Ramzan is not just a month of fasting; it is a journey of spiritual transformation, mercy, and divine blessings. To help believers make the most of this sacred month, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) divided it into three distinct Ashras, each lasting ten days, with its own focus and reward. The first Ashra emphasizes Allah’s mercy, the second encourages seeking forgiveness, and the third guides believers toward salvation and freedom from Hellfire, highlighted by the search for Laylatul Qadr.
Understanding the 3 Ashras allows Muslims to structure their worship, maximize spiritual rewards, and strengthen their connection with Allah. By aligning fasting, prayers, Quran recitation, charity, and duas with the purpose of each Ashra, believers can turn Ramzan into a month of complete purification, reflection, and divine closeness.
This guide will explore the significance, Quranic references, Hadiths, and recommended acts of worship for each Ashra, helping you make every day of Ramzan count.
What Are the 3 Ashras of Ramzan?
Ramzan, the most sacred month of Islam, is divided into three segments called Ashras, each lasting 10 days. These Ashras are not only chronological divisions but represent spiritual stages for a believer to maximize worship, reflection, and devotion.
- First Ashra (1–10): Days of mercy
- Second Ashra (11–20): Days of forgiveness
- Third Ashra (21–30): Days of salvation or freedom from Hellfire, highlighted by Laylatul Qadr
Understanding the 3 Ashras helps Muslims plan their worship, increase spiritual focus, and gain maximum reward.
First Ashra
The first ten days of Ramzan are dedicated to Allah’s mercy (Rahmah). Believers focus on prayers, fasting, and supplication, seeking Allah’s love and blessings. During the first Ashra, Muslims are encouraged to increase acts of kindness, give charity, and recite the Quran regularly. It is a time to seek Allah’s protection and immerse the heart in gratitude and devotion. By dedicating these days to mercy, believers lay the foundation for a spiritually enriched and rewarding Ramzan.
While the Quran does not explicitly mention the Ashras, it emphasizes mercy in Ramzan:
Arabic: شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِي أُنْزِلَ فِيهِ الْقُرْآنُ هُدًى لِلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَاتٍ مِّنَ الْهُدَى وَالْفُرْقَانِ
Transliteration: Shahru Ramadana allathee unzila fihi al-Quran hudan lin-nas wa bayyinatin mina al-huda wal-furqan
English Translation: The month of Ramzan is the month in which the Quran was revealed as guidance for mankind and clear proofs of guidance and distinction. (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:185)
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said:
Arabic: أتاكم رمضان شهر بركة، يغشاكم الله فيه، فينزل الرحمة، ويحط الخطايا، ويستجيب الدعاء
Transliteration: Ataakum Ramazan shahr barakah, yaghshakum Allah fihi, fayunazzil ar-rahmah, wa yahuttu al-khataya, wa yastajeebu ad-dua
English Translation: Ramzan has come to you, a month of blessings in which Allah covers you with mercy, removes sins, and answers prayers.
In the 1st ashra, you should:
- Increase dhikr and dua
- Recite Quran daily
- Offer voluntary prayers (Nafl and Tahajjud)
- Be generous and feed the poor
Second Ashra
The second ten days focus on seeking Allah’s forgiveness (Maghfirah). Believers intensify repentance, ask pardon for sins, and purify their hearts. During the second Ashra, Muslims are encouraged to turn sincerely to Allah, reflect on past mistakes, and make heartfelt repentance. Increasing voluntary prayers, Quran recitation, and acts of charity helps strengthen forgiveness and spiritual purification. These ten days are an opportunity to cleanse the soul and draw closer to Allah’s mercy and acceptance. Allah says in Quran:
Arabic: وَاللَّهُ غَفُورٌ رَحِيمٌ
Transliteration: Wallahu Ghafoorun Raheem
English Translation: And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (Surah An-Nisa, 4:96)
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said:
Arabic: كل عمل ابن آدم له إلا الصوم فإنه لي وأنا أجزي به
Transliteration: Kullu amal ibn Adam lahu illa as-sawm fa innahu li wa ana ajzi bihi
English Translation: Every deed of the son of Adam is for him except fasting; it is for Me and I will reward it.
