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

Here we are, immersed in 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 uncertainty. What makes these nights, the ones where we seek Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power), so special? And more importantly, what should we say during them? Today, I'm taking you through the most famous prayers on people's lips during these blessed days, from Dua Al-Ahd (the Prayer of Covenant) to Dua Al-Tawassul (the Prayer of Supplication), including the pre-dawn prayers that grant the heart an unparalleled purity.

What makes these days unique is that everything feels different. Even the act of raising your hands in prayer has a special 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: "Which prayer should I keep repeating? I want a prayer that asks for everything good in this life and the next." And that's the heart of it – prayer isn't just about reciting words. It's a spiritual state you enter with sincere intention.

Why Do People Specifically Turn to Dua Al-Ahd and Dua Al-Tawassul?

If you check any gathering on Twitter or in local majlis, you'll notice a strong focus on prayers with deep historical and spiritual weight. Take Dua Al-Ahd, for example. This prayer holds a special place for many 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 God and their Imam of the Age, with the hope of being among his supporters. It's a prayer that instills a remarkable sense of steadfastness, reminding me of the atmosphere in mosques packed during the odd-numbered nights, with the Imam reciting prayers and the congregation responding in humble reverence.

On the other hand, Dua Al-Tawassul has its own vast following. It's a beautiful way to supplicate to God, where we seek closeness to Him through His beloved creations, 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, as if they are feeling for the closest path for their prayers to be answered.

Morning Prayer: Start Your Day with an Extraordinary Light

Don't neglect the morning prayer 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 it with the morning prayer that fortifies their soul and provisions. Personally, I love the traditional morning prayer from the Ahl al-Bayt, because it gives me the feeling that my day is under a divine lens. Imagine saying, "O God, whatever blessing comes to me or to anyone from Your creation, 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 encounter with a friend.

To be honest, not everyone can commit to long prayers. That's why close ones often recommend reading short morning remembrances derived from the comprehensive morning prayer, focusing on specific passages that speak to your current reality. These days are a chance to try, even just once, reading it with contemplation. You'll feel a positive energy that stays with you all day long, even while fasting and in need of that energy boost.

Dua Kumayl: The Magic of the Odd-Numbered Nights

We simply cannot discuss Friday nights or the odd-numbered nights of Ramadan without pausing at Dua Kumayl. I know people who long for Friday nights solely for this prayer. Dua Kumayl has its own special ritual. It begins with seeking forgiveness and supplication, its middle is filled with hope and pleading, and it ends with surrender and humility. The story behind the prayer itself is a lesson, as it's a prayer that Kumayl learned from Imam Ali bin Abi Talib (peace be upon him), containing such wisdom that makes me pause at every sentence and feel personally addressed.

On the odd-numbered nights, especially the 23rd, 25th, and 27th, people seek intimate conversations to address their Lord during the time of divine descent. You'll find husseiniyas and mosques opening their doors, with worshippers reciting Dua Kumayl in unison, a scene that truly moves the heart. It's as if we are saying, "O Lord, these are our sins and this is our state, so have mercy on our weakness." This prayer 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 for These Nights?

It's not limited to specific prayers, but here's a list of the most commonly recited ones:

• Dua Al-Ahd (Prayer of Covenant): Ideal for those wanting to renew their commitment and steadfastness to their principles.
• Dua Al-Tawassul (Prayer of Supplication): Excellent for those seeking a heartfelt connection and supplicating through the Ahl al-Bayt.
• Morning Prayer: Perfect for daily protection and setting a positive tone for the day.
• Dua Kumayl: Indispensable in the depth of the night, especially on Friday and odd-numbered nights.

In the end, remember that what's required is a humble heart. Prayer isn't just words we recite; it's an extraordinary moment of connection. Raise your hands during these ten nights, 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 guide us all to Laylat al-Qadr and its immense goodness and blessings.