Awakening the Last Ten Nights of Ramadan

Question: If I want to awaken the last ten nights of Ramadhan when should I begin?

Sheikh ‘Abdul ‘Azeez ibn Baaz رحمه الله answers: “You should begin after the ‘Ishaa prayer. The Messenger of Allaahصلى الله عليه وسلم  used to awaken the last ten nights of Ramadhan, ‘Aaisha رضي الله عنها said:

“When the last ten nights of Ramadhan would begin, the Messenger of Allaahصلى الله عليه وسلم  would stay awake at night for prayer and devotion, awaken his family and prepare himself to be more diligent in worship.”

This is what is best if one is capable of doing so. However if one sleeps some of the night to strengthen himself then that is fine. As for one who Allaah granted him the power and ability to remain awake during them, then this is the sunnah and something that draws near to Allaah. (Awakening the nights) is by prayer, recitation of the Qur’aan, supplication, seeking forgiveness, etc.”

[The reader of the question says] “Can you kindly mention the dates so that perhaps she can intend to do them?

Sheikh Ibn Baaz's advice at the Advent of Ramadhan

 

This is what is obligatory upon all the Muslims and their rulers. It is an obligation upon the rulers of the Muslims, the scholars and the general folk...

 

Question) Noble scholar, what is your advice to Muslims as we prepare to receive this virtuous month?

Answer: My advice to all the Muslims is to have Taqwaa (fear) of Allaah the Majestic, to receive this great month of theirs with a truthful Tawbah from all sins, to gain understanding of their religion, and study the rulings of fasting and the night prayer due to the saying of the Prophetصلّى اللَّهُ عليه وسلّم:

"Whoever Allaah wants good for, he grants him understanding in the religion."

Also due to the saying of the Prophet صلّى اللَّهُ عليه وسلّم:

"When the month of Ramadhan arrives, the gates of Jannah are opened and the gates of the Fire are shut, and the Shayateen are chained up."

Also the saying of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم:

"On the first night of Ramadhan the gates of Jahannam are shut, the gates of Jannah are opened, and the Shayateen are chained up, and a caller calls out:

Ways in which Allaah grants the Muslims victory over their enemies

(Taken from Majmoo al-Fatwa of Sheikh ibn Baaz رحمه الله vol. 7)

The theme of the lecture, "Ways in which Allaah grants Muslims victory over their enemies," makes it clear that Allaah سُبحانه وتعالى provides means for victory and defeat. The believers should adopt and abide by the means of victory everywhere whether it is in the Masjid, at home or on the road, and when fighting the enemies. The believers should adhere to the Commands of Allaah, advise Allaah's Slaves for Allaah's  sake and stay away from the sins that lead to defeat. It is a sin to neglect the material causes of victory, for they are indispensable as much as the religious ones. Neglecting any of these causes leads to disappointment, as Allaah سُبحانه وتعالى says:

 يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِن تَنصُرُوا اللَّهَ يَنصُرْكُمْ وَيُثَبِّتْ أَقْدَامَكُمْ

"O you who believe! If you help (in the cause of) Allâh, He will help you, and make your foothold firm."

(Muhammad 47:7)

All creatures - mankind, Jinn (creatures created from fire), kings and laymen - are in need of Allaah and all are poor in relation to Allaah تعالى, for He is the Ever-Affluent, Ever-Praiseworthy. Thus, helping (in the cause of) Allaah عز وجل, is to support His Shari`ah, Religion, what He sent His Messenger down with and what He revealed in His Ever-Glorious Book. When Muslims support Allaah's Religion and His Awliya' (pious people). Allaah will support them against their enemies and grant them the good outcome.

Allaah سُبحانه وتعالى says:

فَاصْبِرْ إِنَّ الْعَاقِبَةَ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ

"So be patient. Surely, the (good) end is for Al-Muttaqûn (the pious)."

 (Hud 11:49)

Click to read the lecture - Part 1 

 Click to read the lecture - Part 2