In the 2nd ashra, you should:
- Increase repentance (Tawbah)
- Ask forgiveness for past sins
- Maintain honesty and patience
- Continue fasting with full devotion
Third Ashra
The last ten days of ramadan are the most sacred, focused on salvation (Najat) and seeking freedom from Hellfire. Laylatul Qadr, the Night of Power, falls in these nights, promising rewards greater than 1000 months. The third Ashra is a time for intense worship, prayer, and reflection, as believers strive for Allah’s forgiveness and protection from Hellfire. Special attention is given to Tahajjud, Quran recitation, and heartfelt duas, especially in search of Laylatul Qadr. These nights are the pinnacle of Ramzan’s blessings, offering unmatched spiritual rewards and a chance for complete salvation. Allah says in Quran:
Arabic: لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ خَيْرٌ مِّنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍ
Transliteration: Laylatul Qadr khayrun min alfi shahr
English Translation: The Night of Qadr is better than a thousand months. (Surah Al-Qadr, 97:3)
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said:
Arabic: إذا جاء رمضان فتحت أبواب الجنة وغلقت أبواب النار وصفدت الشياطين
Transliteration: Itha jaa Ramazan futtihat abwabu al-jannah waghullikat abwabu an-nar wa suffidat ash-shayateen
English Translation: When Ramzan begins, the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained.
In 3rd and last ashra of Ramzan, you should:
- Seek Laylatul Qadr with extra prayers and dua
- Offer Taraweeh and Tahajjud
- Give charity and help the needy
- Intensify Quran recitation and dhikr
The Duas
Ramzan, the most sacred month in Islam, is divided into three Ashras (ten-day segments), each with a specific spiritual focus: mercy, forgiveness, and salvation. Believers can recite special duas after Iftar, during Tahajjud, or anytime to align their worship with the essence of each Ashra.
Dua for First Ashra
During these first ten days, believers are encouraged to increase voluntary prayers, Quran recitation, and acts of charity to fully embrace Allah’s mercy. It is a time to purify the heart, express gratitude, and strengthen the connection with Allah. By reciting this dua sincerely, Muslims invite divine blessings and mercy to guide their actions throughout the month.
Primary Dua:
Arabic: رَبِّ اغْفِرْ وَارْحَمْ وَأَنْتَ خَيْرُ الرَّاحِمِينَ
Transliteration: Rab-bigh-fir war-ham wa Anta Khair-ur-Raahimeen
English Translation: My Lord, forgive me and have mercy on me, for You are the Best of those who show mercy.
Focus: Seeking Allah’s mercy and blessings.
Purpose: Reciting this dua helps believers begin Ramzan with gratitude, hope, and mercy, inviting Allah’s blessings into their hearts and lives.
Dua for Second Ashra
During these ten days, Muslims are encouraged to reflect on past mistakes, repent sincerely, and increase acts of worship such as voluntary prayers, Quran recitation, and charity. It is a period for cleansing the heart, strengthening faith, and seeking Allah’s pardon. Reciting this dua helps believers align their intentions with the spiritual essence of forgiveness and renewal.
Primary Dua:
Arabic: أَسْتَغْفِرُ اللَّهَ رَبِّي مِن كُلِّ ذَنْبٍ وَأَتُوبُ إِلَيْهِ
Transliteration: Astagfirullaha rab-bi min kulli zambiyon wa-atoobuilaiyh
English Translation: I seek forgiveness from Allah for all my sins and turn to Him in repentance.
Focus: Seeking Allah’s forgiveness and purification of the soul.
Purpose: This dua aligns with the second Ashra’s focus on repentance and spiritual cleansing, helping believers purify their hearts and renew their faith.
