The last ten nights of Ramadan are the most valuable nights of the year, and giving charity in them is one of the best ways to make the most of them. One of these nights is Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Decree, which Allah describes as “better than a thousand months” (Quran 97:3). Charity given on that single night is like giving every night for more than eighty-three years. Because no one knows exactly which night it is, the surest approach is to give something on every one of the last ten nights.
Laylat al-Qadri khayrun min alfi shahr. “The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.” (Quran 97:3)
How the Prophet spent the last ten nights
Aishah reported that the Prophet strove in worship during the last ten nights more than at any other time (Sahih Muslim 1175). When the last ten began, he would tighten his waist wrapper, stay up through the night in prayer, and wake his family to pray (Sahih al-Bukhari 2024).
His generosity peaked in Ramadan too. Ibn Abbas described him as the most generous of people, and most generous of all in Ramadan, “more generous than the blowing wind” (Sahih al-Bukhari 6). Following his example means pairing night prayer and Quran with open-handed giving.
When is Laylat al-Qadr?
The Prophet said, “Search for the Night of Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan” (Sahih al-Bukhari 2017): the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th and 29th nights. Many Muslims give special attention to the 27th, but the exact night is hidden, perhaps so that we strive across all of them. Remember that in Islam the night comes before its day, so the 21st night begins at sunset at the end of the 20th day of Ramadan.
A simple plan to give on all ten nights
- Decide your total. Choose an amount you are comfortable giving across the last ten nights.
- Divide it by ten. For example, NZ$200 becomes NZ$20 a night; NZ$500 becomes NZ$50 a night.
- Give a little more on the odd nights if you can, as these are the nights the Prophet told us to seek.
- Schedule it. Set a reminder for after Maghrib each night, or set up a scheduled payment so it happens even on the nights you are busy or tired.
- Choose something that lasts. A gift on Laylat al-Qadr to a lasting cause, such as Sadaqah Jariyah, combines the multiplied reward of the night with a reward that keeps flowing for years.
The dua of Laylat al-Qadr
Aishah asked the Prophet what she should say if she knew it was Laylat al-Qadr. He taught her (Jami at-Tirmidhi 3513, graded sahih):
Allahumma innaka afuwwun tuhibbul afwa fa’fu anni. “O Allah, You are Pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon me.”
Other ways to make the most of the last ten nights
- Pray Taraweeh and Qiyam in congregation if you can.
- Recite and reflect on the Quran, even a few pages each night.
- Observe I’tikaf, staying in the masjid for worship, if you are able.
- Make abundant dua for yourself, your family, your parents and the Ummah.
- Remember that charity never decreases wealth (Sahih Muslim 2588).
Help build a permanent masjid in Wellington
What better night to give than one that is better than a thousand months? For six years Aman Islamic Trust has served Muslims in Wellington, New Zealand, from rented rooms. We are now raising NZ$1.5 million to buy a permanent masjid and Islamic centre, a place for the five daily prayers, Quran classes, youth programmes, Ramadan and Eid for generations to come.
You can give by card or by bank transfer from anywhere in the world (reference BUILD). Every gift receives a receipt, and building fund gifts are used only for the property.
Giving from overseas? See our guides for the UK, Australia, the USA and Canada, the Gulf and Southeast Asia.
This article is general guidance drawn from the Quran and authentic Hadith. For a ruling on your own situation, please ask a qualified scholar or contact our imam.
Sources
- Quran 97:3: better than a thousand months.
- Sahih Muslim 1175: the Prophet strove most in the last ten nights.
- Sahih al-Bukhari 2024: he prayed through the night and woke his family.
- Sahih al-Bukhari 6: his generosity in Ramadan.
- Sahih al-Bukhari 2017: seek it in the odd nights.
- Jami at-Tirmidhi 3513: the dua for Laylat al-Qadr (graded sahih).
- Sahih Muslim 2588: charity does not decrease wealth.
Frequently asked questions
Why give charity in the last ten nights of Ramadan?
The Prophet strove in worship in the last ten nights more than at any other time (Sahih Muslim 1175), and Laylat al-Qadr, which is better than a thousand months (Quran 97:3), falls in these nights. Charity given on that night is multiplied in reward.
When is Laylat al-Qadr?
The Prophet told us to seek it in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan (Sahih al-Bukhari 2017). Its exact date is not known, which is why many Muslims spread their worship and charity across all ten nights.
How can I give charity every night of the last ten nights?
Divide your intended amount across the ten nights and give a portion each night, either manually or through a scheduled donation. This way you are sure to give on Laylat al-Qadr, whichever night it falls.
What dua should I make on Laylat al-Qadr?
Aishah asked the Prophet what to say on Laylat al-Qadr. He taught her: Allahumma innaka afuwwun tuhibbul afwa fa’fu anni, O Allah, You are Pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon me (Jami at-Tirmidhi 3513).