Ramadan-Ul-Mubarak: The Three Ashras of Mercy, Forgiveness, and Salvation

RAMADAN MUBARAK

THE blessed month of Ramadan has arrived—a time of immense spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and devotion to Allah (SWT). This sacred month is divided into three Ashras (ten-day segments), each with a unique focus:

• The first Ashra emphasizes Allah’s mercy (Rahmat).
• The second Ashra is a period for seeking forgiveness (Maghfirat).
• The third Ashra is dedicated to seeking salvation (Nijat) from Hellfire.

First Ashra of Ramadan – Days of Mercy (Ashrah-E-Rahmat)

The first ten days of Ramadan are known as the Days of Mercy. During this period, believers seek Allah’s boundless compassion, as His mercy encompasses all His creations.

1. Allah’s Infinite Mercy

The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “When the first night of Ramadan arrives, the devils and rebellious jinn are chained, the doors of Hell are closed and not a single one remains open, while the doors of Paradise are opened and not a single one remains closed. And a caller announces: ‘O seeker of good, proceed! O seeker of evil, stop!’” (Tirmidhi). This Hadith highlights how Allah’s special mercy calls upon His servants, urging them to repent and reform their lives.

2. Increasing Good Deeds

During this Ashra, Muslims are encouraged to increase their acts of worship, as good deeds are rewarded manifold. These include:

1. Performing Salah (prayers) with devotion.
2. Reciting and reflecting on the Holy Quran.
3. Seeking forgiveness and sending blessings upon the Prophet (SAW).
4. Helping the needy through charity and kindness.
5. Engaging in Dhikr (remembrance of Allah).

3. Special Supplication for the First Ashra

“O my Lord, forgive me and have mercy on me, for You are the best of the merciful.” (Hadith)

4. Responsibilities during the Days of Mercy

• Seek Allah’s mercy with sincerity and humility.
• Strive for self-improvement and positive transformation.
• Repent sincerely and commit to a righteous path.
• Encourage family and friends to engage in acts of goodness.

By embracing these ten days with devotion and humility, we can attain Allah’s boundless mercy and blessings.

Second Ashra of Ramadan – Days of Forgiveness (Ashrah-E-Maghfirat)

The second Ashra (11th to 20th day of Ramadan) is known as the Ashra of Forgiveness. It is a time to acknowledge our human imperfections, sincerely repent for past mistakes, and seek Allah’s infinite mercy.

1. Seeking Allah’s Forgiveness

Allah is Al-Ghaffar (The Most Forgiving) and Al-Raheem (The Most Merciful). He assures us in the Quran: “And whoever does a wrong or wrongs himself but then seeks forgiveness of Allah will find Allah Forgiving and Merciful.” (Quran 4:110)

2. Intensified Worship and Reflection
3. Perform additional (Nafl) Salah for forgiveness.
4. Engage in Quran recitation and Dhikr (remembrance of Allah).
5. Reflect on past mistakes and make a sincere intention to reform.

3. Special Supplication for the Second Ashra

“I seek forgiveness from Allah, my Lord, for all my sins, and I turn to Him in repentance.”

4. Good Deeds That Earn Forgiveness

One of the best ways to seek Allah’s forgiveness is through acts of kindness, such as:

• Helping the poor and orphans.
• Feeding the hungry and providing iftar to those fasting.
• Supporting the needy in their hardships.

The second Ashra reminds us that Allah’s doors of forgiveness are always open—we simply need to seek it with sincerity.

Third Ashra of Ramadan – Days of Salvation (Ashrah-E-Nijat)

The last ten days of Ramadan (21st to 30th) are the most sacred and spiritually significant. This phase is known as the Ashra of Salvation from Hellfire.

1. Seeking Salvation from Hellfire

This is the final opportunity in Ramadan to:

• Intensify worship and devotion.
• Seek Allah’s forgiveness with sincerity.
• Pray for protection from Hellfire.

The Prophet Muhammad (SAW)said: “Allah sets free from Hellfire certain people every night in Ramadan.” (Tirmidhi)

2. The Power of Laylat-ul-Qadr

The third Ashra includes Laylat-ul-Qadr (The Night of Decree), which is better than a thousand months. Worship performed on this night equals 83 years of devotion. The Prophet (PBUH) instructed believers to seek Laylat-ul-Qadr on the last ten odd nights (21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th night).

3. Special Supplication for the Third Ashra

“O Allah! Save us from the Hellfire.”

4. I’tikaf (Spiritual Retreat)

Many Muslims dedicate themselves entirely to worship during the last ten days through I’tikaf, spending time in the mosque for:

1. Deep spiritual reflection.
2. Increased devotion to Allah.
3. Seeking maximum blessings and forgiveness.

Conclusion

The three Ashras of Ramadan offer a structured approach to spiritual purification:

• First Ashra (Mercy) – Seek Allah’s compassion and blessings.
• Second Ashra (Forgiveness) – Repent for sins and seek purification.
• Third Ashra (Salvation) – Pray for eternal success and protection from Hellfire.

As we progress through Ramadan, our worship should intensify, focusing on:

1. Self-purification and repentance.
2. Generosity and charity.
3. Sincere devotion to Allah (SWT).

As we embark on this spiritual journey, let us embrace its blessings through sincere worship, charity, and gratitude. Ramadan Mubarak to you and your loved ones! May Allah (SWT) accept our fasts, prayers, and good deeds. May Allah grant us the ability to seek His mercy, earn His forgiveness, and secure salvation.

Ameen!

(Author can be reached at: [email protected])