Let's start our topic with a question. What is the meaning of 'special' in your life? What days have been special to you, your family, or even to your community? The answer may vary from mere personal occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, etc. to more public ones such as New Year's Eve, Easters, or any National Day. The same is true about every religion, culture, or society. Different days of the year have different meanings in every religious community; such as Laylatul Qadr for Muslims. 

Everything that the Almighty God has created is Noble

 "(He) Who perfected everything which He created" (Quran 32:7) 

 "…So whichever way you turn, there is the face of Allah! Allah is indeed all-bounteous, all-knowing." Quran (2:115)

"There is nothing in existence but beauty, for God created the cosmos only in His image, that is, in the image of His infinite beauty." Ibn Arabi [i], [1]& [2].

This does not, however, mean that all creatures are the same! Can river stones be equal to those of precious pearls in the oceans? The world is the world of differences, and that actually makes it delightful and adventurous. This is also manifested in people's different languages and colors, which is a sign of Allah's balanced and sophisticated creation.  

"And of His signs is … the diversity of your languages and your colors. Indeed in that are signs for those of knowledge" (Quran 30:22)

If every stone were like a pearl would have the pearl had the same value that it has now? How about the days of the year? God is indeed in All Days, but again this is God's plan for us to value specific days or nights more than others. The Islamic Holy scripture refers to a night that has the value as equal to a thousand months, called Laylatul Qadr, the Night of Decree. Likewise, the month of Ramadan or that of Dhul Hijja has special significance in Islam during which distinct rituals and etiquettes are prescribed for Muslims.  What is it that really makes them unique? For that, we will have to take a look at Islamic resources. 

Which Days or Nights Are Superior in Islam?

As indicated earlier, certain nights and days are adored in Islamic culture.

In a week, Friday does not only mark the weekend, but it has a special meaning for Muslims. The Surah "al-Juma" in the Quran declares the importance of the Friday prayer that is a congregational prayer held at Friday noon, and it is also referred to as the "the pilgrimage of the poor" in Islamic traditions. 'Forgiveness of sins,' 'reduction of the difficulties in the Day of Judgment,' and 'great rewards for every step to the place of the Friday prayer' are only a scratch over the surface of the benefits of this ritual for those who attend it [3]. 

In a year, the three months of Rajab, Shaban, and Ramadan are highly appreciated. It is narrated that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP) has said: "Indeed Rajab is the month of Allah, while Shaban is my month and Ramadan is the month of my community" [4]. Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was revealed to the Prophet (PBUH&HP). It is also the month of fasting for Muslims [5]. 

In a grand tradition, the Prophet (PBUH&HP) narrates that Allah (SWT) said: "Fasting is for me, and I am the one who rewards for it" [6], "The gates of the fire are closed (in this month), so ask your Lord not to open them and Satans are in chains. So ask your Lord not to dominate them over you." This month is the best month in the sight of Allah, its days are the best, its nights are the best nights and its hours are the best hours… your breath in it (the month of Ramadan) is glorification (of God), and your sleep in it is worship" [7].

The Night of Decree (Laylatul Qadr) 

Moreover, it is in this month that the Night of Decree (Laylatul Qadr) is celebrated. A night that is regarded as equal to a thousand months, and it is when humankind's destiny is decreed for the coming year. It was on this night that the Holy Quran was revealed to the Prophet [8]. Indeed, Ramadan is the best month, and the Night of Qadr (Decree) is its heart. Believers stay awake the entire night and pray for blessings and forgiveness. It is the holiest night of the year, and it would be unwise to be heedless of the tremendous benefits of this night. It is a grand opportunity that God has gifted us with; there is a night that our whole year is decreed and if praying that night, we can ask Him to bless us with a year full of the happiness, the spirituality, the health and the success and whatever good we want in our lives. That's how God gives us the chance to rebuild our destiny, and a new beginning of our spiritual calendars, to ask forgiveness for the sins we have committed in the past year while praying for a better fate in the coming year.

The above briefly indicates how some days, months, and nights are special in Islam. The question now remains how we are going to use them and benefit from them.  When we are invited to such a special feast undoubtedly, we have to get prepared and plan for it; otherwise, we gain nothing but regret.

That's the beauty of having faith. Your days and nights are not equal. Each and every one of them has their own distinct meanings. It makes the spiritual journey of a servant sweeter and more enjoyable. He/she has always something to do to get closer to His Lord.

Notes:

[i] An Arab Andalusian Muslim scholar, mystic, poet, and philosopher, whose works have grown to be very influential. 

References:

1.  Claude Addas, The Experience and Doctrine of Love in Ibn Arab, http://www.ibnarabisociety.org/addas1.html 
2. William C. Chittick, The Divine Roots of Human Love,
3. divine roots
4.  Al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 86, p. 197, Al-Shaykh al-Saduq, Man la yahduruh al-faqih, vol. 1, p. 427, Nuri, 
5.  Al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 104, p. 123.
6. The Quran 2:183&5
7. Shaykh al-Hurr al-Amili, Wasā'il al-Shi'ah, vol. 10, p.400.
8. Al-Shaykh al-Saduq, Al-Amāli, p.95.
9. The Quran, Chapter 97th. 

1. Observe Justice

If you observe justice about yourself, you will be trusted in judging others.
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.2, p.146.

2. The time of Injustice and Treachery

At a time when you see nothing but injustice and treachery, trusting anyone (unheedingly) brings wretchedness. 
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.357. 

3. Constant Calamities 

Following a calamity after another is the herald of liberation from them.
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.357.

4. Investing Your Trust

Do not invest your trust fully on your friend, since if you fail and lose everything because of dedicating all your love and trust to one person, you could hardly survive its disastrous outcomes.  
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.357.

