Three Stages of Ramadhan:

Ramadhan is a sacred month for the Muslims worldwide. It is a time for them to collect blessings, pray for forgiveness, and seek protection from Hellfire.

Physical and Spiritual Dimensions of Ramadhan: Three Ashras of Ramadhan

The holy month has been divided into three important parts. These parts of are called Ashras, with each part lasts ten days. The first Ashra is mercy, the second forgiveness, and the third salvation from the Hellfire. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) explained: “It (Ramadan) is the month, whose beginning is mercy, its middle, forgiveness and its end, emancipation from the fire.” –[Ibn Khuzaymah]. The holy month purifies the body and soul of the believers through these stages. During this time, it provides them an opportunity to structure their daily schedules centered around worship and make the most of the month by burning away their sins through devotion and purification.  

Practical Implementations for Success During Ramadan Ashras:

The three Ashras are a structured approach to spiritual purification. It is a time of blessings, mercy, and forgiveness. During each Ashra, the Muslims can seek blessings, forgiveness, and protection from Hellfire. Understanding each stage gives the faithful the best chance to get the maximum benefits out of Ramadhan. We must be prudent and consistent in it, because the Holy Prophet Muhammadﷺ taught us that Allahﷻ loves consistent deeds, even if they are small. We must focus on establishing sustainable habits to maintain throughout Ramadan and beyond by preparing an environment for success through removing distractions and ensuring appropriate spaces for worship. Breaking things down into practical steps makes us consistent in our Ibadah throughout these blessed days.

Duas for the 3 Ashras of Ramadhan:

Each Ashra of Ramadhan has specific Dua. The Muslims recite them for mercy, forgiveness, and protection:

Ramadan First Ashra- Mercy:

The first ten days of Ramadan are the days of Mercy and blessing. Every Muslim must seek Mercy and Blessings of Almighty Allah.

1. 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]

Ramadan Second Ashra- Forgiveness:

The second 10 days of Ramadan (11th to 20th) consists of the Ashra of forgiveness. Here the believers must seek the forgiveness of Allah Almighty and regret for all their mistakes.

2. Dua for second Ashra is:

أسْتَغْفِرُ اللهَ رَبي مِنْ كُلِ ذَنبٍ وَأتُوبُ إلَيهِ

“I ask forgiveness of my sins from Allah who is my Lord and I turn towards Him.”

Ramadan Third Ashra- Safety:

The third Ashra starts on the 21st of Ramadan and ends on 29th or 30th, according to the moon. It is known as Safety from Hell (Nijat). Every Muslim must pray for safety from Hellfire. This Ashra is very important and superior. The Night of Power (Lailatul Qadar) also falls in this Ashra. Many Muslims practice Aitkaf (seclusion for prayers) in this Ashra and try to maximize their prayers.

As stated in Quran:

“We sent it (Quran) down on a blessed Night. Verily, We are ever warning. Therein (in that Night) is decreed every matter of ordainment. Amran (i.e. a command or this Quran or His Decree of every matter) from Us. Verily, We are ever sending (the Messenger) (As) a Mercy from your Lord.” [Quran 44: 3-6]

3. Dua of third Ashra is:

ﺍﻟﻠﻬﻢ ﺃﺟﺮﻧﺎ ﻣﻦ ﺍﻟﻨﺎﺭ

"O Allah, save me from the fire of Hell"

FAQs on the Stages of Ramadan:

Here are five Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the stages of Ramadan:
1. What are the three stages of Ramadan?
The three stages of Ramadan are:

• Rahmah (Mercy) – The first 10 days, where Allah’s mercy is abundant.

• Maghfirah (Forgiveness) – The middle 10 days, focused on seeking Allah’s forgiveness.

• Najah (Salvation from Hellfire) – The last 10 days, emphasizing freedom from Hell and the search for Laylatul Qadr.

2. Why are the last 10 days of Ramadan so important?
The last 10 days of Ramadan are crucial because they include Laylatul Qadr (The Night of Decree), a night that is better than 1,000 months. It is a time for increased worship, dua, and seeking Allah’s forgiveness.
3. What should I focus on during each stage of Ramadan?

• First 10 days: Strengthen your connection with Allah and show gratitude.

• Middle 10 days: Intensify repentance and seek forgiveness.

• Last 10 days: Engage in night prayers, perform i’tikaf (seclusion in the mosque), and search for Laylatul Qadr.

4. How do I prepare for the last 10 nights of Ramadan?

• Increase Quran recitation and dhikr.

• Pray Taraweeh and Tahajjud more regularly.

• Make a list of duas and seek forgiveness.

• If possible, perform i’tikaf in a mosque.

5. What is the significance of Laylatul Qadr?
Laylatul Qadr is the night when the Quran was revealed and is better than 1,000 months of worship. It is a night of immense blessings, where Allah decrees matters for the coming year. Worship on this night is highly rewarded, and sins can be forgiven.