name [for that reason] (1), just as when Allah—Glorified [and Exalted] (2) is He—said:

{“There were in the city nine men who spread corruption in the land and did not set things right.”}

[Surah The Ants: 48]

it did not become necessary to shun the word “nine” altogether. Rather, Allah has praised what the word “ten” denotes in several passages (3), such as His words [Exalted, concerning the tamattu form of Hajj] (4):

{“Whoever cannot find an offering must fast three days during Hajj and seven upon returning—making ten days in all.”}

[Surah The Cow: 196] (5)

And the Exalted said:

{“We appointed for Moses thirty nights and completed them with ten, so the appointed time of his Lord amounted to forty nights.”}

[Surah The Heights: 142] (6)

And the Exalted said:

{“By the dawn, and by the ten nights.”}

[Surah The Dawn 1–2]

(* It is authentically established that “the Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—would enter seclusion for worship during the last ten days of Ramadan until Allah took him in death” (7). Regarding the Night of Decree, he said: (“Seek it during the last ten nights.” *) (8)

It is also authentically established that the Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—said (9) (“There are no days during which righteous deeds are more beloved