Second Ashra of Ramadan

Ramadan is regarded by Muslims as the most important month of the year. This holy month is significant because it was during this time that the Holy Quran was revealed. For Muslims, the Holy Quran serves as a source of inspiration for all of humanity. The practices associated with Ramadan include fasting, meditation, charity, dedication, and sacrifice.

Second Ashra in Ramadan

The Holy Month of Ramadan is divided into three phases, known as Ashras. Each Ashra holds significant importance. The second Ashra of Ramadan, which includes the middle ten days (from the 11th to the 20th), is especially recognized as a time for forgiveness. During this period, Muslims are encouraged to seek repentance from Allah Almighty.

Our Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) has said,

“It (Ramadan) is the month, whose beginning is mercy, its middle, forgiveness, and its end, release from the fire of hell.”

Dua of Second Ashra

The Dua for the second stage (Ashra) is: “I ask forgiveness for my sins from Allah, who is my Lord, and I turn towards Him.”

Islam acknowledges that making mistakes is an inherent part of human life. While it recognizes that humans are prone to errors, it does not excuse these mistakes. Instead, Islam encourages believers to confess their sins and seek redemption. Importantly, asking for forgiveness is not solely a human endeavour; when a person genuinely requests forgiveness, Allah Almighty responds with compassion and grants forgiveness.

What Quran and Hadith say about forgiveness?

Allah says in Holy Quran in Surah Al-Muzzammil, verse20:

“Indeed, your Lord knows, [O Muḥammad], that you stand [in prayer] almost two thirds of the night or half of it or a third of it, and [so do] a group of those with you. And Allah determines [the extent of] the night and the day. He has known that you [Muslims] will not be able to do it1 and has turned to you in forgiveness, so recite what is easy [for you] of the Qur’ān. He has known that there will be among you those who are ill and others traveling throughout the land seeking [something] of the bounty of Allah and others fighting for the cause of Allah. So recite what is easy from it and establish prayer and give zakāh and loan Allah a goodly loan. And whatever good you put forward for yourselves – you will find it with Allah. It is better and greater in reward. And seek forgiveness of Allah. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful” [73:20].

Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) has said in this regard,

“If anyone constantly seeks pardon (from Allah), Allah will appoint for him a way out of every distress and a relief from every anxiety and will provide sustenance for him from where he expects not” [Abu Dawud].

Importance of Forgiveness

The second Ashra, or the midpoint of Ramadan, is a time when Allah’s (SWT) forgiveness is at its peak. This is an ideal moment to seek Almighty Allah’s forgiveness for all our sins. After making sincere Tauba (repentance), it is crucial to avoid committing the same sins again. We should ask for forgiveness as often as possible, as Allah Almighty values sincere repentance during this time, and throughout the year, He forgives those who seek it.

During the middle ten days of Ramadan, Muslims should focus on seeking forgiveness from Allah as well as forgiving others. It’s important to recognize that these ten days are particularly significant for seeking forgiveness throughout the entire year.