“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.”
Translation of the Holy Qur’an 2:183
This verse highlights the obligation of fasting during Ramadan and emphasizes its purpose: to cultivate righteousness and piety among believers.
Ramadan is traditionally divided into three segments known as ashra, each lasting ten days. The first ashra, the Days of Mercy, emphasizes seeking Allah’s mercy and forgiveness, encouraging us to reflect on our actions and cultivate compassion. The second ashra, the Days of Forgiveness, focuses on repentance and mending relationships, inviting us to seek forgiveness for our sins and reconcile with others. Finally, the third ashra, the Days of Refuge from Hellfire, is a time of heightened worship, where we strive for Allah’s protection and seek the blessings of Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Decree, which holds immense spiritual significance. Each ashra offers unique opportunities for spiritual growth and connection with our faith.
The First 10 Days – Mercy
In the first ten days, known as the Days of Mercy, we focus on seeking Allah’s mercy and forgiveness. This period invites us to reflect on our relationship with Allah and to earnestly seek His compassion. It emphasizes the importance of mercy in our faith, reminding us that Allah is the Most Merciful and Forgiving. We are encouraged to acknowledge our shortcomings and seek forgiveness for our past actions. To make the most of these days, we can engage in increased prayer, particularly voluntary prayers like Tahajjud, set a goal to read or listen to the Quran daily while reflecting on its teachings, and make personal supplications for mercy for ourselves and our loved ones. Acts of charity are also vital, as we can donate to local charities or help those in need, emphasizing our commitment to community support. Additionally, we should take time for self-reflection, outlining our personal and spiritual goals for the month ahead.
The Second 10 Days – Forgiveness
As we move into the second ten days, the Days of Forgiveness, our focus shifts to repentance and making amends for our sins and shortcomings. This period encourages us to engage in introspection and highlights the belief that Allah is always ready to forgive those who sincerely seek it. We are reminded of the importance of mending broken relationships and seeking reconciliation. During these days, we can participate in nightly Taraweeh prayers, reach out to friends and family to resolve any misunderstandings, volunteer at local organizations to assist those in need, explore Islamic literature on forgiveness, and keep a journal to document our personal reflections and lessons learned throughout the month.
The Last 10 Days – Salvation from the Hellfire
The final ten days, known as the Days of Refuge from Hellfire, are devoted to seeking refuge from Hellfire and striving for Paradise. This period is often regarded as the most spiritually intense, filled with a heightened sense of urgency in our worship. We seek Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Decree, which is believed to be better than a thousand months. This time serves as a powerful reminder of the transient nature of life and the importance of preparing for the Hereafter. In these last ten days, we should intensify our worship by increasing our prayers and Quran recitations, engage in extra prayers during the odd-numbered nights in hopes of finding Laylat al-Qadr, make significant charitable donations, consider spending time in I’tikaf at a mosque for focused worship and reflection, and practice gratitude by acknowledging our blessings through prayer and good deeds.
Throughout Ramadan, we also embrace several general recommendations to enhance our experience. We observe the fast from dawn until sunset, sharing Iftar meals with family and friends to strengthen our community bonds. Maintaining a balanced diet during Suhoor and Iftar is crucial for our health and well-being, ensuring we stay nourished and hydrated. We can attend educational lectures on Islamic teachings to deepen our understanding of the significance of Ramadan and set personal goals for spiritual growth and community involvement.
By immersing ourselves in the themes of each ten-day segment, we can maximize our spiritual growth and fully embrace the blessings of this holy month together.
