Prayer of the Day: How to Unlock Your Reward from the Hidden Treasures of the Last Ten Days of Ramadan?

Here we are, living in the embrace of the last ten days of Ramadan. These are the nights we've always heard about from our parents and grandparents, yet every time they arrive, we feel a touch of confusion. What are these nights in which we seek Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree)? And more importantly, what should we say during them? Today, I'm taking you on a journey through the most famous supplications on people's lips during these blessed days, from Dua Al-Ahd (the Prayer of Pledge) to Dua Al-Tawassul (the Prayer of Supplication), passing through the pre-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 impact in the last third of the night. One of the most common questions I hear from folks in the Eastern Province or even in Najd is: "Which dua should I keep repeating? I want a dua that covers everything for me in this life and the next." And that's the crux of it – prayer isn't just about repeating words; it's a spiritual state you need to enter with sincere intention.

Why the Focus on Dua Al-Ahd and Dua Al-Tawassul Specifically?

If you jump onto any gathering on Twitter or even in current-day majlis, you'll notice all the attention is on prayers with significant historical and spiritual weight. Take Dua Al-Ahd, for instance. This prayer holds a special place for people because it's tied to loyalty and connection to a greater cause. What drives a person to recite it during these nights is the feeling of renewing their spiritual covenant with their Lord and with the Imam of their time. We all aspire to be among his supporters. This prayer instills a remarkable sense of steadfastness in the soul and reminds me of the atmosphere in mosques filled during the odd-numbered nights, with the Imam reciting prayers and the congregation responding in hushed reverence.

On the other hand, you'll find Dua Al-Tawassul has its own vast following. It's a beautiful way of whispering to God, where we supplicate to Him through His most beloved creation, 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 Dua Al-Tawassul with tears in their eyes, as if they are feeling for the closest path for their prayers to be answered.

Morning Dua: Starting Your Day with an Extraordinary Light

Don't overlook the Morning Dua 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 with the Morning Dua that fortifies their soul and sustenance. Personally, I love the Morning Dua transmitted from the Ahl al-Bayt (Household of the Prophet), because it gives me the feeling that my day is under the divine microscope. Imagine saying: "O Allah, whatever blessing has come to me or to any of Your creation at dawn, 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 casual meeting with a friend.

And to be honest, not everyone can consistently recite long prayers. That's why you'll find close ones advising to read the short morning remembrances derived from the comprehensive Morning Dua, focusing on specific passages that you feel speak to your current reality. These days are an opportunity to try, even once, reading 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.

Dua 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 Dua Kumayl. I know people who long for Friday night just for this prayer. Dua Kumayl has its own special rituals. It begins with seeking forgiveness and showing humility, its middle is filled with supplication and hope, and its end is marked by submission and reverence. The story of the prayer itself holds a lesson, as it's the prayer Kumayl learned from Imam Ali bin Abi Talib (peace be upon him). It contains such wisdom that makes me pause at every sentence and feel that it's speaking directly to me.

During the odd-numbered nights, especially the 23rd, 25th, and 27th, people search for a whispered conversation to address their Lord with during the time of divine descent. You'll find Hussainiyas and mosques opening their doors, with worshippers reciting Dua Kumayl in one voice – a scene that stirs the hearts. It's as if we're 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 Dua During These Nights?

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

• Dua Al-Ahd: Suitable for those who want to renew their connection and steadfastness to their principles.
• Dua Al-Tawassul: Excellent for those seeking a heartfelt response and who supplicate through the Ahl al-Bayt.
• Morning Dua: Perfect for daily protection and setting the energy for your day.
• Dua Kumayl: Indispensable in the depths of the night, especially on Friday and odd-numbered nights.

In the end, remember that what is required is a humble heart. Dua (Prayer) isn't just words we recite; it's an exceptional moment of connection. Raise your hands during these ten days, and ask God for the good of this world and the Hereafter. Don't forget your family, 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 blessing of Laylat al-Qadr and all its goodness.