Muslims in Eastleigh anticipate night prayers marking last 10 days of Ramadan

As the sacred month of Ramadan nears its conclusion, Muslims in Eastleigh are preparing for a spiritual culmination.

Starting this Saturday, worshippers will begin performing tahajud prayers, signaling the beginning of the final 10 days of Ramadan. Anticipation runs high as mosques brace for an increase in the number of attendants, slated to begin from 3 am onward, eagerly engaging in nocturnal prayers.

Tahajud, meaning the vigil prayer, is traditionally observed during the latter third of the night, either in a congregation or individually. It serves as sincere prayers to the creator, epitomizing the heightened spiritual intensity characterizing the last ten days of Ramadan.

The epicenter of these last ten days is Lailatul Qadar, or the Night of Power, an occasion of profound significance in Islamic tradition. Believed to manifest on one of the odd nights – such as the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th of Ramadan – it holds unparalleled sanctity.

It's extremely sacred. Muslims believe it's more valuable than praying devoutly for a thousand months or 84 years.

The imminent transition into the final 10 days of Ramadan is poised to transform the rhythms of life.

The routine in Eastleigh will be greatly affected in these ten days, the streets will be full of people going or coming from the mosques, while shops, hotels and other businesses will be operating to accommodate the needs of the people.

During the day, the markets in Eastleigh will witness a surge in activity as thousands of shoppers will be purchasing clothes and other essentials for Eid celebrations.

There is excitement among the residents to take part in the night prayers, and most Friday's Khutbah (sermons) across mosques in Eastleigh.

Muslims were urged to greatly take part in the tahajud prayers by the Imams.

The holy month of Ramadan is expected to end on the 9th of April, as most Muslims will be celebrating Eid on the 10th, subject to the sighting of shawaal moon.

However, other Muslims might celebrate Eid a day later due to starting Ramadan one day after.