The Last 10 Days

At sunset today Muslims around the world will mark the start of the last 10 days of Ramadan.

In many ways these are the most important days when even more acts of worship are completed.

For those living near mosques be aware that from tonight there will be late night prayers which may start as early as 12.30am or as late as 2.30am and last for an hour. This is called Qiyam Al Leil, or staying up at night.

Though qiyam can be performed throughout Ramadan it is only during the last 10 days that mosques hold congregational prayers to complete them.

The last 10 days are also the ones where Muslims pray that much more to be safeguarded from Hell in the Hereafter.

Another common prayer during this time sees Muslims asking God to pardon them. They repeat, “O Allah, You are Oft-Pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon me.''

For those fortunate enough to be in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, at this time to perform lesser-pilgrimage, there is greater reward.

For many this is an even more trying time when sleep is negligible as the rewards of prayer and supplication are greater. It is also the time for forgiveness and mercy.

Here, as before, my routine will change to accommodate this new act of worship.