ever filled a vessel worse than the stomach. Sufficient for any son of Adam are some morsels to keep his back straight. But if it must be, then one third for his food, one third for his drink and one third for his breath.” (Ahmad, At-Tirmidhi, An-Nasaa’I, Ibn Majah )There is no doubt that excessive eating is not only a cause of many diseases but is also a major factor in stopping us from maximizing our daily worship.Ibrahim al-Nakha’i (RA), one of the teachers of Imam Abu Hanifa (RA) mentioned: “The people ruined before you were done in by three characteristics: too much talking, too much eating, and too much sleeping.”There is nothing worse than fasting the whole day & when time comes to open our fast we end up over eating until we can't move. Surely this will make us feel heavy & lazy in worship & make it harder for us to pray & to get up for Sehri.Ash-Shafi’I (RA) said: I have not filled myself in sixteen years because filling oneself makes the body heavy, removes clear understanding, induces sleep and makes one weak for worship.It used to be said: Whoever takes control of his stomach gets control of all good deeds.Over eating goes against the very purpose of Ramadan which is to be moderate in eating & to remember those who have less than us. How can we remember the unfortunate if we constantly over eat before and after fasting?One day, Al-Hassan (RA) offered some food to his companion who said: I have eaten until I am no longer able to eat.To which Al-Hassan (RA) said: Subhaana Allah! Does a Muslim eat until he is no longer able to eat?So let us control the amount we eat & instead have smaller meals. Have some fruit & dates for Iftaar then pray Maghrib & then have a small meal until we are satisfied. After Tarawee we can have another small bite to eat. In this way we are not over eating but spreading out what we eat. So we will not feel heavy or lazy but satisfied & full of energy which we can utilize for worship.5. Recite the Qur'an abundantlyRamadan is the month the Qur'an was revealed:"The month of Ramadan is the one in which the Quran was sent down, a guidance for mankind, clear proofs for the guidance, the Criterion.. (Surah al-Baqarah 2:185)It is the month of the Qur'an so it should be recited in abundance:Az-Zuhri used to say upon the coming of Ramadan, “It is only about reciting the Qur’an & feeding the poor.”Abdur-Raziq said, “When Ramadan came, Sufyan Ath-Thawri would give up all acts of (voluntary) worship & devote himself to the recitation of the Qur’an.”Outside of Ramadan there are 10 rewards for reciting each letter of the Qur'an:Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) says: "Whoever reads a letter from the Book of Allah will receive a hasanah (good deed) from it (i.e. his recitation), and the hasanah is multiplied by ten. I do not say that Alif-Laam-Meem is (considered as) a letter, rather Alif is a letter, Laam is a letter, and Meem is a letter." [At-Tirmidhi, Ad-Darimi]But in Ramadan ALL good deeds are multiplied by 70 or more. So for each letter of the Qur'an we recite we will gain 70 rewards or more. Can you imagine how much reward we would gain for reciting the entire Qur'an just once? How about twice? Subhaanallah!Therefore we should concentrate most of our efforts this Ramadan in reciting the Qur'an. We should make a target of how much Qur'an we will recite each day. For e.g. 1 Juz (chapter) half a juz, 4 pages etc. We should aim to complete the Qur'an at least once by the end of Ramadan or as many times as we can.Along with recitation we should also learn the meanings of what we are reciting & contemplate over the verses. We must try & implement what we learn into our daily lives. That is where the true reward is of reciting the Qur'an.Note: We should try & recite Surah Ya-sin everyday particularly after Fajr time. We should also recite Surah Mulk before we go to sleep & Surah Kahf every Jumma. Other Surahs we should recite much of are Surah's Zilzalah, Al Kaafirun & Al IkhlasAbdullah Ibn ‘Abbas & Anas Ibn Malik (RA) reported that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, ‘Whoever recited Surah Zilzilah (99) would get the reward of reciting half the Qur’an. Whoever recited Surah al Kaafirun (109) would get a reward as if reading a quarter of the Qur’an. Whoever recited Surah al Ikhlas (112) would get a reward as if reading one third of the Qur’an’. (At-Tirmidhi 2818/A)6. Implementing the Sunnah into daily lifeFollowing the Sunnah is a command from Allah:"Say (O Muhammad to mankind): "If you (really) love Allah, then follow me (i.e. accept Islamic monotheism, follow the Quran and the Sunnah), Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." (Quran: 3:31)Almighty Allah says: “There certainly is an excellent example in Allah's messenger for he who fears Allah and the last day and remembers Allah abundantly” (al-Ahzaab 21)By following the Sunnah in every aspect of our daily lives, everything we do will become worship, even going to the toilet, having a bath, dressing & undressing etc.Annas (RA) reports Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) advised, “Whoever cherishes my Sunnah, indeed he cherishes me & whoever loves me will be with me in Jannah.” (Tirmidhi: 2678: Ibid)So let us cherish & revive the Sunnah this Ramadan:Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Whoever revives an aspect of my Sunnah that is forgotten after my death, he will have a reward equivalent to that of the people who follow