Significance of 2nd Ashra of Ramadan

The Holy Month Ramadan is divided into three stages (Ashras). Every Ashra of Ramadan has its particular significance associated with it. The second Ashra of Ramadan refers to the middle 10 days (11th -20th) of Ramadan. It is the time of forgiveness in which Muslims must seek forgiveness from Allah Almighty. In this regard, the second Ashra of Ramadan is known for forgiveness. With seeking forgiveness Muslims should also repent of all sins that they had done before.

Islam is aware of the fact that as humans it is quite natural that we commit mistakes. Although the recognition of the erring nature of humans does not means that Islam gives a free pass when it comes to committing mistakes or sins, rather Islam encourages the followers to repent over the sins which they commit and seek forgiveness. Moreover, this act of seeking forgiveness is not only an effort by a human, rather Allah Almighty reciprocates the true plea for forgiveness by forgiving such a person. In the Holy Quran, Allah says:

“And seek forgiveness of Allah. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.” (Quran, 73:20)

The second Ashra of Ramadan is specific to seeking of forgiveness; therefore, in addition to seeking forgiveness throughout the month, a Muslim must also make sure that the second Ashra is specifically utilized for this purpose and in this Ashra all those deeds that invoke the Forgiving quality of Allah are undertaken. In this regard, the following deeds can work the best.

  • Don’t Miss Obligatory Prayers
  • Read and Recite the Holy Quran
  • Do as much Tasbeeh as possible
  • Offer Taraweeh

The second Ashra or the middle of Ramadan is a time where the forgiveness of Allah (SWT) is at its peak, and this is the best time for asking about forgiveness for all the sins from Almighty Allah. Do make sure to not repeat the sins after you have done Tauba.  Seek forgiveness as many times as possible, because Allah Almighty loves Tauba during this period and forgives the one who seeks his forgiveness.  If you seek forgiveness from Allah (SWT) then also try to forgive all your beloved in these days as Allah Almighty loves Maghfirah.

Regarding the matter of forgiveness, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said in His hadith:

“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)

From this hadith it is clear that seeking forgiveness is not only a means of penance and clearing and cleansing of one’s soul, rather seeking of forgiveness also leads to the life of a person becoming easy and Allah Almighty providing sustenance to the person from sources about which the person least expects. Therefore, forgiveness is not merely cleansing of one’s conscience and soul, rather it is also a means of making life better both in this life and in the world hereafter.

In short, the second Ashra of Ramadan is for forgiveness, therefore, naturally the focus of a Muslim must be upon seeking forgiveness during these ten days so that the previous sins are forgiven and he or she elevates spiritually after being rinsed from sins.

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