Among other important tasks to perform during the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims are also keen on knowing the important days and nights. Ramadan is a highly significant month for Muslims, the time when they observe fast (refrain from eating and drinking from dawn until sunset) and distance from all evils.
The holy month of Ramadan emphasises on prayers, charity and other good deeds at the same time seeking forgiveness for past sins and guidance in the righteous path. While the entire month of Ramadan is of most importance, there are some days when the blessings of Allah are limitless.
During Ramadan, Muslims are alerted of a special night called the "Laylat al-Qadr" or "The Night of Power," "The Night of Value," "The Night of Decree," or "Night of Measures." There are several indications of the night, but it is hard to point out the exact date for "Laylat al-Qadr." It is believed that this is the night when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to Prophet Mohammed.
During the night of Laylat al-Qadr, Muslims are showered with blessings, sins are forgiven, prayers are fulfilled and angels are sent down to earth. While the exact date of the night remains uncertain, it is widely believed that one of the last 10 nights of Ramadan is Laylat al-Qadr.
During the last 10 days, Muslims observe Iʿtikāf (retreat) in search of this valuable night. During Iʿtikāf, Muslims disconnect entirely from the world and spent most time in prayers. Men observe Iʿtikāf in mosques while women do it at their homes. The significance of Laylat al-Qadr is worth more than a thousand months and praying during the night brings indefinite rewards.
Besides Laylat al-Qadr, other important events during Ramadan are the odd nights of the last 10 days of the holy month. Muslims stay awake and indulge in prayers until suhur, the time when Muslims eat before dawn.
Finally, Eid ul-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, which is celebrated after 30 days of fasting. This day, Muslims are rewarded for their good deeds during the holy month. After this, Muslims follow their usual timetable for meals and sleep. Eid ul-Fitr is announced based on the sighting of the new moon, similar to how Ramadan was commenced last Friday (in most countries).
