Ramadan is well underway as Muslims take part in fasting between early morning and sunset for 29 or 20 days until it’s all over and the next month (Shawwal) begins with the festivities of Eid ul Fitr.
The holy month of Ramadan is actually divided into three separate parts of ten days with each stage called an ashra, a word meaning ‘ten’ in Arabic. So what happens in the three ashras of Ramadan?
Each ashra has its own dua – a specific prayer that calls out to Allah – and Muslims are expected to recite this as well as practising specific activities linked to that particular stage of Ramadan.
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What people must do in first 10 days
The first ashra is called Rehmat, which means ‘mercy of Allah’. So these first ten days are also known as the Days of Mercy, when every Muslim is expected to seek mercy and blessings from Allah.
The dua for this part of the month is: ‘O My Lord forgive and have Mercy and you are the best of Merciful.’ Another similar prayer that can be said is: ‘O Ever Living, the Everlasting I seek your help through your Mercy.’
In line with these prayers and the meaning of this ashra, all Muslims should display mercy through acts of charity, by treating others well and helping people in need whenever they can. It could involve taking the time to visit or call family members and relatives you don’t normally see, showing kindness and compassion, doing good deeds, forgiving people’s mistakes and asking people to forgive you for any wrongs you’ve done to them.
