Ramadan is the blessed month of fasting and spiritual rejuvenation.
The month is divided into three Ashras, each spanning ten days.
You will learn about the Second Ashra, including its significance, its special prayers (Duas), and their transliteration and translation.
What is the second ashra of Ramadan?
The second Ashra occurs from the 11th to the 20th day of Ramadan. It is particularly significant as the Ashra of Forgiveness (Maghfirah).
What is the importance of the second ashra in Islam?
During the second Ashra, Muslims are encouraged to intensify their efforts to seek forgiveness from Allah (SWT) for their past sins and shortcomings. Through sincere repentance and increased acts of worship, they strive to cleanse their hearts and attain inner peace and tranquillity.
The second Ashra reminds believers of Allah’s infinite mercy and compassion, urging them to turn towards Him with humility and sincerity. It offers a unique opportunity to purify one’s heart, strengthen one’s connection with the Almighty, and strive for spiritual growth.
Muslims can deepen their faith and draw closer to Allah (SWT) by engaging in acts of charity, reciting the Quran, and performing extra prayers. It’s a time to reflect on one’s actions, make amends for past mistakes, and seek Allah’s (SWT) boundless mercy and forgiveness.
Through sincere repentance and a renewed commitment to righteousness, Muslims can emerge from this Ashra with a cleansed heart and a strengthened resolve to live a life pleasing to Allah (SWT).
What duas to read during the 2nd 10 days of Ramadan?
During the second Ashra, specific duas are recommended to help Muslims express their repentance and seek forgiveness. These duas are a powerful means of connecting with Allah (SWT) and expressing remorse for past sins.
Duas to read during the second Ashra
Dua 1 – Sayyidul Istighfar (Best dua for forgiveness)
English (Translation & Transliteration)
“O Allah! You are my Rubb. There is no true god except You. You have created me, and I am Your slave, and I hold to Your Covenant as far as I can. I seek refuge in You from the evil of what I have done. I acknowledge the favours that You have bestowed upon me, and I confess my sins. Pardon me, for none but You has the power to pardon.”
Reference: Al Bukhari 6306
Allahumma anta Rabbi la ilaha illa anta, Khalaqtani wa ana `Abduka, wa ana `ala `ahdika wa wa`dika mastata`tu, A`udhu bika min Sharri ma sana`tu, abu’u Laka bini`matika `alaiya, wa abu’u laka bidhanbi faghfir lee fa innahu la yaghfiru adhdhunuba illa anta
Arabic
Dua 2 – Dua for Forgiveness, Mercy, and Relief from Burdens
English (Translation & Transliteration)
“Our Lord, do not impose blame upon us if we have forgotten or erred. Our Lord, and lay not upon us a burden like that which You laid upon those before us. Our Lord, and burden us not with that which we have no ability to bear. And pardon us; and forgive us; and have mercy upon us.”
Reference: Surah Al Baqarah 2:286
Rabbana la tu’akhidhna in nasina aw akhta’na. Rabbana wala tahmil ‘alayna isran kama hamaltahu ‘alal-ladhina min qablina. Rabbana wala tuhammilna ma la taqata lana bihi. Wa’fu anna, waghfir lana, warhamna.
Arabic
Dua 3 – Dua for Forgiveness, Strength, and Victory
English (Translation & Transliteration)
“Our Lord! Forgive us our sins and our excesses in our affairs, and make firm our feet and give us victory over the disbelieving people.”
Reference: Surah Al Imran 3:193
Rabbanaa faghfir lanaa zunoobanaa wa israa-fanaa fee amrinaa wa thabbit aqdaamanaa wansurnaa `alal qawmil kaafireen
Arabic
Dua 4 – Dua for Forgiveness for Oneself, Parents, and Believers
English (Translation & Transliteration)
“My Lord! Forgive me and my parents and him who enters my house as a believer and all the believing men and believing women. And do not increase the wrongdoers except in destruction.”
