01/03/2025
The Three Stages Of RAMADAN.
โ What is Ramadan ?
The word 'Ramadan' comes from the Arabic word for 'Parched Thirst' and 'Sun-Baked Ground.' It is meaningful of the hunger and thirst felt by those who spend the month in fasting and get the benefits from fasting. Ramadan is, by nature, a time of sacrifice.
It is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is considered a sacred period of fasting, spiritual reflection, and devotion to Allah (God). It is a time when Muslims around the world fast from dawn to sunset, abstaining from food, drink, and other physical desires.
Ramadan is a month of great blessing and mercy, a time when Allah's forgiveness and rewards are abundant. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "When Ramadan comes, the gates of Paradise are opened, and the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained." (Bukhari)
โ How Many Days Are in Ramadan ?
Ramadan typically has 29 or 30 days, depending on the sighting of the moon.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
"We are an unlettered nation, we do not write or calculate. The month is either twenty-nine or thirty." (Bukhari)
During this period, Muslims engage in various acts of worship, including:
Sawm (Fasting)
Salah (Prayer)
Quran (Recitation)
Sadaqah (Charity)
Tahajjud (Night Prayer)
It's also a time for Muslims to:
1. Reflect on their actions: Examining their deeds, thoughts, and intentions, and seeking Allah's forgiveness.
2. Strengthen their faith: Renewing their commitment to Allah, and seeking guidance and wisdom.
3. Build community: Gathering with family and friends, sharing meals, and strengthening social bonds.
Allah Says in the Quran Chapter 2, Verses 183-185;
"O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may learn self-restraint.
(Fasting) for a fixed number of days; but if any of you is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed number (should be made up) from days later. For those who can do it (with hardship), is a ransom, the feeding of one that is indigent. But he that will give more, of his own free will, it is better for him. And it is better for you that you fast, if you only knew.
The month of Ramadan is that in which the Quran was revealed, a guidance for mankind, and clear proofs of the guidance, and the Criterion. So whoever of you sights the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey, then a number of other days. Allah desires ease for you, and He does not desire hardship for you, so that you complete the number, and magnify Allah for guiding you, and that perhaps you will be grateful."
In conclusion, Ramadan is a sacred month of spiritual growth, self-reflection, and devotion to Allah. It is a time for Muslims to renew their faith, seek forgiveness, and strive for a deeper connection with their Creator.
โ According to narration, Allah Almighty divides the Holy month of Ramadan into three Stages that are known as the 'Ashra' of Ramadan.
โข First part reflects the Mercy of Allah (Rahmah)
โข Second part reflects the Forgiveness of Allah (Maghfirah)
โข Third part reflects Safety from Hell (Nijat)
The Holy Prophet Muhammad ๏ทบ said: It (Ramadan) is the month, whose beginning is mercy, its middle, forgiveness and its end, emancipation from the fire (of hell)
First Ashra of Ramadan - Mercy
First ten days of Ramadan are the days of Mercy and blessing and every Muslim must seek the Mercy and Blessings of Almighty Allah.
Dua for the first Ashra is:
ููููู ุฑููุจูู ุงุบูููุฑู ููุงุฑูุญูู
ู ููุฃููุชู ุฎูููุฑู ุงูุฑููุงุญูู
ูููู
Translation: โO! My Lord forgives and have Mercy and You are the Best of Mercifulโ [Quran 23:118]
Second Ashra of Ramadan - Forgiveness
Second ten days of Ramadan day 11th to day 20th consists of the Ashra of forgiveness. Muslims must seek the forgiveness of Allah Almighty and regret for all their mistakes.
Dua for second Ashra is:
ุฃุณูุชูุบูููุฑู ุงูููู ุฑูุจู ู
ููู ูููู ุฐููุจู ููุฃุชููุจู ุฅููููู
Translation: โI ask forgiveness of my sins from Allah who is my Lord and I turn towards Him.โ
Third Ashra of Ramadan - Safety
Third Ashra starts on the 21st of Ramadan and ends 29th or 30th of Ramadan, according to the moon. Third Ashra is known as Safety from Hell (Nijat). Every Muslim must pray to be safe from Hellfire. The Last Ashra is very important and superior. In this Ashra, the Night of Power (Lailatul Qadar) also falls, and many Muslims also practice Aitkaf (seclusion for prayers) in this Ashra and try to maximize their prayers.
As stated in Quran:
โWe 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.โ [Quran 44: 3-6]
Dua of third Ashra is:
๏บ๏ป๏ป ๏ปฌ๏ปข ๏บ๏บ๏บฎ๏ปง๏บ ๏ปฃ๏ปฆ ๏บ๏ป๏ปจ๏บ๏บญ
Translation: "O Allah, save me from the fire of Hell"
If you learnt one or two from this project, Don't forget to Share it to the Umma and earn rewards of others Who also learnt and acts upon this message. May Allah Forgive & Guide us throughout this RAMADAN (Aameen).
