Laylat al-Qadr and itikaf
The last ten nights: seeking the night, staying in the mosque, and what the sources say about both.
10 answers · About 7 min (estimate)
SeasonRamadan
The month changes pace in its last ten nights. Readers ask when the night falls, what to do in it, and how itikaf works when life does not stop. These answers meet those questions.
Each entry is a short summary of a full answer on Ftawy, with the link to that answer at the bottom. The set routes you to them; it does not rule on anything itself.
Your progress stays on this device.
- Pick up where you left off1
Which of the scholars' opinions is most preponderant regarding the determination of Laylat al-Qadr, and is it absolutely the best of nights, and what is the view on those who prefer the night of Isra' over it?
Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree) is a great and blessed night, in which Allah revealed the Quran. It is better than a thousand months, and during it, what…
- 2
If it is confirmed that Laylat al-Qadr is the 27th night, does it begin on the evening of the 26th until dawn, or on the evening of the 27th until dawn? And what is the evidence for that?
Scholars have differed regarding the exact night of Laylat al-Qadr. The most preponderant opinion is that it shifts among the last ten nights of Ramadan, being…
- 3
What is the understanding of scholars regarding the last ten nights and the variation of Laylat al-Qadr among the odd nights, based on the Quran and Sunnah? And can a person experience Laylat al-Qadr twice in one Ramadan when traveling between two countries where the moon sighting differs, and two consecutive odd nights happen to be Laylat al-Qadr in them? And how are the odd and even nights determined in the last ten nights?
Laylat al-Qadr is in the last ten nights of Ramadan, specifically on the odd nights, but it could also be on the even nights when considering what remains of…
- 4
Do four rak'ahs after 'Isha' count as observing Laylat al-Qadr, or does praying Maghrib and 'Isha' in congregation on Laylat al-Qadr count as observing the entire Laylat al-Qadr?
Praying four connected rak'ahs after 'Isha' is equivalent in reward to observing the Night of Decree (Laylat al-Qadr), as was authentically reported from some…
- 5
Does masturbation invalidate I'tikaf? And is it obligatory to make up for a spoiled I'tikaf? And what is the indication that shifted the Prophet's — may Allah's prayers and peace be upon him — making up for his I'tikaf from obligation to recommendation?
A wet dream by a person in i'tikaf does not affect the validity of their i'tikaf. However, masturbation, according to scholars, invalidates i'tikaf. Madhy…
- 6
Is it better for a woman to perform I'tikaf during the last ten days [of Ramadan], or to stay in her home if she is not responsible for anyone and feels that she has done nothing during Ramadan and wishes to mend her heart and attain rewards?
The servant should pay attention to seasonal acts of worship, such as I'tikaf (spiritual retreat) in the last ten days of Ramadan. It is one of the greatest…
- 7
What should you do about I'tikaf after your menstrual period surprised you on the twenty-seventh day of the Last Ten Days, and after you learned that your continuation of I'tikaf in your room is not valid?
Scholars have agreed that a man's i'tikaf (seclusion in a mosque for worship) is only valid in a mosque. The majority of scholars hold that women are like men…
- 8
Is the husband entitled to observe Iʿtikāf for the entire month of Ramadan without the consent of his wives, given their need for him and his care for his children?
I'tikaf is a Sunnah, but it is not permissible for it to lead to neglecting religious obligations towards one's family, such as nursing one's wife or caring…
- 9
Is it permissible to resume I'tikaf during the last ten days of Ramadan after it has been interrupted by intercourse with one's wife?
It is permissible for you to perform I'tikaf (spiritual retreat) a second time in the last ten days of the same month; in fact, it is recommended, and it is…
- 10
Is it preferable to give Sadaqa during the last ten days of Ramadan, or is the excellence therein limited to spending the nights in prayer and remembrance?
A Muslim revives the last ten nights of Ramadan with prayer and remembrance. Charity in Ramadan is better than in other months. The virtue of good deeds…
Updated Sep 5, 2026