Stages of Ramadan
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is a month of fasting, reflection, and spiritual growth for Muslims around the world. Allah (SWT) has divided the Holy month of Ramadan into three Stages that’s known as Ashra of Ramadan.
First part reflects Mercy of Allah (Rehmah)
Second part reflects Forgiveness of Allah (Maghfirah)
Third part reflects Safety from the Hell (Nijat)
Prophet Muhammad (SAW), said:
“This is a month, the first part of which brings Allah’s Mercy, the middle of which brings Allah’s forgiveness and the last part of which brings emancipation from hellfire“
(Sahih Al-Bukhari)
The Days of Mercy
Dua for first Ashra is:
وَقُل رَّبِّ اغْفِرْ وَارْحَمْ وَأَنتَ خَيْرُ الرَّاحِمِينَ
“O! My Lord forgives and have Mercy and You are the Best of Merciful”
The importance of Mercy during these ten days cannot be overstated. Ramadan is all about forgiveness and renewal, and these ten days are a prime opportunity to reap the benefits of this transformative period. By focusing on mercy, we can cultivate compassion and understanding towards others, and ultimately improve our relationships with those around us.
One of the ways in which we can embody the spirit of mercy is by performing acts of kindness and generosity. This could be as simple as sharing our food with others, volunteering at a local community center, or making an effort to listen and support our friends and family. By practicing mercy, we can work towards bridging the gap between ourselves and others, and create a more harmonious and inclusive society.
Another way in which we can embody the spirit of mercy is by seeking forgiveness from those we have wronged. Ramadan is a time of self-reflection and introspection, and by acknowledging our mistakes and seeking forgiveness, we can take a step towards spiritual growth and renewal. By doing so, we can demonstrate our commitment to improving our behavior and building stronger relationships with others.