Building a Long-Term Spiritual Growth: Divine Mercy in Ramadan First Ashra

Ramadhan holds an unparalleled significance in the lives of the Muslims. It is a perfect time for them to earn the pleasure of Allah.

Ramadhan Foster Connection to Allah:

‌The holy month gives the believers a chance to develop every aspect of their lives, with its marked characteristics of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. These acts help them in fostering a deeper connection to Allah.

The First Ashra of Ramadhan: Mercy and Blessing

‌The concept of mercy, or Rahmah, is a central part of our religion (Deen). The mercy of Allah prevails over His wrath. The first third of the fasting month gives the Muslims a better chance to foster that mercy. It provides them plenty of opportunities to seek and earn the blessings of Almighty Allah. Known as the Ashra of mercy and blessing, the initial ten days of Ramadan are like a foundation to set the tone for fasting. This is a time for spiritual growth and self-purification. Here, the believers have an opportunity to change their habits and carry on with it through the month and then into the rest of the year. Hence, they can build a long-term spiritual growth and earn the pleasure of Allah Almighty during this particular time. 

‌Core Acts of Worship of the First Ashra:

‌Besides fasting and five times daily Salah (prayer) with concentration and humility, we complement it with other acts of worship like offering the Sunnah prayers or participating in Tarawih, which is fundamental to Ramadhan. The Holy Prophet Muhammadﷺ said: “Whoever prays at night in Ramadan out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.” [Bukhari]. We should regularly evaluate our worship and adjust our schedule as and when needed. We must be mindful of signs that Allah’sﷻ mercy is all about us and is reaching us. We should increase ease in our worship, and avail ourselves of the opportunities for good deeds, or positive changes in our character. These signs will of course motivate us to strive harder in worship.

‌Develop a Stronger Connection with the Holy Qur’an:

‌We must develop a stronger connection with the holy Qur’an than ever before. Set aside our specific times for recitation, we should have understanding and reflection of the Qur’an. The Prophet Muhammadﷺ increased his recitation of the holy Qur'an during Ramadhan, and Jibreel عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ would review the book with him. We should go beyond mere recitation to its meanings, and implementation of its teachings in our daily lives. Making Du’a is a powerful way of seeking Allah’sﷻ mercy. The Prophet Muhammadﷺ said: “Supplication is worship itself.” [Abu Dawud]. We should make it a habit to make sincere Du’a after each prayer, and particularly during the last third of the night, and while fasting. Du’as are a powerful weapon and more likely accepted during these times.

‌Giving in charity opens the doors to Allah’sﷻ mercy:

‌Our holy Prophet Muhammadﷺ was most generous during Ramadan, and we should follow his example. Whereas, charity comes in many forms. It isn’t just monetary helping others, feeding the fasting, supporting your family, and even smiling at your brother are all beloved forms of charity to Allahﷻ. The holy Prophetﷺ said: “Your smiling in the face of your brother is charity, commanding good and forbidding the evil is charity, your giving directions to a man lost in the land is charity. Seeing for a man with bad sight is a charity, removal of a rock, a thorn or a bone from the road or a way is charity. Pouring what remains from your bucket into the bucket of your brother is charity.” [Tirmidhi]. Planting a tree and seeing it bear fruit is also considered an act of charity (sadaqah jariyah) in Islam because it provides sustenance and benefits to living beings and earning ongoing rewards for the planter. 

‌Strengthening the Community and Family Bonds:

The first ten days are the perfect time to strengthen bonds with your family and community. Visit your relatives, mend broken relationships for the sake of Allahﷻ, and support your local Masajid. The Prophet Muhammadﷺ said that whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day of judgment should maintain good relations with their kinfolk [Bukhari]. The companions of the Prophet Muhammadﷺ would reportedly prepare for Ramadan six months in advance, then spend the following six months praying for its acceptance. They understood that success in Ramadan requires serious preparation and follow-through. Their example teaches us the importance of taking full advantage of these blessed days from the very beginning.

‌Dua for the first Ashra is:

‌وَقُل رَّبِّ اغْفِرْ وَارْحَمْ وَأَنتَ خَيْرُ الرَّاحِمِينَ

‌“O! My Lord forgives and have Mercy and You are the Best of Merciful” [Quran 23:118]