Dua for Third Ashra
During the last ten days of Ramzan, believers are encouraged to increase prayers, Quran recitation, dhikr, and acts of charity to maximize spiritual rewards. This period is especially focused on seeking Laylatul Qadr, protection from Hellfire, and attaining Paradise. Reciting the primary and expanded duas sincerely helps purify the soul, strengthen faith, and secure Allah’s mercy and ultimate salvation.
Primary Dua:
Arabic: اَللَّهُمَّ أَجِرْنِي مِنَ النَّارِ
Transliteration: Allahumma Ajirni minan Naar
English Translation: O Allah, save me from the fire (Jahannam).
Focus: Seeking salvation, protection from Hellfire, and attaining Paradise.
Here is an optional Expanded Dua for Extra Reward:
Arabic: اللهم نجني من النار وارزقني الفردوس الأعلى برحمتك يا أرحم الراحمين
Transliteration: Allahumma najjini min an-nar wa arzuqni al-firdaws al-a‘la birahmatika ya Arham ar-Rahimeen
English Translation: O Allah, save me from the Fire and grant me the highest Paradise by Your mercy, O Most Merciful of the merciful.
Purpose: Reciting this dua during the last ten nights, especially in search of Laylatul Qadr, helps believers focus on salvation, mercy, and ultimate reward.
Additional Duas for the Last Ashra
The last Ashra is the most sacred period of Ramzan, focused on seeking salvation, protection from Hellfire, and the blessings of Laylatul Qadr. Believers are encouraged to recite heartfelt duas after Iftar, during Tahajjud, and throughout the night to maximize rewards. These supplications help purify the soul, draw closer to Allah, and secure mercy and ultimate forgiveness.
Dua for Laylatul Qadr
Arabic: اللهم انك عفو تحب العفو فاعف عني
Transliteration: Allahumma innaka afuwwun tuhibbul afwa fa’fu anni
English Translation: O Allah, You are Forgiving and You love forgiveness, so forgive me.
Dua for Salvation and Mercy
Arabic: رب اغفر لي وارحمني وتب علي انك انت التواب الرحيم
Transliteration: Rabbighfir li warhamni wa tub alayya innaka anta at-tawwab ar-rahim
English Translation: My Lord, forgive me, have mercy on me, and accept my repentance. You are the Most Forgiving, Most Merciful.
Conclusion
The 3 Ashras guide Muslims to maximize spiritual rewards throughout Ramzan:
- First Ashra: Seek Allah’s mercy
- Second Ashra: Seek Allah’s forgiveness
- Third Ashra: Seek salvation and freedom from Hellfire
By dividing worship and good deeds according to these Ashras, believers can plan their fasting, prayers, charity, and reflection effectively. The Ashras serve as a spiritual roadmap to transform the heart, purify the soul, and attain closeness to Allah during this blessed month. Ramzan is a journey of mercy, forgiveness, and salvation. The 3 Ashras are the guide to achieving it.
FAQs:
What are the 3 Ashras of Ramzan?
The 3 Ashras divide Ramzan into three ten-day periods: mercy, forgiveness, and salvation.
What is the first Ashra of Ramzan?
The first ten days focus on seeking Allah’s mercy.
What is the second Ashra of Ramzan?
The second ten days are dedicated to seeking Allah’s forgiveness.
What is the third Ashra of Ramzan?
The last ten days focus on salvation and freedom from Hellfire, including Laylatul Qadr.
Why are the last ten nights of Ramzan special?
They are the most sacred, offering multiplied rewards and the chance to seek Laylatul Qadr.
How can I maximize rewards in each Ashra?
Increase fasting, prayers, Quran recitation, charity, and sincere supplications according to each Ashra’s focus.
Do the Ashras have specific duas?
Yes, specific duas for mercy, forgiveness, and salvation can be recited during each Ashra.
Is following the 3 Ashras Sunnah or mandatory?
It is a recommended Sunnah to structure worship according to the Ashras for spiritual benefit.