him, without it detracting in the least from their reward.” (Tirmidhi)The following free E book contains daily Sunnah's & dua's we can do from awakening in the morning up until going to sleep at night:Download Beautiful Daily Sunnah'shttps://www.islamicboard.com/images/imported/2011/08/26863499BeautifulSunnahsof-1.pdf7. Nafil (Voluntary) prayersWhat better way of drawing closer to Allah this Ramadan than by doing voluntary prayers:Allah says in Hadith Qudsi:....and My slave keeps on coming closer to Me through performing Nafil (voluntary deeds) until I love him, [Bukhari]Want the company of Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) in Jannah? Then increase in Nafil prayers:Rabi'ah Ibn Malik al-Aslami reported that the Prophet Sallallahu alaihi Wasallam said: "Ask (anything)." Rabi'ah said: "I ask of you to be your companion in paradise." The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: "Or anything else?" Rabi'ah said: "That is it." The Prophet Sallallahu alaihi Wasallam said to him: "Then help me by making many prostrations (i.e., Nafil prayers)." (Muslim)The reward for fard prayers outside of Ramadan is the greatest a Muslim can gain but in Ramadan we get the same reward for praying a Nafil prayer. Subhaanallah! What other time of the year are Nafil prayers rewarded equal to that of a fard prayer?Therefore we should strive to pray as many Nafils as we can in order to get closer to Allah, gain the company of Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) in Jannah & gain the rewards of a fard prayer! So we should set ourselves daily targets of praying as many Nafils as we can.The following are Sunnah & Nafil prayers we can pray everyday in Ramadan & throughout our lives:1. Pray 12 Raka'ahs of Sunnah daily: - 2 Sunnah of Fajr, 4 Sunnah & 2 Sunnah of Dhuhr and 2 Sunnah of MaghribUmm Habibah Ramilah bint Abu Sufyan (RA) narrated she heard the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) saying: “A house will be built in Paradise for every Muslim who offers twelve units of Prayers other than the obligatory ones in day and night, to seek pleasure of Allah.” (Muslim)2. Salaatul Duhaa (Can be prayed from 20 mins after sunrise up until 20 minutes before Dhuhr begins)So we should remain seated after Fajr prayer & recite the Qur'an or do Dhikr up until 20 minutes after Sunrise and pray Salaatul Duhaa. If not then we can pray it anytime before midday.'Salat al-Dhuhaa consists of 2 - 12 Rakaats and it is preferable to perform 8 Rakaats.' (Raddul Mukhtaar vol.1 pg.505)The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) is reported to have said: Whoever prayed twelve rakaats (before midday), then Allah will, as a reward, prepare a palace of gold for him in Paradise. (Mishkat, Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah)3. 4 Sunnah, 2 Sunnah & 2 Nafil of DhuhrUmm Habibah (RA) narrated that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Whoever sticks to the habit of offering four rak`ahs before Noon Prayer and four rak`ahs after it, Allah will shield him against the Hell-Fire.” (Abu Dawud & At-Tirmidhi)4. 4 Raka'ahs Sunnah of AsrThe Prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi wa sallam) said: "May Allaah have Mercy on the one who offers four (Raka'ahs) before 'Asr prayer."(Abu Dawud)5. Two Raka'ahs Sunnah after entering MasjidAbu Qatadah (RA) narrated the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) as saying: “If any one of you enters a mosque, he should pray two rak`ahs before sitting.” (Al-Bukhari & Muslim)6. Tahiyyatul Wudu - 2 Raka'ahs Sunnah after doing Wudu (Ablution)Abu Hurayrah (RA) reported the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) saying to Bilal (RA): “Tell me about the best of your deeds (i.e. one which you deem the most rewarding) since your embracing Islam because I heard your footsteps in front of me in Paradise.” Bilal (RA) replied: “I do not consider any act of mine more rewarding than that whenever I make ablution at any time of night or day, I perform Prayer for as much as was destined for me to do.” (Al-Bukhari & Muslim)”7. The MOST REWARDING Nafil Prayer of all is TahajjudAllah Most High said: “Establish worship at the going down of the sun until the dark of the night, and (the recital of) the Qur’an at dawn. Lo! (the recital of) the Qur’an at dawn is ever witnessed. And some part of the night awake for its recital, as voluntary worship for you. It may be that your Lord will raise you to a praised estate.” (Qur’an, 17: 78-79)Imam Abu Sa'id al-Khadimi said,"There is scholarly consensus (ijma`) that among the best of virtuous acts is the night vigil prayer." [al-Bariqa al-Mahmudiyya Sharh al-Tariqa al-Muhammadiyya]The scholars derived the following in regards to Tahajjud from the Qur'an and prophetic Hadiths:1. The minimal night vigil prayer is 2 Rakaats. [Hindiyya, quoting Fath al-Qadir]2. Its optimal recommended amount is 8 Rakaats, because this was the general practice of the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) [Hindiyya, quoting Fath al-Qadir]3. Lengthier recitation of Qur'an is superior to a larger number of Rakaats prayed. [Durr al-Mukhtaar, Radd al-Muhtar]If one has not memorized much of the Qur'an then one should recite whatever they know or recite Surah Ikhlas 3 times after Surah Faathiha in each rakah to gain reward of reciting entire Qur'an.4. It is recommended to start the night vigil with two short Rakaats, because of the Hadith of Abu Hurayrah (RA) that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, "If you get up for night prayer, start with two short Rakaats." [Muslim, Ahmad, Abu Dawud]During Ramadan we should aim to pray Tahajjud every night. We can do so by awakening a little earlier for Sehri, making Wudu & praying a minimum of 2 Raka'ahs, but best to pray 8 Raka'ahs.Abu Hurayrah (RA), related that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: When the last one-third of the night remains, our Lord, the Glorious One descends towards the heaven of the earth and proclaims: Who is that who supplicates for Me, and I grant his supplication? Who is that who begs Me for anything and I grant it to him? And who is that who seeks My forgiveness, and I forgive him? (Bukhari, Muslim).So the last third part of the night is the most blessed & dua's are readily accepted at this time. Therefore by praying Tahajjud it gives us the best opportunity to get closer to Allah & to make sincere dua, repenting for our sins past and present & to crying & asking of Allah for whatever we want.If we cannot cry due to the hardness of our hearts then we should at least make the face as if we are crying. Just as a mother tends to her baby quicker & more promptly when it is crying in the same way Allah tends to his servants quicker when they are crying.Ibn Mas`ud (Allah be pleased with him) was asked, "I cannot pray at night." He said, "Your sins have prevented you."8. Doing excessive Dhikr (Remembrance) of AllahUtter regret for each second wasted without remembering Allah:Mu`adh Ibn Jabal (RA) said that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: "The People of Paradise will not regret anything except one thing alone: the hour that passed them by in which they made no remembrance of Allah." Narrated Bayhaqi in Shu`ab al-iman (1:392 #512-513)The highest rank in Jannah are for those who remembered Allah the most:Abu Sa`id (RA) narrates the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) was asked, "Which of the servants of Allah is best in rank before Allah on the Day of resurrection?" He said: "The ones who remember him much."I said: "O Messenger of Allah, what about the fighter in the way of Allah?" He answered: "Even if he strikes the unbelievers and mushrikin with his sword until it broke, and becomes red with their blood, truly those who do Dhikr are better than him in rank." (Ahmad, Tirmidhi, & Bayhaqi)Therefore we should remember Allah as much as we can & glorify him night & day, not just in Ramadan but until our very last breath. What better time to start remembering Allah more than in this most blessed month.So we should set ourselves daily targets of doing as much Dhikr as we can. We can remember & glorify Allah whatever we are doing throughout the day. At work, whilst cooking, shopping & even whilst relaxing. We should remember Allah in our heart's & not just by our tongues. We should also contemplate over his magnificence & his creations & imagine him in front of us as we glorify & remember him.The following are 10 Dhikr, supported by Hadith that we can recite throughout the day & night in Ramadan until our last breath:Note: We should try & aim to recite each of these 10 Dhikr a 100 times each which makes a total of 1000 a day minimum.1. Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa'fu 'annee - Recite this abundantly during the last ten nights of Ramadan.2. Subhaanallah3. Alhamdulillah4. Allahu Akbar5. Laa ilaaha illallah6. LA HAWLA WA LA QUWWATA ILLA BILLAH-HIL ALIYYIL ADHEEM7. Asthaghfirullah-halladhee Laa ilaaha illa-huwal Hayyul Qayyuumu Wa athoobu IlayOr short version: Asthaghfirullah8. SUB-HAAN'ALLAAHi WA BI-HAM'DIHI SUB-HAAN'ALLAH-IL ADHEEMOr short version: SUB-HAAN'ALLAAHi WA BI-HAM'DIHI9. Subhāna-llāhi, wa-l-hamdu li-llāhi, wa lā ilāha illā-llāhu, wa-llāhu akbar. Wa lā hawla wa lā quwwata illā bi-llāhi-l-aliyyi-l-azīm10. Lā ilāha illā-llāhu waḥdahu lā sharīka lahu lahu-l-mulku wa lahu-l-ḥamdu yuhyi wa yumītu wa huwa ḥayyu-llā yamūtu abadan abada, ḏū-l-jalāli wa-l-ikrām, biyadihi-l-khayr, wa huwa alā kulli Shay-in qadīrOr the shortened version:Laa ilaaha illal-laahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu wa huwa ‘alaa kulli shay-in qadeerWe should also recite much of durood e Ibrahim which is the durood that is recited towards the end of Salaah.Or the shortest durood is: Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallim9. Dua & RepentanceAlmighty Allah says in the Qur'an:"When my servants ask you concerning me, (tell them) I am indeed close (to them). I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calls on me." [2:186]The place of Dua is so high in front of Allah, that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallim) has said: "Nothing is more honourable to Allah the Most High than Dua." [Sahih al-Jami` no.5268].Allah loves repentance & loves those who turn to him in sincere repentance:Truly Allah loves those who turn [to Him] in repentance... (Qur'an 2:222)Many of us rush our Dua’s & quite often our hearts are not present whilst we are making dua to Allah. That is why we lose out on much of the benefits & blessings of Dua. Therefore we should not let our minds wonder whilst in Dua & we should concentrate more, making sure our hearts are present whilst asking of Allah. Whilst we are in dua we should imagine Almighty Allah in front of us & so we should humble ourselves in front of him in a state of meekness & humility.It may also help if we made a list of what we want to ask Allah during our dua’s. We can then refer to this list as a reminder so that we can cover everything we need to ask him, which may help in making our Dua’s longer & more sincere. This is because we will not always remember everything we want to ask Allah unless we note it down & refer back to it when we need to.The times when Dua's are most accepted during Ramadan are:1. The third portion of the night shortly before sehri ends. 2. Whilst fasting. 