(Ashras) of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is a time of profound spiritual significance for Muslims worldwide. This holy month, during which the Quran was revealed, is observed with fasting from dawn until sunset, increased prayer, and reflection. The beauty of Ramadan lies in its division into three stages, each encompassing ten days, and each stage comes with its own distinct spiritual focus and accompanying duas (supplications).
In this blog post, we will explore the three stages of Ramadan: Rahmah (Mercy), Maghfirah (Forgiveness), and Najat (Salvation), along with their importance and the specific duas associated with each stage.
Stage 1: Rahmah (Mercy) – The First Ten Days
Importance of Rahmah
The first ten days of Ramadan are dedicated to seeking the mercy of Allah. During this period, Muslims are encouraged to engage in acts of kindness, charity, and benevolence. The emphasis is on compassion and mercy, not only towards oneself but also towards others.
Mercy in Islam is a multifaceted concept. It encompasses the mercy Allah shows to His creation, as well as the mercy that believers are encouraged to show to one another. These initial ten days serve as a reminder of Allah’s infinite mercy and the importance of embodying this attribute in our daily lives.
Duas for Rahmah
During these ten days, Muslims frequently recite the following dua to seek Allah’s mercy:
رَبِّ اغْفِرْ وَارْحَمْ وَأَنْتَ خَيْرُ الرَّاحِمِينَ
“Rabbi ighfir warham wa anta khayrur rahimeen”
Translation: “My Lord, forgive and have mercy, for You are the best of those who show mercy.”
This dua is a humble plea for Allah’s forgiveness and mercy, acknowledging His supreme ability to bestow mercy upon His creation.
Another significant dua is:
اللَّهُمَّ رَحْمَتَكَ أَرْجُو فَلا تَكِلْنِي إِلَى نَفْسِي طَرْفَةَ عَيْنٍ وَأَصْلِحْ لِي شَأْنِي كُلَّهُ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ
“Allahumma rahmataka arju fala takilni ila nafsi tarfata ‘aynin wa aslih li sha’ni kullahu la ilaha illa anta”
Translation: “O Allah, I hope for Your mercy. Do not leave me in charge of my affairs even for the blink of an eye, and rectify all my affairs. There is no god but You.”
This dua reflects the believer’s complete reliance on Allah’s mercy and guidance, seeking His intervention in all aspects of life.
Reflection and Practice
During the first ten days, Muslims are encouraged to increase their acts of mercy towards others. This can be through charitable deeds, helping those in need, forgiving others, and showing compassion to all living beings. The focus is on cultivating a heart that mirrors the mercy of Allah, creating a ripple effect of kindness and benevolence in the community.
Stage 2: Maghfirah (Forgiveness) – The Second Ten Days
Importance of Maghfirah
The second ten days of Ramadan are dedicated to seeking forgiveness from Allah. This stage emphasizes introspection, repentance, and the purification of the soul from sins. It is a time to sincerely ask for Allah’s pardon and strive to amend one’s ways.
Forgiveness in Islam is a profound act of mercy from Allah. It is a chance for believers to start afresh, free from the burden of their past mistakes. This stage serves as a reminder that Allah’s forgiveness is vast, and no sin is too great to be forgiven if one sincerely repents.
Duas for Maghfirah
During these ten days, Muslims commonly recite the following dua to seek Allah’s forgiveness:
أَسْتَغْفِرُ اللّٰهَ رَبِّي مِنْ كُلِّ ذَنْبٍ وَأَتُوبُ إِلَيْهِ
“Astaghfirullaha rabbi min kulli dhambin wa atubu ilayh”
Translation: “I seek forgiveness from Allah, my Lord, from every sin I committed, and I turn to Him.”
This dua is a straightforward yet powerful plea for Allah’s forgiveness, reflecting sincere repentance and the intent to avoid sins in the future.
Another important dua is:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي
“Allahumma innaka afuwwun tuhibbul afwa fa’fu anni”
Translation: “O Allah, You are the Forgiver, You love to forgive, so forgive me.”
This dua highlights Allah’s love for forgiveness and the believer’s hope and trust in Allah’s mercy.
Reflection and Practice
During the second ten days, Muslims are encouraged to reflect on their actions, seek forgiveness for their wrongdoings, and make a concerted effort to rectify their mistakes. This period is about turning inward, acknowledging one’s flaws, and seeking to purify the heart and soul. The focus is on personal growth and spiritual cleansing, fostering a closer relationship with Allah through sincere repentance.
Stage 3: Ashra of Ramadan – Najat (Salvation) – The Last Ten Days
Importance of Najat
The last ten days of Ramadan are dedicated to seeking salvation and protection from the Hellfire. These days are considered the most spiritually significant, as they include Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree), which is believed to be the night when the Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Worship during Laylat al-Qadr is considered better than a thousand months of worship.
Watch Video: Importance And Duas Of Three Stages (Ashras) Of Ramadan
Salvation in Islam is the ultimate goal of every believer. It is the hope for eternal peace and happiness in the Hereafter, free from the punishment of the Hellfire. These final days of Ramadan serve as a reminder of the transient nature of life and the eternal nature of the Hereafter.
Duas for Najat
During these ten days, Muslims fervently recite the following dua to seek salvation and protection from the Hellfire:
للَّهُمَّ أَجِرْنِي مِنَ النَّارِ
“Allahumma ajirni minan naar”
Translation: “O Allah, save me from the Hellfire.”
This dua is a simple yet profound plea for Allah’s protection from the torment of the Hellfire, reflecting the believer’s ultimate hope for salvation.
Another significant dua for these days is:
“Allahumma inni as’aluka al-jannah wa a’udhu bika minan-naar”
Translation: “O Allah, I ask You for Paradise and seek refuge in You from the Hellfire.”
This dua encapsulates the believer’s ultimate aspiration for eternal peace in Paradise and protection from the eternal punishment of the Hellfire.
Reflection and Practice
During the last ten days, Muslims intensify their worship, engage in night prayers (Qiyam-ul-Lail), and seek Laylat al-Qadr with increased devotion. The focus is on maximizing one’s spiritual efforts, performing good deeds, and seeking Allah’s mercy, forgiveness, and protection from the Hellfire. This period is about striving for the highest level of spiritual purity and preparing oneself for the ultimate journey of the soul.
Conclusion
The journey through the three stages of Ramadan is a profound spiritual experience that encompasses seeking mercy, forgiveness, and salvation. Each stage serves as a stepping stone towards spiritual growth and closer communion with Allah. By understanding the significance of these stages and sincerely engaging in the accompanying duas, Muslims can fully embrace the transformative power of Ramadan.
Ramadan is not just a month of fasting; it is a time of self-reflection, self-purification, and spiritual elevation. It is a journey that starts with seeking Allah’s mercy, moves towards attaining His forgiveness, and culminates in the hope of achieving eternal salvation. As we navigate through these stages, we are reminded of Allah’s infinite mercy, boundless forgiveness, and the promise of salvation for those who strive in His path. May Allah accept our fasts, prayers, and supplications, and grant us His mercy, forgiveness, and salvation. Ameen.