Religious scholars highlight significance of last ashra of Ramazan

By Hina Durrani

ISLAMABAD, Mar 18 (APP):Religious scholars and officials have highlighted the spiritual importance of the last ten days (ashra) of Ramazan, urging Muslims to intensify worship, seek forgiveness, and benefit from the blessings of Laylat al-Qadr.

Talking to APP, Information Secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami Women Wing Islamabad, Sadia Saif, underscored the need for increased worship, awareness, and improved facilities for those observing I’tikaf. She said the greatness of Ramazan is directly linked to the revelation of the Holy Qur’an, noting that Surah Al-Qadr declares its revelation on Laylat al-Qadr, a night “better than a thousand months.” She added that Surah Ad-Dukhan also describes it as a blessed night.

Explaining the concept of Qadr, she said scholars interpret it as destiny, when divine decrees are assigned to angels for the coming year. She added that Laylat al-Qadr is most likely to fall on the odd-numbered nights—21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th—of the last ashra, although many observe the 27th night with special devotion.

Sadia Saif further highlighted that the last ashra is marked by I’tikaf, a practice consistently observed by Prophet Muhammad. She said the essence of I’tikaf lies in detaching from worldly matters and dedicating oneself entirely to the remembrance of Allah. She also stressed the need for mosques to arrange educational sessions on topics such as rights of Allah, rights of people, family values, social relationships, and the life and teachings of the Prophet (SAWW).

Meanwhile, Islamic scholar Ayesha told APP that the last ashra represents the essence and culmination of the holy month, focusing on repentance and the pursuit of salvation from Hellfire. She said while the first two phases of Ramazan are associated with mercy and forgiveness, the final ten days are dedicated to seeking protection from Hell.

“These days are an opportunity for believers to intensify their connection with Allah through sincere worship and reflection,” she said, adding that the Prophet Muhammad (SAWW) devoted himself fully during these nights, remaining awake in prayer and encouraging his family to do the same.

She reiterated that Laylat al-Qadr, regarded as the most blessed night of the year, offers rewards greater than a thousand months of worship. She added that I’tikaf is widely observed during this period, allowing worshippers to focus entirely on spiritual growth. She expressed confidence in mosque arrangements, including Sehri and Iftar provisions, resting areas, and medical assistance, along with enhanced security measures.

Talking to APP, the official spokesperson of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Muhammad Umar Butt said that Muslims across Pakistan are observing the last ten days of Ramazan with deep devotion, following the teachings of the Qur’an and Hadith.

He said the final ashra holds special significance due to Laylat al-Qadr, the night when the Qur’an was first revealed. Across the country, thousands of worshippers have gathered in mosques for I’tikaf, with at least one or two individuals from each locality participating as a communal obligation. Large congregations have also been reported at the holy mosques of Masjid al-Haram and Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, where worshippers engage in prayers and reflection. Special nightly prayers, including Taraweeh, Nawafil, and complete recitation of the Qur’an, are being observed in mosques nationwide.

Huffaz are leading congregational prayers, completing the recitation of the Holy Qur’an, attracting large numbers of attendees.

The spokesperson added that security arrangements are being overseen by local administrations, while Sehri and Iftar for those in I’tikaf are largely managed by communities and volunteers. At prominent mosques such as Faisal Mosque, administrative bodies and the Capital Development Authority (CDA) are ensuring logistical support, including access systems and necessary facilities for worshippers.

He urged citizens to continue fostering community spirit and maximize their during the final days of Ramazan.

Across the country, mosques are witnessing a surge in attendance during these final days, with worshippers engaging in prolonged prayers, recitation of the Holy Qur’an, and remembrance of Allah. The atmosphere in mosques has become increasingly spiritual, particularly during the night hours, as believers strive to seek divine mercy and forgiveness.