3. Between Asr & Maghrib. 4. Just before fast opens. 5. On Jumma before & after khutba. 6. Between Adhan & Iqamah. 7. Whilst raining. 8. After Qur'an recitation. 9. The Night of QadrLet us not be of those who pass by Ramadan without gaining any forgiveness:Rasullullah (sallahu’ ‘alaihi wasallam) said: ...the angel Jibra’il appeared before me and said: Destruction to him who found the blessed month of Ramadan and let it pass by without gaining forgiveness...’ Upon that I said: ‘Amin.’ (Al-Bukhari, Al-Tabrani)We should ask of Allah to accept all of our good deeds & efforts throughout Ramadan & be hopeful that Allah will accept it from us. We should also have FULL hope that Allah will accept our Dua’s if not in this world then in the hereafter. We should accept his decree for he knows best in all matters.10. Behaving in the best of ways & controlling our tonguesRasulallah (Sallallahu Alahi Wasallam) used to say: “The best amongst you are those who have the best manners and character.” (al-Bukhari)Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) had exemplery manners & was the best towards others. Surely he is the best example for us to follow & so we should also do our utmost to behave in the best of ways towards others and show exemplery manners like he did.Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “There is none heavier in the scales of the Hereafter than good character (Tirmidhi & Abu Dawud).Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) also said: “The best loved by me and the nearest to me on the seats on the Day of Resurrection are those who have the best manners and conduct amongst you, who are intimate, are on good terms with others and are humble, and the most hated by me and who will be on the furthest seats from me are those who are talkative and arrogant.” (Tirmidhi)So if good character & manners are the heaviest on the scales in normal times then can you imagine how much more heavier they will be if we behave with good character and manners during the blessed month of Ramadan?So let us be the best towards our parents & family, towards our friends & those we know & don't know. Let us be the best towards all Muslims and non Muslims alike.Controlling our tonguesRamadan is a time where we must control our desires (nafs) as well as our tongues:Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Fasting is not (abstaining) from eating and drinking only, but also from vain speech and foul language. If one of you is being cursed or annoyed, he should say: ‘I am fasting, I am fasting.” (Ibn Khuzaimah, Ibn Hibban)Therefore we must protect our tongues at all times from vain speech and foul language. Protecting the tongue is preventing it from lying, back-biting, slander, tale-carrying, false speech and other things that have been forbidden in the Qur’an & Sunnah.Those who control their tongues are of the best of Muslims:The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) was asked: “Which Muslim is best?” He responded, “One who the other Muslims are safe from his tongue and his hand.” (Tirmidhi, #2504)So how can we begin to control our tongues? This can be done by “THINKING BEFORE SPEAKING”.We must not talk without even thinking about what we are going to say. Therefore before we saying anything we should always think whether or not what we are going to say is going to please or displease Allah.If in doubt whether or not what were about to say will anger or displease Allah then we should just refrain from saying it altogether. If we have nothing good to say then surely it is better NOT to say anything at all.Remember: We WILL be accountable for everything we said in our lives & so we MUST start taking responsiblity for what comes out of our mouths NOW otherwise we will regret it later when it is too late.Therefore we must get into the habit of: “Thinking before speaking”.REMEMBER: If we do not control our tongues then our fasts will be in vain:Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Allah does not need the fast of one who does not abandon false speech or acting according to his false speech.” (Sahih Bukhari)11. Worship the last 10 nights of Ramadan & I'thiqaafIncreasing worship in the last ten days of Ramadan:Allah's Messenger used to exert himself in devotion during the last ten nights to a greater extent than at any other time." (Muslim).Aisha (RA) reported: With the start of the last ten days of Ramadan, the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) used to tighten his waist belt (i.e. work harder) and used to pray all the night, & used to keep his family awake for the prayers. (Bukhari)The Night of QadrSo valuable is the Night of Qadr that the Quran devotes a special surah to it: “Lailatul Qadr is better than a thousand months” [97:3]This one night surpasses the value of 30,000 nights. The most authentic account of the occurrence of the Night indicates that it can occur on any one of the last ten, odd numbered nights of Ramadan, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29. It