THE FIRST ASHRA OF RAMDAAN
Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim.
بِسْمِ ٱللَّٰهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
(“in the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful”.)
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh .
السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ .
May the peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be with you.
Ramadan is the month of blessings, forgiveness, and mercy. It is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is observed by Muslims around the world. This month holds great significance as it is believed to be the month in which the Holy Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Ramadan is divided into three Ashras, each Ashra has its significance and importance.
The first Ashra of Ramadan is known as the Ashra of Mercy. It is the first ten days of Ramadan, during which Muslims seek forgiveness and mercy from Allah. This Ashra is considered the most significant of all the Ashras, as it sets the tone for the rest of Ramadan.
The importance of the first Ashra can be understood from a Hadith narrated by Abu Huraira: “The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: ‘When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of heaven are opened and the gates of hell are closed, and the devils are chained up.'” (Sahih Bukhari)
During the first Ashra, Muslims are encouraged to focus on seeking forgiveness and mercy from Allah. It is a time for repentance and introspection, to reflect on one’s deeds and seek Allah’s forgiveness. One of the most powerful ways to seek forgiveness is through Dua (supplication).
Muslims believe that during these ten days, the doors of heaven are open, and Allah showers his mercy and blessings upon the faithful. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized the importance of seeking forgiveness during this period and said, “Seek forgiveness from Allah, for He is Forgiving and Merciful. He loves forgiveness and loves those who seek forgiveness.” (Sunan Ibn Majah 3819)
Here is a Dua for seeking forgiveness during the first Ashra:
أسْتَغْفِرُ اللهَ الَّذِي لا إلَهَ إلَّا هُوَ الحَيُّ القَيُّومُ وَأتُوبُ إلَيهِ
Astaghfirullah al-ladhi la ilaha illa huwa al-Hayyu al-Qayyum wa atubu ilaih.
I seek the forgiveness of Allah, there is no god but Him, the Living, the Sustainer, and I repent to Him.
Here are some important dua and Quranic quotes related to the first Ashra of Ramadan:
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- Dua for the first Ashra of Ramadan:
يَا حَيُّ يَا قَيُّوْمُ بِرَحْمَتِكَ أَسْتَغِيْث
Transliteration: Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum! Bi rahmatika astagheeth
Translation: O Living and Eternal Maintainer! By Your mercy I seek help!
[Sunan Tirmidhi]
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- Quranic verse about seeking forgiveness:
وَأَنِّيْ هُوَ الْغَفُوْرُ الرَّحِيْمُ
Wa annee huwal ghafooru r-raheem.
And indeed, He is the Forgiving, the Merciful.
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- Dua for seeking Allah’s mercy:
اَللّٰهُمَّ ارْحَمْنِيْ بِرَحْمَتِكَ الَّتِيْ وَسِعَتْ كُلَّ شَيْءٍ
Allahumma arhamni bi rahmatika allati wasi’at kulla shay.
O Allah, have mercy on me with the mercy that encompasses all things.
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- Quranic verse about seeking mercy:
قُلْ يَا عِبَادِيَ الَّذِيْنَ أَسْرَفُوْا عَلَى أَنْفُسِهِمْ لَا تَقْنَطُوْا مِنْ رَّحْمَةِ اللَّهِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوْبَ جَمِيْعًا إِنَّهُ هُوَ الْغَفُوْرُ الرَّحِيْمُ
Qul ya ‘ibadiya al-ladhina asrafu ala anfusihim la taqnatu min rahmati Allahi, inn Allah ya’firudh-dhunuba jamiaan, innahu huwal-gafooru r-raheem.
Say, “O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.”
In conclusion, the first Ashra of Ramadan is a time for self-reflection and spiritual growth, where we can strengthen our relationship with Allah through worship and seeking forgiveness. We should strive to make the most of this opportunity and continue to uphold these practices throughout the rest of the holy month.
ALLAH KNOWS BEST.
-BLOG BY RAZA