Prayer of the Day: How to Unlock the Rewards of the Last Ten Days of Ramadan?

Here we are, living in the embrace of the last ten days of Ramadan, those nights we've always heard about from our parents and grandparents, yet each time they arrive, we feel a bit of confusion. What are these nights in which we seek the Night of Destiny? And more importantly, what should we say during them? Today, I'm taking you on a journey through the most famous prayers on people's lips during these blessed days, from the Prayer of the Covenant (Du'a al-Ahd) to the Prayer of Supplication (Du'a al-Tawassul), including the dawn prayers that grant the heart an unmatched purity.

What makes these days special is that everything tastes different. Even raising your hands in prayer has its own unique resonance in the last third of the night. One of the most common questions I hear from people, whether in the Eastern Province or even in Najd, is: "How do I choose which prayer to repeat? I want a prayer that encompasses everything for me in this life and the next." And that's the crux of it—prayer isn't just repeated words; it's a spiritual state you must enter with sincere intention.

Why are we specifically turning to the Prayer of the Covenant and the Prayer of Supplication?

If you check any gathering on Twitter or in current social majlis, you'll notice that the focus is all on prayers with significant historical and spiritual weight. Take the Prayer of the Covenant (Du'a al-Ahd), for example. This prayer holds a special place for people because it's linked to loyalty and connection to a greater cause. What drives a person to recite it on these nights is the feeling of renewing a spiritual contract with their God and with the Imam of their time, and we all hope to be among his supporters. It's a prayer that plants a strange sense of steadfastness in the soul and reminds me of the atmosphere in mosques packed during the odd-numbered nights, with the Imam reciting prayers and the congregation responding in hushed reverence.

On the other hand, you'll find the Prayer of Supplication (Du'a al-Tawassul) has its own vast audience. It's a beautiful way to whisper to God, where we supplicate to Him through His most beloved creations, through His names and attributes, and through the prophets and saints. In the markets just before Maghrib, people are busy with dates and water, but in mosques and homes, you'll find families reciting the Prayer of Supplication with tears, as if they are feeling for the closest path for their prayers to be answered.

Morning Prayer: Starting Your Day with an Extraordinary Light

Don't neglect the Morning Prayer (Du'a al-Sabah) these days, especially after Fajr prayer. There's a huge difference between someone who wakes up and starts their day in a regular mood, and someone who begins their day with the Morning Prayer that fortifies their soul and provision. Personally, I love the Morning Prayer transmitted from the Ahl al-Bayt, because it gives me the feeling that my day is under a divine microscope. Imagine saying: "O God, whatever blessing comes to me or to anyone from Your creation this morning, it is from You alone." These words change your perspective on everything that comes your way during the day, whether it's work, sustenance, or even a brief meeting with a friend.

And to be fair, not everyone can consistently recite long prayers, so you'll find close ones recommending short morning remembrances derived from the comprehensive Morning Prayer, focusing on specific passages you feel speak to your reality. These days are an opportunity to try, even once, to recite it with contemplation. You'll feel a positive energy that stays with you all day long, even if you're fasting and need that energy boost.

The Prayer of Kumayl: The Magic of the Odd-Nighted Nights

We cannot pass by the nights of Friday or the odd-numbered nights of Ramadan without pausing at the Prayer of Kumayl (Du'a Kumayl). I know people who long for Friday night solely for this prayer. The Prayer of Kumayl has its own special rituals. It begins with seeking forgiveness and supplication, its middle is filled with pleas and hope, and its end is marked by submission and humility. The story of the prayer itself holds a lesson, as it's a prayer Kumayl learned from Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (peace be upon him), and it contains such wisdom that it makes me pause at every sentence and feel as if I am the one being addressed.

During the odd-numbered nights, especially the 23rd, 25th, and 27th, people seek an intimate conversation to address their God during the time of divine descent. You'll find Hussainiyat and mosques opening their doors, with worshippers reciting the Prayer of Kumayl in unison, a scene that stirs the hearts. It's as if we are saying: "O Lord, these are our sins and this is our state, so have mercy on our weakness." It's a prayer that teaches you how to converse with your Lord, how to acknowledge your mistakes, and how to hope for His mercy.

How to Choose Your Prayer on These Nights?

The matter isn't limited to specific prayers, but I've compiled a list of the most commonly recited ones:

• Prayer of the Covenant (Du'a al-Ahd): Suitable for those who wish to renew their connection and remain steadfast in their principles.
• Prayer of Supplication (Du'a al-Tawassul): Excellent for those seeking a heartfelt connection and supplicate through the Ahl al-Bayt.
• Morning Prayer (Du'a al-Sabah): Ideal for daily protection and setting the tone for the day's energy.
• Prayer of Kumayl (Du'a Kumayl): Indispensable in the deep hours of the night, especially on Fridays and the odd-numbered nights.

In the end, remember that what is required is a humble heart. Prayer is not just words we recite; prayer is an exceptional moment of connection. Raise your hands during these ten days, and ask God for the good of this world and the next. Don't forget your families, and don't forget your brothers and sisters in Palestine, Sudan, and every place where Muslims are suffering. May God grant us and you the Night of Destiny and all its goodness and blessings.