The holy month of Ramadan is when Muslims fast from sunrise until sunset. It is one of the most beloved and fortunate months in the Islamic calendar. There are countless benefits that a Muslim can enjoy, and since there is no actual barrier separating a believer from Allah Almighty, there is no possibility of sinning. Blessings during this month are boundless and divided into three segments: Ashras (each consisting of ten days). The ninth and luckiest month in the Islamic calendar is Ramadan. Islamic law states that Muslims across the world observe the holy month of Ramadan as a time of fasting in remembrance of Hazrat Muhammad's (PBUH) revelation of the Quran. It is the cornerstone of Islam that cannot be disregarded.

Muslim fasting is a practice that shifts the focus away from worldly goals and toward purifying the spirit by freeing it from harmful deeds. Muslims also prefer to conduct Umrah during this holy month since the reward is quadrupled. In terms of advantages and rewards, performing Umrah during the holy month of Ramadan is equal to performing Hajj. Consequently, the majority of Muslims purchase Ramadan Umrah packages to spend this auspicious month at Allah's House (SWT).

Each of the three Ramadan Ashras has importance and worth of its own. The first one, Rehmat, signifies "Mercy of Allah," the second, Maghfirah, indicates "Forgiveness of Allah," and the last one, Najat, means "Salvation." The three Ashras and their importance in Islam will be covered below, along with certain duas to say:

First Ashra: Rehmat

Beginning with the Ashra, which represents abundance and benefits, is Ramadan. It's a beautiful way to start the holy month. One must beg for forgiveness in this Ashra from the Lord, who desires nothing more for His Ummah than to have the benefits of life and the Hereafter. Being kind toward our fellow Muslims, as Allah is compassionate toward us all, is a great way to enter into the spirit of Ramadan.

 Dua: “My Lord, forgive and have mercy, and you are the best of the merciful”

Second Ashra: Maghfirah

The focus of the second part of Ramadan is pleading with Allah for calm and forgiveness. Give Him your sincere apologies for your previous transgressions, make amends, and extend forgiveness to everyone who has wronged you. If Allah (SWT) can forgive us of our transgressions, then we should be able to provide the same forgiveness to our brethren who have wronged us, whether on purpose or accidentally.

Dua: “I ask forgiveness of my sins from Allah who is my Lord and I turn towards Him.”

Third Ashra: Nijaat

If God grants Muslims the ability to flee the Hellfire and the vengeance of the Hereafter, it should be a blessing that we accept and make good use of. Regarding this, the final ten days of Ramadan contain one of the most significant nights in the Islamic calendar. It is known as the "Night of Power," or Laila tul Qadr, when the Quran was revealed and the Prophet (PBUH) began his journey as the head of the Muslim ummah.

Dua: “O Allah, you are Forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me”

Most Significant Events in The Last Ashra

All of Ramadan should be spent by Muslims in good deeds and prayer, but the last Ashra is especially important because of the important events that take place in it. The most important nights for any Muslim are the last nine or ten nights of the Ashra.

Layla-tul-Qadr

The most fortunate event that takes place in the last Ashra of Ramadan is called Laylatul Qadr, and the Quran describes it as the best night in a thousand months. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was visited by verses from the Holy Book "Al-Quran" on the night of Laila-tul-Qadr. Islamic literature claims that the Laila-tul-Qadr is superior to hundreds of earlier evenings. This night offers great power and energy to truly approach Allah Ta'ala. Another name for this is "power night." Although this night is supposed to arrive on the 27th of Ramadan, the literature suggests that you should search for it on the odd nights of the month. The Quran refers to the following:

“The Night of Glory is better than a thousand months. That night the angels and the? holy? spirit descend, by the permission of their Lord, for every? decreed? matter. It is all peace until the break of dawn”. [97: 3-5]

Jummah-tul-Wida

Maybe even more than Ramadan, Friday is the luckiest day for Muslims. But as Friday draws nearer during Ramadan, its significance increases significantly. As a result, Jummah-tul-Wida is the final Friday of Ashra. Every Muslim looks forward to this day especially because it means bidding a tearful farewell to Ramadan till the next year. The last day of Ramadan is Jummah-tul-Wida. Special prayers are held on this day, and mosques are crowded with Muslims.

Itikaf

Itikaf is a spiritual practice based on the Sunnah that unites a person with Allah and separates them from the outside world. Itikaf is often performed by Muslims during the final ten days of Ramadan, however, it is perfectly acceptable for any Muslim, for whatever reason, to perform Itikaf on the first or second Ashra of Ramadan. Many Muslims worldwide prepare for Itikaf in the last Ashra because our beloved Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) often performs Itikaf in the final ten days of Ramadan. While women can sequester themselves at home, males can do so at mosques.

Summing Up

Muslims are urged to fast and pray more often than usual during these 30 days of Ramadan since all three of the Ashras are important. Furthermore, because of the spiritual activities that take place throughout this month, the final 10 days of Ramadan are especially significant. Muslims throughout the globe commemorate this month with great devotion and dedication. In addition to fasting, they do Umrah to receive Allah Almighty's boundless bounties and graces.