Prayer for Today: How to Unlock Your Reward from the Last 10 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 we enter them, we feel a hint of uncertainty. 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 prayers on people's lips during these blessed days, from the Covenant Prayer (Dua Al-Ahd) to the Prayer of Supplication (Dua Al-Tawassul), and including the pre-dawn prayers that grant the heart an unparalleled purity.

What makes these days special is that everything tastes different. Even raising your hands in supplication has a unique resonance in the last third of the night. One of the most common questions I hear from people in the Eastern Province or even in Najd is, "Which prayer should I keep repeating? I want a prayer that encompasses everything for me in this life and the next." And that's the heart of it—prayer isn't just repeated words; it's a spiritual state you enter with sincere intention.

Why do we specifically seek the Covenant Prayer (Dua Al-Ahd) and the Prayer of Supplication (Dua Al-Tawassul)?

If you hop onto any gathering on Twitter or in today's social majlis, you'll notice the focus is entirely on prayers with deep historical and spiritual weight. Take the Covenant Prayer (Dua Al-Ahd), for example. This prayer holds a special place for people because it's tied to loyalty and connecting with the greater cause. What drives a person to recite it during these nights is the feeling of renewing a spiritual contract with their Lord and the Imam of their time—and we all hope to be among his supporters. It's a prayer that plants a unique sense of steadfastness in the soul, reminding me of the atmosphere in mosques packed during the odd-numbered nights, with the Imam reciting prayers and the congregation responding in humility.

On the other hand, you'll find the Prayer of Supplication (Dua Al-Tawassul) has its own massive following. It's a beautiful way to whisper to God, where we supplicate to Him through those dearest to Him, 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 (Dua Al-Tawassul) with tears in their eyes, as if they're feeling for the closest path to having their prayers answered.

Morning Prayer (Dua Al-Sabah): Starting Your Day with Extraordinary Light

Don't neglect the Morning Prayer (Dua 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 sustenance. Personally, I love the transmitted Morning Prayer (Dua Al-Sabah) from Ahl al-Bayt because it gives me the feeling that my day is under divine scrutiny. Imagine saying, "O God, whatever blessing comes to me or anyone among Your creation this morning, it is from You alone." This mindset changes your perspective on everything that comes your way during the day—whether it's work, sustenance, or even a brief encounter with a friend.

And honestly, not everyone can consistently commit to long prayers. That's why close ones often recommend reading the short morning remembrances derived from the comprehensive Morning Prayer (Dua Al-Sabah), focusing on specific passages that you feel speak to your reality. These days are a chance 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 in need of that energy.

Kumayl Prayer (Dua Kumayl): The Magic of the Odd-Nights

We can't go through the Fridays or the odd-numbered nights of Ramadan without pausing at the Kumayl Prayer (Dua Kumayl). I know people who long for Friday night just for this prayer. The Kumayl Prayer (Dua Kumayl) has its own special rituals. It begins with seeking forgiveness and supplication, its middle is filled with beseeching and hope, and it ends with submission and humility. The story of the prayer itself holds a lesson, as it's a prayer that Kumayl learned from Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (peace be upon him). It contains so much wisdom that I find myself pausing at every sentence, feeling like it's speaking directly to me.

On 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 Hussainiyat and mosques opening their doors, with worshippers reciting the Kumayl Prayer (Dua Kumayl) in one voice—a scene that stirs the heart. It's as if we're saying, "O Lord, here are our sins and here is our state, so have mercy on our weakness." It's a prayer that teaches you how to converse with your God, how to admit your faults, and how to yearn for His mercy.

How to Choose Your Prayer During These Nights?

It's not limited to specific prayers, but I've put together a list of the most commonly recited ones:

• Covenant Prayer (Dua Al-Ahd): Suitable for those wanting to renew their connection and steadfastness to principle.
• Prayer of Supplication (Dua Al-Tawassul): Excellent for those seeking a heartfelt connection and supplicating through Ahl al-Bayt.
• Morning Prayer (Dua Al-Sabah): Ideal for daily fortification and setting the energy for your day.
• Kumayl Prayer (Dua Kumayl): Indispensable in the depths of the night, especially on Fridays and odd-numbered nights.

In the end, remember that what's required is a humble heart. Prayer (Dua) is not 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 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 blessings and goodness of Laylat al-Qadr.