Reference: Surah Nuh 71:28
Rabbi ighfir li wa liwalidayya wa liman dakhola baytiya mu’minan wa lilmu’minina walmu’minati wa la tazidiz-zalimina illa tabara
Arabic
Dua 5 – Dua for Protection from Disbelief, Poverty, and the Punishment of the Grave
English (Translation & Transliteration)
“O Allah, I seek refuge in You from disbelief and poverty, and I seek refuge in You from the punishment of the grave. There is no deity but You.”
Reference: Sunan an-Nasa’i 5465
Allahumma inni a’udhu bika minal kufri wal faqri, wa a’udhu bika min ‘adhabil qabri, la ilaha illa anta
Arabic
Dua 6 – Forgiveness and Mercy
English (Translation & Transliteration)
“Our Lord! We have wronged our own souls: If thou forgive us not and bestow not upon us Thy Mercy, we shall certainly be lost.”
Reference: Surah Al Araf 7:23
Rabbana zalamna anfusina wa il lam taghfir lana wa tarhamna lana kunan minal-khasireen.
Arabic
Dua 7 – Dua for Forgiveness on the Day of Reckoning
English (Translation & Transliteration)
“O our Lord! Cover (us) with Thy Forgiveness – me, my parents, and (all) Believers, on the day that the Reckoning will be established!”
Reference: Surah Ibrahim 14:41
Rabbana ghfir li wa li wallidayya wa lil Mu’mineena yawma yaqumul hisaab .
Arabic
Dua 8
English (Translation & Transliteration)
“Our Lord! Avert from us the Wrath of Hell, for its Wrath is indeed an affliction grievous.”
Reference: Surah Al Furqan 25:65
Rabbanas-rif ‘anna ‘adhaba jahannama inna ‘adhabaha kana gharama
Arabic
Dua 9 – Dua for Forgiveness and Purity of Heart Towards Fellow Believers
English (Translation & Transliteration)
“Our Lord! Forgive us, and our brethren who came before us into the faith, and leave not, in our hearts, rancour (or sense of injury) against those who have believed.”
Reference: Surah Al Hashar 59:10
Rabbana-ghfir lana wa li ‘ikhwani nalladhina sabaquna bil imani wa la taj’al fi qulubina ghillal-lilladhina amanu.
Arabic
Dua 10 – Due for Perfection of Faith and Seeking Forgiveness
English (Translation & Transliteration)
“Our Lord! Perfect our Light for us, and grant us Forgiveness: for Thou hast power over all things.”
Reference: Surah Al Tahrim 66:8
Rabbana atmim lana nurana waighfir lana innaka ‘ala kulli shay-in qadir.
Arabic
What should you do during the 2nd Ashra?
The second Ashra is a period of heightened spiritual activity. Here are some recommended practices:
- Increase your recitation of the Quran
The second Ashra, the Ashra of Forgiveness, is an ideal time to deepen your connection with the Quran. Aim to complete its recitation at least once during this period.
Allocate dedicated time each day, perhaps after Fajr or Taraweeh prayers, to immerse yourself in the divine words. As you recite, focus on understanding the meanings and reflecting upon the verses.
The Quran provides guidance and solace, offering profound insights into life’s purpose and the path to righteousness.
By contemplating its verses, you can better understand Allah’s (SWT) commands and strengthen your faith.
Moreover, reciting the Quran with understanding can bring immense peace and tranquillity to your heart.
Remember, the Quran is not merely a book to be read; it’s a treasure trove of wisdom to be internalized. Try to memorize verses that resonate with you and implement their teachings daily.
Let the Quran illuminate your path and guide you towards a more fulfilling and purposeful existence.
- Engage in dhikr (remembrance of Allah)
Dhikr, or the remembrance of Allah (SWT), is a powerful spiritual practice that nourishes the soul and strengthens the bond with the Divine.
During the second Ashra, dedicate ample time to engage in dhikr. Recite the beautiful names of Allah (SWT), glorifying His attributes and seeking His blessings.
Offer Salawat (blessings) upon the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), expressing your love and reverence for the final messenger of Allah.
Make dua (supplications) throughout the day, seeking forgiveness, guidance, and blessings from Allah (SWT).
