Closer to the end

..of Ramadhan, that is. I was on my way home from work yesterday, when i tuned into IKIM and the topic that was discussed was on the last 10 days. In this holy month, the remaining 10 days brings 1 night of blessings. 1 magical night, where it is quoted all your ibadahs in this night are similar to 1000 months of your life (83 years plus)!. The radio show invited an usrah group to talk about their efforts in staying up for these last 10 nights. While these are still fresh in my mind (Dr Fadzilah Kamsah says new brain input must be tested/rehearsed within 12 hours), i am going to jot down in points for my own recollection and deep thoughts.

• In 365 days of a year, Allah SWT only 'seek' us Muslim to 10 nights of qiam. And in these 10 hours of a night, only one third would be enough. That would be 3hours.
• This is the only month we've prayed and hoped for, for we believe in its goodness. So why not make the most of every second?
• We need to change our current mindset - from spending these nights at Jalan TAR for last minute Raya prep, to get good rest so that we can wake up for qiam. One of the usrah members shared how she would push 'worldly activities' to the day. That seems doable, doesn't it?
• Most mosques organizing qiams would provide sahur as well, so there's no need to bring your own dishes. And i know mosque food never disappoints!
• Lailatul Qadr is the night where all your ibadah counts the most - it could be Quran recital, zikir and of course the solat sunat (hajat, taubat, etc)

 I thought of my parents, who in my single years, would left sahur food (and us three alone) to join the qiam. I wished i could rewind to these years, and join them as well. May Allah grant us the strength to fight off the devil's temptation and stay up for a bit, in this last week. Amin.