When Exactly Do the Last 10 Days of Ramadan Start?

In the Islamic calendar, there is a month dedicated to increased acts of worship to strengthen Muslims' connection to Allah (SWT) and devote themselves to their faith. This month is known as Ramadan and is the holiest month of the year. Muslims worldwide partake in increasing various acts of worship, such as charity, prayer and reading the Quran. Alongside this, Ramadan is a time for fasting throughout the month and is a key act of worship for Muslims to fulfil. Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam, known as Sawm, and is mainly practised during the holy month. This is because it helps to purify a Muslim’s heart and soul to renew their spirituality and gain forgiveness from Allah (SWT). Ramadan is all about growing spiritually and creating a fresh start by building resilience, focusing on Islam and good deeds and stepping into the shoes of those less fortunate to create a sense of gratitude for the blessings many have in life.

During the holy month, Muslims can earn multiplied rewards for their devotion to Allah (SWT), particularly in the last 10 days. The final part of the month is a hugely important time because it acts as a final push of devotion that offers more immense rewards if believers further increase their acts of worship. However, it can be difficult to understand when the last 10 days of Ramadan start since Ramadan can start at different times every year in the Gregorian calendar. This is because the Islamic calendar uses the lunar cycle to determine the year and months, which changes the date of each month as there are fewer days in a lunar year than in a solar year. Due to this, Ramadan always begins approximately 10 days earlier than the previous year, depending on when the crescent moon is sighted.

What Are the Final 10 Days of Ramadan?

The final 10 days of Ramadan are known as Laylat al-Qadr or the Night of Power. This is a spiritually significant time because it’s when important Islamic history occurred. Because of this, the last 10 days are even more rewarding than the entire month and even the entire year! These final days of the holy month are when the Angel Jibril came down to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to reveal the first verses of the Quran. This began Islam as we know it today and helped to build the first ummah with the word of Allah (SWT). Due to this historical event, the last 10 days of the month are steeped in great significance and rewards for Muslims. Laylat al-Qadr is believed to hold rewards that are greater than a thousand months and is stated to occur on one of the odd-numbered nights. Muslims must seek the Night of Power throughout the final 10 days of Ramadan to earn these rewards, meaning they should further increase their acts of worship.

“We have indeed revealed this in the ‘Night of Power’. And what will explain to you what the Night of Power is? The Night of Power is better than a thousand months. Therein come down the angels and the Spirit by Allah’s permission, on every errand.” [Al-Qadr 1-5].  

The Importance of the Last 10 Days of Ramadan

These last 10 days of Ramadan are very important because of the powerful rewards they hold for increased acts of worship. They are more powerful than the rest of the month and every other month in the Islamic year. The Night of Power holds the power to give believers blessings and rewards that are greater than a thousand months, allowing them to please Allah (SWT) and stay dedicated to Him toward the end of a challenging yet rewarding month. Ramadan and the last 10 days take Muslims on a spiritual journey of renewal and devotion to Islam, helping them to reconnect with their faith and Allah (SWT) through acts of worship like prayer and fasting.

Laylat al-Qadr means decree and honour, making it a night of honour. This is why many believers need to dedicate their efforts more than they do throughout the month of Ramadan to receive multiplied blessings. It’s a night of devotion that offers great spiritual rewards during these days. Muslims spend their time in more acts of worship, reflection and seeking forgiveness, so that they can gain rewards equal to a thousand months.

A few Muslims take their worship even further by following in the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). They perform I’tikaf during the 10 last days of Ramadan just like the Prophet (PBUH) would do. He would go to the mosque for uninterrupted devotion to Allah (SWT) and spend time performing acts of Dhikr, making dua and reading the Quran, which many Muslims will partake in as well.

When Do the Last 10 Days of Ramadan Start?

The last 10 days of Ramadan start at different times every year due to the Islamic year being based on the lunar cycle and not the solar cycle, like the Gregorian calendar. This means that every year, the beginning of Laylat al-Qadr falls around 10 days earlier than the previous year. So, it’s ideal to check closer to Ramadan when the month will start to work out when the last 10 days will fall.

The Night of Power is believed to fall on one of the odd-numbered nights, which means it can be on the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or 29th night of Ramadan. Many Muslims believe that this powerful night falls on the 27th night, but it’s best to increase acts of worship across all the final 10 days of Ramadan to seek Laylat al-Qadr and earn immense rewards.

When Does the Last 10 Nights of Ramadan Start in 2026?

So, when does the last 10 nights of Ramadan start in 2026? The start of the last 10 nights all depend on when the holy month begins in 2026. Ramadan is expected to start on the night of the 17th February. This can change closer to the time, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon. As the start of the month is around the 17th February, this means that the last 10 days of Ramadan are expected to fall around the 10th March. This date is expected to be the 21st night of the holy month, but it can change depending on the moon sighting.

For a more accurate timeline for Ramadan and the last 10 days, it’s best to check closer to the time to understand when you can receive the immense rewards.

Why Give to Those in Need on the 10 Last Days of Ramadan?

The 10 last days of Ramadan act as a final push for Muslims to finish the month with strengthened faith and connection to Allah (SWT), as well as cleansing their sins and gaining renewal to start afresh with their faith. This means that the last 10 days are made for believers to spend even more time in worship and carrying out good deeds. Because of this, these last days of the holy month are one of the most powerful times in the Islamic calendar to give to the poor. Charity is a highly rewarded act of worship in Islam, with many different types of giving that are a Muslim’s duty to perform during their life. Some forms of giving are voluntary and others are mandatory, but each type is highly encouraged to redistribute wealth, help those less fortunate and build gratitude for the blessings Muslims with wealth have in life. This is why regular charity is often done during Ramadan, especially in the last 10 nights. Many believers give Zakat (mandatory charity) during this time due to the multiplied rewards that they can’t receive at any other time of the year. However, any form of charity can earn believers rewards; it’s just a perfect time to fulfil an obligation for many.

Sadaqah (voluntary charity) is highly encouraged during the final 10 days of Ramadan to help the poor with basic necessities they need to survive, while allowing the giver to earn immense rewards. There’s also Zakat al-Fitr, another mandatory charity, that helps the poor celebrate Eid al-Fitr once Ramadan has finished, spreading joy to everyone through vital sustenance.

Donate to UKIM in the Last 10 Days of Ramadan

At UK Islamic Mission, our team strive to provide essential aid to those affected by crises in Gaza and other areas around the world. Your charity in Ramadan can help us deliver life-saving aid to those in need and make a meaningful impact on so many lives that are facing escalating violence. With your generosity, our team provides the people of Gaza (as well as other areas) vital medical support, fuel for hospitals, essential food and clothing and ambulances. On top of this, during Ramadan, we use your charity to provide bread to Gaza for the holy month to help give sustenance and end their hunger, helping them to survive.

Donate during Ramadan to provide hope, relief and healing to countless lives.