Once again, some of the most blessed nights of the year are upon us, the last ten nights of Ramadan. Among them, the greatest jewel, Laylatul Qadr, the night of power, the night the Quran was revealed, is waiting for us to reap its rewards.

But after 20 days of fasting, working or studying full time, caring for our families, and trying to make the most of our days, come maghrib it can be hard to prepare ourselves for a night of worship. And where to begin? We seek that spiritual high, but what do we actually do to get it? So if you’re looking for some tips on organising your evenings, read on

1. Be realistic about how much time you can spend in ibadah

If you’re working full time, or studying for your exams, its unrealistic to think you can spend the whole night in prayer. With the relatively short summer nights also, its important to actually plan how much time you will have, to then know how to spend that time most productively. Whether its half an hour or three hours, the essential thing is to approach it with sincerity and humility.

2. Get some isolation

Find a spot away from everyone else to lay down your prayer mat. If you can make that
your permanent spot for the next 10 nights do so. Let people know that they should not disturb you there, and away for the distractions of family, food and social media, turn to face the qiblah. Make it your own little space and even decorate it with a few aesthetics, place a tasbeeh or the Quran nearby, to feel prepared for a night of peaceful worship

3. Read the Quran – and the meaning

Contemplation is hugely important in Islam. Understanding what God is conveying to us can be equally rewardable to reading the Quran in Arabic. Take some time to read some of the translation of the verses before you begin, and contemplate on what Allah is saying, and the depth of His revelation

A story recorded by Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal shows the importance of this reflection

The Noble Prophet (saws) asked Abu Hurairah: “How do you contemplate?”

“As stated by Allah in the Qur’an: ‘(Men of understanding) reflect on the creation of the heavens and the earth.’. I too reflect upon the wonders of the heavens and the earth,” he replied.

The Noble Prophet (saws) remarked, “One hour of your contemplation is better than one year of worship.” Then turning to Ibn Abbas, he asked, “How do you contemplate?”

“I reflect upon death and the horrors of the Day of Judgment,” replied Ibn Abbas.

The Noble Prophet (saws) said, “One hour of your contemplation is better than seven years of worship.” Then, he asked the other companion, “In what manner do you contemplate?”

The companion answered, “I reflect upon the fire of Hell and its dreadfulness and severity.”

“One hour of your contemplation is better than seventy years of worship,” the Prophet concluded.

4. Extend your prayer

You don’t need to be behind an imam to pray taraweeh. Even if you do not know many chapters of the Quran, read from a mushaf while you pray and make an event out of your salah. Take that time out to perfect and spend as long as you want in each action, and concentrate on the fact that this is a private conversation between you and God. Its not about quantity, its about quality. Praying two rakah with concentration is better than ten in haste.

5. Make a dua list

Write down all the things you’ve ever wanted. Things in this life and the Hereafter. Prayers for your family, friends and the Ummah. Write it down and take control of your dua; have it in front of you when making dua to remind of you what to ask for and beg God for each one individually. Dont hold back. Remember, Allah loves His servants to ask him, and feels ashamed to leave His servant empty handed. He is the most merciful and wants to respond to us

6. Take a break

If you’re feeling sleepy, have a quick power nap. If you’re hungry or thirsty, grab a snack and some water. Don’t make your worship feel like a burden on you. Allah has made this religion easy. You don’t have to exhaust yourself in order to feel close to Him.

7. Expect the best

These nights hold so much mercy and blessings for those who make effort. Always remember that God loves us more than our parents do, and He wants His servants to turn to Him. It is never too late to turn to him and ask for His mercy, no matter what we’ve done.

The Messenger of Allah (saws) said, “Were you not to commit sins, Allah would create people who would commit sins and ask for forgiveness and He would forgive them.”