BY ISHOLA BALOGUN

We have read from different scholars that Ramadan is divided into three parts of 10 days. The most important part of Ramadan is said to be the last 10 days. The revelation of the Qur’an, the night of majesty, the blessings, among others, had been perfected in it.

The last 10 days of Ramadan should be spent in prayer, seeking His mercy and asking for forgiveness, doing I’itikaf, searching for Layalat-ul-Qadr, good deeds, reflecting on your actions and reading of Holy Qur’an.

One of the greatest traditions of Islam, the spark of which has become a popular issue at this period of Ramadan, is I’tikaf. This is a tradition which has been in Islam from the first day of the revelation and is also something known and recognised as the practice of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) as ordained by Allah (SWT).

He said: “And when We made the House a pilgrimage for mankind and a (place of) security, and said ‘Appoint for yourselves a place of prayer on the standing-place of Ibrahim (Maqama-Ibrahim).’ And We enjoined Ibrahim and Ismail saying: ‘Purify My House for those who visit (it) and those who abide (in it) for devotion, those who bow down (and) those who prostrate themselves.’ Q 2:125

I’tikaf means to stay in the Mosque with the intention of abiding in it for the sake of Allah (SWT). The purpose of such stay in the Mosque is ibadat and to get closer to Allah. What is important in this period is to obey the commandments of Allah (SWT), to refrain from the things which He has prohibited and to be in His service.