may also occur on any of the even nights.Therefore we should strive to stay up on all of the last 10 nights of Ramadan. If we can't do that then at least on the odd numbered nights of the last ten days. If we still can't manage that then let us pray on whatever nights we can, at least on the 27th night.If we pray on all of the last ten nights then we have a far better chance of catching this most powerful night & gain the rewards of over 83 YEARS OF WORSHIP! Subhaanallah! Most of us will not even live upto such an age!Aisha (RA) said: I asked the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam): 'O Messenger of Allah, if I know what night is the night of Qadr, what should I say during it?' He said Say:"Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa'fu 'anneeTrans: 'Say: O Allah, You are pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon me.' " (Ahmad, Ibn Majah, and Tirmidhi).Therefore we should increase our worship on the last ten days and nights of Ramadan & recite even more Qur'an, pray more Nafils, do more dhikr and make longer & more sincere dua's to Allah repenting remorsefully for our past & present sins, hopeful for mercy & forgiveness. We should also thank Allah abundantely.Performing I'tikaf on the last 10 days of RamadanAishah (RA) reported that the Prophet (Salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam): "Used to perform i'tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan until Allah the Mighty and Majestic, took him." (Bukhari & Muslim)Abu Said reported that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: "Whoever makes I`tikaf with me is to make I'tikaf during the last ten [nights]." (Bukhari)I`tikaf is worshipping Allah in seclusion in the Masjid or for women in her designated place at home. It is done with the intention of becoming closer to Allah. If we cannot manage all 10 days then we can do I'tikaf for however many days we can manage. The more the better.Each time we are in the Masjid or for a women in her designated place at home, then we can make intention of Nafil I’thikaf and gain reward for the duration of our stay in the Masjid or for women in her designated place at home even if it is for a very short while. A woman can also do I'tikaf whilst she is on her menses by remaining at her designated place at home doing dhikr etc12. Charity & GenerosityRamadan is a time of generosity, giving & remembering those who have less than us. Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) became even more generous in Ramadan than he already was:Ibn 'Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) was the most generous of the men; and he was the most generous during the month of Ramadan when Jibril visited him every night and recited the Qur'an to him. During this period, the generosity of Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) waxed faster than the rain bearing wind. (Al-Bukhari & Muslim).Ramadan is also time where we appreciate what Allah has given us so that we may be thankful to him. Ramadan is an Honorable and blessed month, & the rewards for generosity are multiplied in it.The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam) said, “The best charity is that given in Ramadan.” (At-Tirmithi).Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam) said, “He who feeds a fasting person will gain the same reward as he will, without decreasing from the fasting person’s rewards.” (Ahmad).We should strive to feed as many fasting people as possible especially those less off than us & those in poorer countries.Charity should be paid secretly: The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Righteous deeds protect a person from an evil end; a charity spent in secret extinguishes Allah’s wrath; and maintaining good ties of kinship increases ones lifespan.” (Tabaraani)Removing harmful objects from people’s way is also a charity: The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said: “I saw a man enjoying himself in Paradise (simply) because he removed from a road a tree that used to harm people.” (Muslim)Note: We should also give our Zakat in the month of Ramadan each year so that we can gain the huge rewards of giving Zakat in the most rewarding of months.Therefore during Ramadan let us give as much as we can in the path of Allah & know that we will get SO much more in return in this world & the Hereafter. Surely in there hereafter we will regret that which we did not spend in the path of Allah.ConclusionMy brothers and sisters what an amazing opportunity we have in this blessed month to gain such closeness to Allah as well as his mercy & forgiveness of our past & present sins.There are immense rewards available for us in this blessed month if only we make the little effort required to gain them. Surely on the day of judgment we will BEG each other for just one good deed but we will not be able to get anything as we will all be in desperate need on that day.Therefore the time to prepare for the Hereafter is NOW as we may not have a tomorrow. What better time to make lifetime changes than to do so in the most blessed of months - Ramadan.May Allah enable us to maximize each & every precious second of Ramadan & may he make it a salvation for us in the Hereafter. Ameen