5. Islam, Faith, Assurance 

Islam is the basis on which faith is founded, and then on faith, assurance is built. People hardly reach the last level, that is assurance. 
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.358.

6. This World

Losing your heart to this world brings you pain and grief while being indifferent and pious to it brings peace to your heart and soul. 
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.358.

7. Three Characteristics of a Believer 

The believer finds righteousness in three characteristics: a deep understanding of the religion, avoiding excessiveness in life, and forbearing the hardships. 
 Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.358.

8. Allah's Blessings 

Allah bestows His blessings upon a group of people, and it is turned into burdens on them due to their ingratitude; yet, He inflicts others with calamities, and they turn into blessings due to their forbearance. 
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.359.

9. How to Treat Your Family according to Imam Sadiq (AS)

Whoever does good to his family, Allah prolongs his life. 
 Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.8, p.219. 

10. Making Friends

Meet and make friends with someone who elevates and honors you, not the one whose only purpose is to benefit from you and is pretentious. 
Al-Hurr al-Amili, Wasa'il al-Shia, Vol.11, p.412. 

11. Greetings 

Saying hello is a recommended act (Mustahab) while responding to it is obligatory (Wajib). 
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.360.

12. Be Resistant 

Whoever manifests resistance at times of anger, greed, fear, and lust, Allah will protect his/her body against the fire of hell. 
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.361.

13. Well-being 

Well-being is a less valued blessing; it is forgotten when one is blessed with it, yet it will be reminded of as soon as it is gone. 
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.361.

14. Comfort and Hardship

In comfort, Allah blesses you with His beneficence and excellence, and in hardship, the chance of purging [from your sins]. 
 Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.361.

15. Water 

Do not pollute the water that people need. 
Abu Ja'far Muhammad Ibn Hasan Tusi, Tahdhib al-Ahkam, vol.1, p.185.

16. Moderation

Allah loves moderation and hates wastefulness.
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.4, p.52.

17. Wastefulness 

The least act of wastefulness is throwing away the remaining of [food or drink].
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.6, p.460.

18. The Weather 

If the weather were always bright and sunny, the earth would turn dry, and the plants would burn off the heat; the water in lakes and rivers would go down, and people would suffer; the weather would be hot and dry, and an unknown kind of sickness would emerge. 
 Mohammad-Baqer Majlesi, Bihar al-Anwar, vol.3, p.125.

19. Muslim Friends 

Between two Muslim friends, the one that loves the other is the better one.
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.3, p.193.

20.The Elderly and Children 

Respect the elderly and be kind to the children.
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.2, p.165.

21. A Joyful Life 

Life is joyful with three things: clean air, plentiful and pure water, and a soft land [ready for planting]. 
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.320.

22.Washing Hands

Wash your hands before and after eating. 
Ahmad b. Muhammad b. Khalid al-Barqi, Al-Mahasin, vol.1, p.425.

23. Be Careful About What You Wear

Do not wear clothes that attract much attention, neither clothes, which debases you. 
Muhammadi Reyshahri, Mizan al-Hikma, hadith no. 18080. 

24. Brush Your Teeth

Brushing teeth is among the manners of prophets.
Muhammadi Reyshahri, Mizan al-Hikma, hadith no. 9053.

25. On Expressing Your Opinions 

Do not be the first person who expresses his/her opinion when asking for a consult and avoid suggesting naïve views. 
Muhammadi Reyshahri, Mizan al-Hikma, hadith no. 9868.

26. Paying the Wages of a Worker 

Pay the workers' wages before their sweats are dried [ i.e., right after they have finished their work]. 
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.5, p.289.

27. Manners toward Your Teacher 

Be humble in the presence of the one from whom you learned a knowledge.
 Abu Ja'far Muhammad Ibn Hasan Tusi, Tahdhib al-Ahkam, vol.2, p.36.

28. Justice in Imam Sadiq (AS)'s Words 

Justice is more pleasant than the water, which is offered to a thirsty person.
 Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.5, p.289.

29. A piece of Advice for Industrialists

Every industrialist has to master three characteristics for his/her work to flourish; he/she has to be expert in his/her job, has to be reliable and meet their superior managers' demands. 
Mohammad-Baqer Majlesi, Bihar al-Anwar, vol.78, p.236.

30. People's Needs 

People need three things; security, justice, and welfare. 
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.320.

31. A Father's Best Legacy 

A father's best legacy for his children is manners, not wealth.
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.8, p.150.

32. Planning 

Planning shapes half of your life. 
Al-Shaykh al-Saduq, Al-Khisal, p.221.

33. Teenagers 

Take care of teenagers since they are more open to absorbing goodness and virtues.
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.8, p.93.

34. Books 

There will be chaotic days when people would not find peace unless within their books.
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.1, p.52.

35. Agriculture 

Agriculture is a precious wealth. 
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.5, p.261.

36. Strengthening Ties 

Strengthen your ties with each other, be kind and generous to each other. 
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.2, p.175.

37. Help Each other 

Any believer who solves another believer's problem, Allah will lift seventy of his/her difficulties in this world and the hereafter. 
Mirza Husayn Nuri, Mustadrak al-wasa'il, vol.12, p.413.

38. Fruit Trees 

Do not cut fruit trees, or you will be inflicted with Allah's torment. 
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.5, p.294.

39. The Best Friend 

My favorite friend is the one who bestows me my faults.
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.366. 

40. Earn Halal Income 

Whoever wishes his/her prayers to be granted, should strive to earn Halal income. 
Mohammad-Baqer Majlesi, Bihar al-Anwar, vol.93, p.373.