Dhikr can be performed in various ways, including reciting specific phrases, engaging in silent contemplation, or listening to Quran recitations.
Make it a habit to incorporate dhikr into your daily routine, whether during your commute, while performing chores, or before bed.
- Perform extra prayers
The second Ashra is an opportune time to increase your voluntary prayers, known as Nafl prayers.
Consider waking up at night to perform Tahajjud, a special prayer known for its spiritual rewards and blessings.
Nafl prayers are a beautiful way to express your devotion to Allah (SWT) and draw closer to Him.
They provide a space for personal reflection, supplication, and gratitude. Even a few extra Rakats can significantly impact your spiritual journey.
Remember, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged his followers to engage in voluntary prayers, especially during Ramadan.
These prayers serve as a means of attaining closeness to Allah (SWT) and seeking His pleasure.
- Give in charity
Charity, or Sadaqah, is unique in Islam, particularly during Ramadan. The Prophet (peace be upon him) was known for his immense generosity, especially during this blessed month.
Take inspiration from his example and open your heart to those in need. Donate generously to charitable causes, support orphans and the less fortunate, and extend a helping hand to those struggling around you.
Remember, even small acts of kindness can make a big difference in someone’s life.
Charity benefits the recipient, purifies the giver’s heart, and brings the giver closer to Allah (SWT).
It’s a beautiful way to express gratitude for the blessings you have received and contribute to the well-being of your community.
- Seek knowledge
Ramadan is a month of spiritual growth and intellectual enrichment.
Take advantage of this opportunity to deepen your understanding of Islam by attending Islamic lectures and seminars, watching educational videos online, and reading books on various Islamic topics.
Seeking knowledge is a lifelong pursuit that brings countless benefits. It strengthens your faith, empowers you to make informed decisions, and helps you navigate life’s challenges with wisdom and clarity.
Remember, the Prophet (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of seeking knowledge, stating that it is obligatory for every Muslim.
Make a conscious effort to expand your Islamic knowledge during this blessed month.
- Reflect on your actions
Ramadan is a time for introspection and self-improvement. Take time each day to reflect on your actions, thoughts, and intentions.
Identify areas for improvement and make a sincere effort to change.
Reflect on your relationships with others, your conduct towards your family and community, and your overall spiritual state.
Ramadan provides a unique opportunity to break free from harmful habits and cultivate positive traits.
Remember, the true purpose of Ramadan is to transform ourselves into better individuals.
By engaging in sincere self-reflection and striving for self-improvement, we can emerge from this blessed month with a renewed sense of purpose and a stronger connection with Allah (SWT).
How many stages of Ramadan are there?
Ramadan is divided into three Ashras, each with its spiritual focus:
First Ashra – 1st 10 days of Ramadan
- Theme: Mercy (Rahmah)
- Focus: Seeking Allah’s mercy and forgiveness
Second Ashra – 2nd 10 days of Ramadan
- Theme: Forgiveness (Maghfirah)
- Focus: Seeking forgiveness for past sins
Third Ashra – Last 10 days of Ramadan
- Theme: Seeking Refuge from Hellfire (Nijat)
- Focus: Seeking protection from the punishment of Hellfire
Summary – Duas For Second Ashra
The second Ashra of Ramadan offers a precious opportunity to seek forgiveness from Allah (SWT). By incorporating these duas into your daily worship, you can make the most of this blessed period and attain spiritual purification.
The second Ashra of Ramadan is a crucial time for reflection and prayer. During these days, Muslims focus on reciting duas for second Ashra to ask Allah for pardon and mercy. One of the most important prayers during these days is the Ashra dua, which serves as a reminder of Allah’s boundless forgiveness.
Teaching the dua for second Ashra to kids is important as it not only helps them understand the importance of seeking forgiveness but also instills the value of consistent prayer throughout Ramadan.
The true essence of Ramadan lies in sincere repentance and a renewed commitment to pleasing Allah (SWT). May this Ramadan be a source of immense blessings and forgiveness for all.
