Ramadaan is a month of fasting, reflection, devotion, generosity and sacrifice, observed by Muslims around the world. Over the centuries Ramadaan has retained its passionate spiritual meaning.
The word “Ramadaan” comes from the Arabic word for “Parched Thirst” and “Sun Baked Ground.” It is meaningful of the hunger and thirst felt by those who spend the month in fasting and get benefits of fasting. Ramadaan is by nature a time of sacrifice.
Each year Muslims spend the ninth month of the Islamic calendar observing a community wide fast. The fast of the month of Ramadaan is considered one of the five pillars of Islam. Muslims who are physically able, are required to fast each day of the entire month from dawn to sunset. The month of Ramadaan lasts 29 to 30 days depending on moon sighting and according to narration; Allah Almighty divides the Holy month of Ramadaan into three Stages known as Ashra of Ramadan.
First ten days (1-10) of the Blessed Month of Ramadaan are the days of Mercy.
We should seek Allah’s Mercy in these days.
- Rab-bigh-fir war-ham wa Anta Khair-ur Raahimeen. (Surah Al Muminun:118)
Meaning: My Lord! Forgive and have mercy, for You are the Best of those who show mercy! - Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyumu Birahmatika asta ghee-thu.
- Ya Rabb, Allahumma arhamni Ya Arham mar-Rahimeen.
The second ten days (11-20) of Ramadaan are the days of Forgiveness.
We should seek Allah’s forgiveness and repent for sins in those days.
- Allahum-magh-fir-li dhunoobi Ya Rabbal Alameen
- Rabbana Fagh-fir-lana dhunoobana wa kaf-fir-‘anna sayyi-aatina wa ta-waf-fana ma-‘al abraar. (Surah Al-Imran:193) Meaning: Our Lord! Forgive us our sins and remit from us our evil deeds, and make us die in the state of righteousness along with Al-Abrâr (those who are obedient to Allâh and follow strictly His Orders).
The last ten days (21-30) of Ramadaan are to seek Refuge in Allah from the Hellfire
- Allahumma Ajirna min-an-naar. Meaning: O Allah, protect us from the fire of hell.