THE month of Ramadhan is considered to be the most important period of the year for Muslims. Historically, the Holy Qur’an was revealed in this month. The Holy Qur’an is the holy book for Muslims. It is a source of guidance for all humankind.
Ramadhan is a month of fasting, reflection, giving, devotion and sacrifice. Over several centuries Ramadhan has retained its passionate spiritual meaning.
According to the Arabic language, the word “Ramadhan” comes from the word for “Parched Thirst” and “Sun-Baked Ground.” The word reflects the hunger and thirst felt by those who spend the month in fasting. Ramadhan is by nature a time of sacrifice. The month of Ramadhan lasts 29 to 30 days depending on moon sighting.
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: It (Ramadhan) is the month, whose beginning is mercy, its middle, forgiveness and its end, emancipation from the fire(of hell) — Bihar al-Anwar, Vol.: 93, Pg.: 342) These three stages of Ramadhan is called Ashra. The word Ashra is an Arabic word which means “ten”. There are three Ashra’s of Ramadhan with separate dua (supplication) for each.
Excerpts from the website “Be Islamic” explains the details of the three stages.
First Ashra of Ramadhan - Mercy First ten days of Ramadhan are the days of Mercy and blessing and every Muslim must seek the Mercy and Blessings of Almighty Allah. It’s a special verse that usually recites the Muslims in first ten days. The Dua for the first Ashra is: Translation: “O! My Lord forgives and have Mercy and You are the Best of Merciful”
Second Ashra of Ramadhan - Forgiveness Second ten days of Ramadhan day 11th to day 20th consists of the second Ashra and its called Ashra or forgiveness. Muslims must seek for the forgiveness of Allah Almighty and regret for all their sins. The Dua for second Ashra is: Translation: “I ask forgiveness of my sins from Allah who is my Lord and I turn towards Him.”
Third Ashra of Ramadhan - Safety Third Ashra starts from 21st Ramadhan and ends 29th or 30th Ramadan according to the moon. Third Ashra is known as Safety from the Hell it means Nijat. In the end of Ramadhan is about seeking in Allah Almighty from Hellfire. Every Muslim must pray that from the safety of Hell fire. The Last Ashra is very important and superior. In this Ashra Lailatul Qadar also falls and many Muslims also practice Aitkaf (seclusion for prayers) in this Ashra and try to maximize their prayers.
Stated in Quran: “We 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.” [Quran 44: 3-6] Dua of third Ashra is: Translation: “I seek forgiveness from Allah, my Lord, from every sin I committed” Every month of Ramadhan my life and my schedules dramatically changes for 30 days. My morning starts at around 2:30 am. I wake up my family and we eat our Sahur. We then wait for Fajr prayer. Then we get ready for the whole day of fasting.
Dividing the month of Ramadhan into Ashra helps us in understanding further the very essence of Ramadhan and Sawn (fasting). Each dua for every period is important. It is important because it helps us to clear our mind and cleanse our body. It also teaches us to feel and experience hunger. By experiencing hunger, we will know the every life of the people living below poverty line and to know the experiences of the evacuees or internally displaced peoples because of conflict.
As I reflect on these three Ashraf, my work as a peace advocate is a lot more complicated this year. As a member of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission, making sure that we draft a Bangsamoro Basic Law that is inclusive, just, and ensures lasting peace in Mindanao, Ramadhan taught us how to sacrifice. Sacrifice for the common good of our people.
We are guided by three important words: Mercy, Forgiveness, and Safety. In Shaa Allah (God Willing), the Bangsamoro peace process will lead us to a new Bangsamoro government that will truly help us achieve our dreams and aspiration.