The Significance of the Second Ashra of Ramadan
This article has been verified by our scholar Mufti Muhammad Zubair Nadeem (PhD in Islamic Studies and Finance, Takhusus from Jamia Ashrafia)
Ramadan is one of the most sacred months for Muslims worldwide. Ramadan is a much anticipated time for billions of Muslims around the world, who acknowledge its significance by fasting, praying, and engaging in charitable acts. While the entire month of Ramadan offers a period of abundant spiritual offerings, It comes in three stages or Ashras. Each Ashra has its own importance and spiritual offerings. In this article, we will explore the significance of the second Ashra of Ramadan and understand its connection with the first and the third Ashras.
The Significance of the First Ashra
The first Ashra signifies Mercy. Believers know they can only find redemption with Allah’s (SWT) mercy. Thus, it is appropriate that they seek Allah’s (SWT) mercy and make mercy a regular feature of their daily conduct.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “The Compassionate One has mercy on those who are merciful. If you show mercy to those who are on the earth, He Who is in the heaven will show mercy to you.” (Sunan Abi Dawud, 4941)
Thus, Ramadan begins with a focus on mercy as a way of life.
The supplication for the first Ashra is as follows:
رَبِّ اغْفِرْ وَارْحَمْ وَأَنْتَ خَيْرُ الرَّاحِمِينَ
“O My Lord, forgive and have mercy, and You are the best of the merciful”
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The Significance of the Second Ashra of Ramadan
The second Ashra of Ramadan is about forgiveness. While mercy allows us to be kind to others, forgiveness liberates us from grudges and allows us to experience inner peace and contentment. The supplication for the second Ashra is as follows:
اَسْتَغْفِرُ اللهَ رَبِّىْ مِنْ كُلِّ ذَنْۢبٍ وَّاَتُوْبُ اِلَيْهِ
“I seek forgiveness from Allah for all my sins and turn to Him.”
Forgiveness has great importance in Islam. It allows peace and reconciliation among individuals and communities. The Quran strongly urges believers to practice forgiveness.
“And We have not created the heavens and earth and that between them except in truth. And indeed, the Hour is coming; so forgive with gracious forgiveness.” (Surat Al-Ĥijr, 15:85)
While believers seek Allah’s (SWT) forgiveness during Ramadan, they must also make it a central practice. The Quran clearly states that the ones willing to forgive will be candidates for Allah’s (SWT) forgiveness.
“And let not those of virtue among you and wealth swear not to give [aid] to their relatives and the needy and the emigrants for the cause of Allah , and let them pardon and overlook. Would you not like that Allah should forgive you? And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.” (Surat An-Nūr 24:22)
Another important aspect of forgiveness is repentance. A sincere repentance or tawba allows believers freedom from their past grievances and to start fresh. Allah (SWT) loves to forgive.
Allah (SWT) tells us in the Quran:
“But indeed, I am the Perpetual Forgiver of whoever repents and believes and does righteousness and then continues in guidance.” Surat Ţāhā (20: 82)
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Allah, the Exalted, will continue to stretch out His Hand in the night so that the sinners of the day may repent, and continue to stretch His Hand in the daytime so that the sinners of the night may repent, until the sun rises from the west”. [Riyad as-Salihin, 16]
The second Ashra of Ramadan is a great time to think about our transgressions and ask for forgiveness. We should ask forgiveness from fellow human beings but also ask for forgiveness from Allah(SWT) frequently.
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The Significance of the Third Ashra and Its Connection with the Second Ashra
The second Ashra is a bridge between Ramadan’s first and the last Ashras. Only by focusing on repentance and expecting Allah’s (SWT) mercy can we be saved from the fire of hell. Many Muslims believe the third and the last Ashra to be the pinnacle of spirituality during Ramadan.
The supplication for the third Ashra of Ramadan is as follows:
اَللَّهُمَّ أَجِرْنِي مِنَ النَّارِ
“O Allah, save me from the fire (Jahannam)”
The last Ashra features Laylatul Qadr, one of the most important nights in the Islamic calendar.
The Quran dedicates a chapter to Laylatal Qadr and explains it as follows:
“The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months” (Surat Al-Qadr, 97, 3)
Therefore, any act of devotion done on the night of Laylatul Qadr earns a person the reward of repeating that act for a thousand months.
Every believer desires to be saved from the fires of hell. Islam teaches its followers to achieve this goal by cultivating a character rooted in mercy and forgiveness.
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Conclusion:
Ramadan offers a profound journey of self-reflection and spiritual growth for believers worldwide. It comes in three Ashras. Each Ashra promotes a deeper connection with Allah (SWT). The theme of the second Ashra of Ramadan is forgiveness. In human conduct, forgiveness is of central importance. We need to practice forgiveness in our daily lives. While it is important to forgive people, we must also ask others to forgive our mistakes. Tawba, or asking forgiveness from Allah (SWT), is also extremely important. Islam promotes repentance, and believers know Allah(SWT) is magnanimous and forgiving. The second Ashra leads to the third and the final Ashra, which offers safety from hell. The second Ashra is a great time for seeking forgiveness and helping those in need of assistance. Donate to Transparent Hands in the second Ashra or Ramadan to ensure that kindness helps people make a new beginning.
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