What are the last ten nights of Ramadan?

When do they start?

An Islamic day begins at sunset, so the nights come before their days. The last ten nights start at Maghrib on the evening before the 21st of Ramadan and run until the month ends, after either 29 or 30 days. That means the "21st night" is the night between the 20th and 21st fasting days. Check your local mosque's calendar so you know which evening to start. See When does Ramadan start in 2027?

Why they matter so much

Laylat al-Qadr is hidden somewhere in these nights. It is the night the Quran began to be revealed, and worship on it is worth more than a lifetime.

The Prophet ﷺ told us to look for it in the odd nights of the last ten (Sahih al-Bukhari 2017), so the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th and 29th nights get extra attention. Many people hope for the 27th, but nobody knows for sure, so the safest plan is to give every one of the ten nights some effort. See What is Laylat al-Qadr and how do I find it?

What the Prophet ﷺ did

Aisha said that when the last ten began, the Prophet ﷺ "tightened his waist-wrapper", stayed up at night in worship and woke his family (Sahih al-Bukhari 2024). He also spent these days in i'tikaf, a spiritual retreat in the mosque, every year until he died (Sahih al-Bukhari 2026). And he promised that whoever stands in prayer on Laylat al-Qadr with faith and hope of reward will have their past sins forgiven (Sahih al-Bukhari 1901).

Simple things you can do

• Pray at night: taraweeh at the mosque or at home, plus a few rak'ahs before suhoor. See What is taraweeh and do I have to pray it?
• Read Quran: even a few pages in English and Arabic.
• Make dua: Aisha was taught to say, "Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul-'afwa fa'fu 'anni" (O Allah, You are forgiving and love to forgive, so forgive me) (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 3513).
• Give charity: a small online donation every night means you also give on Laylat al-Qadr.

Women on their period can still do dhikr, dua and charity, so nobody is left out.