10 Easy Ibadaat for Women in Ramadan on their Menses / PeriodsWhat is Ibadah?!The term “Ibadah” (worship) in Islam is not only confined to the pillars of Islam as it comprises many other goodly aspects. Allah [Exalted be His mention] says [what means]:“And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.” {Surat Adh-Dhariyat 51: Verse: 56}Many people mistakenly understand the term “worship” to mean living an ascetic way of life. This is not true at all. In Islam, worship is not [only] restricted to prayer, going to the masjid, giving in charity, or going for Hajj, as one can even turn permissible acts such as sleeping, eating, drinking, going to work, etc. into an act of worship. How is that?! By having a good intention! So, if one sleeps with the intention to rest his body so he can have more energy to worship Allah then this is a good intention. If one goes to work so he can provide for his family and those under his care, then this is a good intention which he will be rewarded for.Mu’aadh (may Allah be pleased with him) said: I sleep and I get up (to pray at night), and I seek reward for my sleep as I seek reward for my getting up.[Narrated by al-Bukhari]The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “You will never spend anything that you spend for the sake of Allah, but you will be rewarded for it, even the morsel of food that you put in your wife’s mouth.”[Narrated by Al-Bukhari]Sheikh ul-Islam Ibn Tayimah (May Allah have Mercy on him) gave a very comprehensive definition of the word “Ibaadah” as he said: “Al-Ibadah is a collective term for all of the deeds and words which Allah loves and is pleased with [whether] inward or outward.” WHAT CAN I DO DURING MY PERIOD?Many sisters feel that they cannot do much of Ibaadaat while on their monthly period, this is not true. Allah (Exalted be His mention) gave us the blessing of time, we should take advantage of it in doing things that are pleasing to Him. So, here is a list of ten easy Ibaadaat that can be done during the period:1. Make lots of du’a (supplication) to AllahBeing in that state of ritual impurity should not prevent you from making du’a.It is reported from An-Nu’man bin Bashir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported the prophet (Peace & blessing of Allah be upon him) said: “Du’a is worship.” [Abu Dawud]2. Visit a close family memberWhen you are visiting one of your close family members make sure to have the intention of keeping good ties of kinship between both of you.The prophet (Peace & blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “And he who believes in Allah and the Last Day should unite his ties of kinship.” [Reported by Al-Bukhari] 3. Make lots of Istighfaar (seeking forgiveness from Allah) and dhikr (remembrance of Allah)This can be done when you are cooking, cleaning, going to work, going to the shop, etc. Allah [Exalted be His mention] says [what means]:“O you who have believed, remember Allah with much remembrance.” [Surat Al-Ahzab: 33: Verse: 41]4. Give Da’wah to Muslims and non-MuslimsThis can be by sharing an Islamic post on face book, sharing Islamic knowledge in general through media, and most importantly being a good example through your manners, speech and actions. Allah says what means: “And who is better in speech than one who invites to Allah and does righteousness and says, “Indeed, I am of the Muslims.” [Surat Fussilat: 41: Verse: 33]And the prophet (Peace & blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Convey from me even if it is (only) one ayah (verse).” [Narrated by al-Bukhari] 5. Read beneficial booksChoose books that will help you understand more about Islam, purpose of this life and duties towards our creator. Anas ibn Malik said, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “Seeking knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim.” [Sunan Ibn Majah]6. Visit the sickIt is one of the rights upon another Muslim to visit them when they are sick, and not only that, there are great virtues for visiting the sick as mentioned by our beloved Prophet (Peace & blessings of Allah be upon him): “When the Muslim visits his (sick) Muslim brother, he is harvesting the fruit of paradise until he returns.” [Narrated by Muslim].This would also enable us to be more thankful to Allah for the good health that we have and content with the condition we are in.7. Listen to the Qur’an frequentlyListening to the Qur’an would enable you to prefect your recitation of the Qur’an, help you revise what you memorized, and constantly remembering Allah in your heart and mind.8. Help othersIf you see your sister in Islam going through hard circumstances, do what you can to help her. One day if you are in that same position, Allah will bring to you someone who will help you too.9. Smile in your sister’s faceBy doing so, we are following the prophet’s sunnah and will be rewarded for it Insha’Allah. 10. Spread the greeting of “Salam”This should be done with those [sisters] we know or never met before. The prophet (Peace be upon him) said: “You will not enter paradise until you believe, and you will not believe until you love one another. Shall I tell you about something which, if you do it, will make you love one another? Greet each other with Salam.”[Muslim]In conclusion, let’s renew our intentions and make sure we are doing all these good deeds sincerely for Allah’s sake and following the footsteps of our beloved prophet Muhammad and his companions (May Allah be pleased with them all).Source:http://www.theidealmuslimah.com/2014/04/21/10-easy-ibadaat-for-women-in-ramadan-on-their-menses-periods/

