Traditionally, Ramadan which is either 29 or 30 is usually divided into three segments which is first 10, second 10 and the last 10 days of the annual spiritual retreat.
First 10 of the fasting is popularly described as a period of forgiveness of all pre Ramadan sins that might have been committed by any fasting Muslim. It's a a period to commence soul purification. And he who observes his first 10 of Ramadan in accordance with the the 'sunnah' of the Holy Prophet Muhammed(SAW) is guaranteed of total forgiveness of his previous sins by Allah(SW). And when that's accomplished, acceptance of any personal supplication by His servants is also guaranteed. This therefore leads him into the second segment believed to be hugely characterized with the absolute favour and blessings of Allah.
Then, after the first two categories come the last one which is naturally designed by Allah(God) to be the head category to all the segments as it conotes total transformation of the soul of any fasting Muslim. It's more significant among the three because it's unique being a period of rebirth when all old things are believed to have passed away and you become a new being as a Muslim. All fasting Muslims who witnessed and observed this period accordingly are assured of Alannah(Paradise)
However, the uniqueness of this period is revealed in the chapter 97 of the holy Qur'an where Allah extolled the virtues of the most searched for night called Laylatul Quadr(Night of Decree or Night of Majesty). The night when bad destinies are usually cleansed and replaced with new good ones by the Arch angel Jibril(Gabriel) on Allah's instructions. The period when angels will descend to the lower heavens and bestow on all fasting Muslims abundant peace and blessings from Allah. This is buttressed in the chapter 97(Al-Quadr) of the Holy Qur'an as stated above which says, (1)"Indeed, we sent the Qur'an down during the Night of Decree.( 2). And what can make you know what is the Night of Decree? (3) The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.(4) Therein descend the angels and the Ruh( Jibrael( Gabriel)by Allah's permission with all Decrees. (5) Peace (All that right, there's peace and goodness from Allah to His believing slaves) until the appearance of dawn."
One of the popular prayers every fasting Muslim is expected to be rendering during the last 10 of Ramadan is ," Allah un ma In aka 'afuwwun tuhibul 'area fa'fu 'a nee." meaning, "Allah, you're pardoning and you love pardon. So, pardon me."
However, the search for the most superior night which falls between any of the odd numbers from 21st day of Ramadan to 29th day will commence tonight and end on day 29 of the blessed month. But concesus day of the Ramadan chosen for the special supplication among majority of Muslims and scholars across the globe is 27th day of the holy month. That's why many mosques in this divides of the world are usually opened for congregational supplication which if it coincides with the Night of Majesty, it's usually multiple blessings for mankind generally, especially all fasting Muslims who also endure to sacrifice part of their night for the prayers. It's enjoined on all fasting Muslims not to joke with the night, and equally maximize the advantage of the period to ensure closeness to Allah more than ever.
But this year, however, the preparation for the night and its conduct among fasting Muslims around the world are at the ebb considering the challenge confronting the whole world which has warranted the closure of almost all mosques even the head mosque, Ka'ba. The special supplication which is usually done in congregation will now be observed individually by various household almost worldwide.
According to the teachings and practice of the Holy prophet Muhammed(SAW), the last 10, which of course the last phase of Ramadan is particularly dedicated for Itikaf(seclusion). All throughout, any Muslim observing Itikaf is expected to do it conveniently inside mosque and remain their, not moving about until it ends at the last day of Ramadan. May Allah accept all our ibadahs(Acts of worship) as Muslims. Amen!
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