Laylat al-Qadr and itikaf
The last ten nights: seeking the night, staying in the mosque, and what the sources say about both.
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.
SeasonRamadan
In this collection
- 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?
- 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?
- 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?
- 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?
- 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?
- 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?
- 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?
- 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?
- 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?
- 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?
Updated Sep 5, 2026