Tip 15 - Productivity tips regarding how to maximize recitation of the Qur'an during this blessed month: Ramadan is the month of the Qur'an so we should do our utmost to recite the Qur'an as much as possible for the reward of every good act is multiplied by 70 during Ramadan. So if there are ten rewards for reciting one letter of the Qur'an outside of Ramadan then if we multiply ten by 70 then that makes upto 700 rewards for reciting just one letter of the Qur'an. Subhaanallah.Those who struggle reciting the Qur'an get double the reward:So those who struggle to recite the Qur'an get upto 1400 good deeds for reciting each letter. The bigger and better our intentions then the more Allah will reward us for every good act. So these rewards are just minimum.Set targets: Therefore we should set a realistic target for ourselves of how much of the Qur'an we will recite depending on what we have to do in our day. If we are free then alhamdulillah we should aim for a minimum of 3 Qur'an in this month or more. If we are working and busy then one Qur'an is possible.It is best to break down what you will recite in manageable chunks. For example read half a juz before Dhuhr, Half after, half before Asr, Half after, A half before Maghrib and then half before sleep etc. In this way we can recite the Qur'an a little bit at a time and that way not feel fatigued, restless and avoid getting bored. We should also take regular breaks and even do Dhikr in between or just rest for a while.So set yourself daily targets of how much Qur'an you will recite and devote much of your worship on reciting the Qur'an as it is the month of the Qur'an.

TIP 14: Organizing our timeA Muslim should learn how to organize their time, and make a realistic plan for their worldly and religious duties, without any of them overlapping the other. That is to say that one should know how to arrange one's priorities: the most important and the most urgent comes first, and carried out according to schedule. Organizing time also includes leaving a place for relaxation and entertainment.One of the methods of managing our time properly is for a Muslim to get up early and sleep early, for early hours always yield great blessings. Starting our day with prayer and the supplication of the morning brings the Muslim Allah's grace. A Muslim should always bear in mind that every time has its own task that suits it. Doing tasks in their due times brings about peace of mind and comfort.Verily, time is very important for our success both in this temporary world and the eternal world to come. If we waste time, if we abuse it, then we waste and abuse our lives. In the Life Hereafter we will be among the losers, who will suffer the torments in the Hell Fire, if Allah the Almighty will not forgive us. Therefore, if we really give value to our lives then, we must give due value to the importance of time.There is NO time that a Muslim should try and make the best of than in the blessed month of Ramadan. This month is a mercy for us and it is a time of the year like no other. So special significance must be placed especially in this month to make the best use of our time and for us to organize our schedules and days so that we achieve as much as possible spiritually doing everything we can to please Allah and refraining from anything which angers and displeases him.Once we have gained the habit of making good use of our time we must NEVER let go of it and carry this habit with us until our last breath because we do not know when our appointed time will come.To make the best use of our time you can download a Ramadan hourly planner where you can set yourself daily and hourly targets and plan your day everyday this Ramadan:Ramadan Planner:http://www.4shared.com/document/QJoWg3bN/Ramadhaan_Planner.htmlHere is a worship check where you can check and monitor your daily worship so that you can do even more the next day:Ramadan Worship check:http://www.4shared.com/document/2BNat9vk/Ramadhaan_Time_Table.htmlMay Allah help us to make the best use of our precious time and to spend every precious second we have in his remembrance and worship. Ameen

TIP 13: Grab what you can for just 30 days!!!Imagine you were given an opportunity to go through a huge shopping centre and grab whatever goods you wanted for a whole 30 days.You can grab whatever goods you like for it is a free for all. People would go crazy to get such an amazing opportunity. Think about it a free shopping spree grabbing everything you can for a whole 30 days.This same analogy applies to the blessed month of Ramadan. We have a once in a year opportunity for just 30 days to grab as many HUGE rewards as possible and best of all an opportunity to please Allah and get closer to him. This is the time of the year where all of this is made easier for us!The Special offers are:EVERY Nafil prayer rewarded like a Fard prayer!!! Every Fard prayer rewarded like 70 fard prayers!!! Every letter of the Qur'an rewarded a minimum of 100 good deeds and double for those who struggle reciting who get minimum of 200 for each letter!!! EVERY good deed multiplied by 10!So come on GRAB as many good deeds as you can before its too late. This may be your last chance to ever experience this blessed month for you may not be alive next year to benefit from these special offers ever again!Surely on the day of judgement we will BEG each other for just one good deed but we won't get any because we will all be in need on that day. So grab what you can now before its too late!!!

