Surah Al-Fajr — Verse 2

Key Words and Their Meanings:

• وَلَيَالٍ عَشْرٍ (And ten nights): The ten nights referred to here are the first ten nights of the month of Dhul-Hijjah, the twelfth month of the Islamic lunar calendar.

Explanation of the Verse:

In this verse, Allah Almighty swears an oath by the ten nights — the first ten days and nights of Dhul-Hijjah. These are among the most blessed days of the year, days in which the sacred rites of Hajj (pilgrimage) are performed, and in which righteous deeds are beloved to Allah more than at any other time of the year. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days" (reported by Al-Bukhari).

The oath by these nights highlights their immense virtue and honour. Allah, the Exalted, swears by them not because He needs to swear, but to draw the attention of His servants to the greatness of these times, encouraging them to seize the opportunity for worship, repentance, and good deeds. These nights encompass the Day of Arafah, the greatest day of Hajj, and the Day of Sacrifice (Eid al-Adha), making them a season of mercy, forgiveness, and divine generosity.

A Da'wah Reflection:

Dear believer, reflect on the magnificence of these ten nights — a divine gift wrapped in mercy and blessings. In them, the gates of heaven are opened, supplications are answered, and sins are forgiven. Allah, in His infinite love, draws your attention to these precious moments so that you may draw closer to Him. Do not let these nights pass without standing in prayer, fasting, giving charity, and seeking forgiveness. Every act of goodness in these days is magnified beyond measure, for it is a season of grace that returns each year — a reminder that your Lord never leaves you without a door to approach Him. Seize this opportunity, and let your heart be filled with gratitude and devotion, for the One who swears by these nights is the Most Generous, eager to reward His servants abundantly.