Gems from Juzz 'Amma: "The Ten Nights"

~ Day 12/ Gem 12 ~

Surah Fajr, ayah 2: "The Ten Nights"

وَلَيَالٍ عَشْرٍ

And I swear by Ten Nights.

By not adding ‘al' (the), the ayah teaches us that it is *not* limited to just one set of 10 nights, it could be more than one set of 10 nights. As we will see. ’10 nights’ are important to ponder over because Allah swore by them, and because they are part of the lesson of the Surah.

What are ‘Ten nights’? 

There several minority opinions (i.e. Some say Muharram) but these are the main two:

1 – The Last 10 Nights of Ramadan (when fasting takes place.)
2 – The First 10 Nights of Dhul Hijjah (the month in which Hajj takes place).

Scientifically speaking, the first or last 10 days of any month are the most visible, as you can see the shifting of the moon. The major changes are known by looking at the sky, just like you look at the sky for Fajr.

Islahi says, 'It means the changing of the nights shows us the inevitable.'

So when you see the Fajr light – you know for sure that the day is going to come. The same way, when you see the moon, you know the month is going to leave and the full moon will appear.

What we learn from this, is that if you want to know the victory of Islam coming, pay attention and ponder over the Fajr dawn, and the moon as it becomes full gradually. This will remind you that light doesn’t come except after the darkest part of the night.

The barakah / blessings are at the highest within these 10 nights, and the rewards are the greatest. This is why fasting, ‘ibaadah (worship), sacrifice [in Dhul Hijjah] etc. are within these nights.

It is also within these nights that  Laylat-al-Qadr is witnessed. It is in these nights that the revelation began and the Qur'an was revealed to the Messenger of Allah. This marks the beginning of victory and light for Muslims.

Later, the Messenger of Allah entered again into Makkah on the Day of Hajj in Dhul Hijjah. This was a sign of the fulfillment of his mission.

In other words, the entire Life of Allah’s Messenger is covered within these sets of 10 nights.

So the Fajr mentioned in the 1st ayah – a reminder of the Ressurection Day connects with the next aayah (Ayah 2) covering the life of Allah’s Messengers beginning of the message, and the end of his message and the upcoming victory of Islam.

May Allah allow us to make the most of the last 10 nights and gift us with the opportunity to witness Laylatul Qadr, ameen.