TIP 12: Beating laziness in Ramadan.It is essential that we remain as productive as possible throughout Ramadan. Ramadan is not a quick sprint but a long 26 mile Marathon. It requires perseverance, patience and the ability to beat laziness and procrastination when it arises. Therefore it is crucial that we stay on top of laziness in Ramadan so that we may achieve as much as possible. To do this we must firstly get our sleep patterns right. The tips for sleep pattern are above. Then we must NEVER over eat but we must eat light meals until we are satisfied and NOT until we are full. The tips for eating have also been mentioned. You must drink a sufficient amount of water if you are to be at your best this Ramadan. I would recommend at least 1 and a half - 2 litres from Iftar until Sehri.It is simple as long as we have a good sleep pattern with a short nap in the afternoon to re-energize and we never over eat then we will stay on top of laziness. In the mornings do the Sunnah of awakening which is to rub face gently with Dua. Then do some light stretches. These will help your body to wake up. Have a shower which will also help you to freshen up. It is also nice to go for a nice walk in the mornings as this will freshen and stimulate your mind and body and so wake you up even further preventing you from feeling tired and lazy. But do not tire yourself out by physically exerting yourself too much otherwise you will feel tired and lazy in a few hours as de-hydration kicks in.Fatigue can also kick in especially when we do too much of a certain worship like if we are sitting there reciting Qur'an for several hours then fatigue will kick in but we should break down our worship into manageable chunks. So recite 2 or 4 pages or even half a chapter and then have a break or switch to another worship like making Dua, doing some dhikr or praying nawafil etc. In this way we will never feel restlessness and fatigue associated with doing too much of one thing without a break.So whenever you start to feel a bit tired then don't lay down (unless your are going to have your afternoon nap) but get up and get some fresh air or what i would recommend is to get some cold water and splash some on your face and all over your neck particularly the back of the neck. Do some more stretches if need be.Most of all have a focus. What is your focus everyday in Ramadan? Tell it to yourself every time you wake up. Internalise in your mind what you will achieve throughout the day. Write it down in the Ramadan planner i have provided in the previous tips. You should have goals and targets which you will work towards achieving. Focus on achieving those goals and targets to the best of your ability and keep in mind that EVERY second in the blessed month of Ramadan is too precious to waste and we will NEVER gain these seconds again.Also keep in mind that this may be your very last Ramadan and your FINAL opportunity to gain immense reward and blessings in the most beautiful of months. This is because life is uncertain and many have passed away before they could meet this month again and next year we may not be alive to see the next Ramadan so we MUST treat this as our last Ramadan.Let us also ask of Allah to help us to maximise every second of this month and to help us to overcome laziness and procrastination so that we may be as productive as possible. Let us act upon these tips so that we can make the best of every second in this blessed month in order to please Allah and get closer to him.

TIP 11: Sleep pattern There is no doubt that Ramadan can play havoc with one's sleeping pattern for the first few days especially as the body gets used to the changes that we are experiencing in our daily routine. Sleep is one of the things that are affected by these changes.In order for us to be most productive in Ramadan we need to be active for as long as possible in the 24 hour day. In order to do this it will take a few days of getting used to but the following should be done:1. The best way of making the most out of Ramadan is to sleep at the earliest point possible so straight after Tarawee. Do NOT eat heavy at Iftar or before sleeping for that will make you tired and lazy. Eat light meals and just watch how fresh you will feel. Drink plenty of water.Then one should wake up half an hour before sehri ends, make wudu and pray Tahajjud, make long dua and then eat something LIGHT for suhur.2. The best way of having a productive day is to stay awake after Fajr for the mornings are blessed times and one would have the whole long day to pray and worship Allah. But if one is very tired and needs more sleep then one should sleep. But one should aim NOT to sleep until after 8 am. That will give one around 6-7 hours of sleep altogether which is perfect.3. There is NO need to sleep more than 6-7 hours for we want to be as productive as possible in this precious month. So put 2 alarms on and put them both on for 8 am 5 minutes apart and put them somewhere far away so you will have to get up and turn them off.It may take a bit of getting used to at first but you will slowly get into the habit of waking up everyday at 8 am and you will have a whole long day of worship alhamdulillah.4. When you wake up then do some stretches which will really help you to feel freshed and then if you want to have a shower which will freshen you further. If you want to take a little walk then it will be beneifical because a little fresh air and exercise will stimulate the mind and body and will make you more fresh and that way you will be ready and prepared to focus on worshipping the whole day as best as posible inshallah.