One Ummah News - 20 Feb 2025
The first ten days of Ramadan are filled with mercy and blessings. Learn how to seek Allah’s mercy through prayer and good deeds.
Ramadan is divided into three important stages: mercy, forgiveness, and salvation from the Hellfire. As we approach this sacred period, we must understand how to maximise the benefits of each stage, beginning with these First Ten Days of mercy. The Prophet Muhammadﷺ explained: “It (Ramadan) is the month, whose beginning is mercy, its middle, forgiveness and its end, emancipation from the fire.” –[Ibn Khuzaymah].
The concept of mercy, or Rahmah, is central to our Deen. When Allahﷻ created the creation, he decreed that His mercy would prevail over His wrath [Bukhari]. This divine mercy encompasses everything, as Allahﷻ tells us in the Qur’an: "My mercy embraces all things" –[7:156]. Throughout the Qur’an and Sunnah, we find countless references to Allah'sﷻ mercy, demonstrating its fundamental importance in our relationships with Allahﷻ.
The First Ten Days of Ramadan sets the tone for the entire month. While many of us eagerly await the Last Ten Nights, we must remember that our success on those final nights depends on the foundation we laid during the first third of Ramadan.
The first Ashra gives us plenty of opportunities to earn Allah'sﷻ Almighty mercy. Fasting alone is not enough. We must complement it with other acts of worship. Establishing our five daily Salah with concentration and humility, offering the Sunnah prayers, and participating in Tarawih is fundamental. The Prophet Muhammadﷺ said: “Whoever prays at night in Ramadan out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.” –[Bukhari].
During these first ten days, we should develop a stronger connection with the Qur’an than ever before. Set aside specific times for recitation, understanding, and reflection of the Qur’an. The Prophet Muhammadﷺ would increase his recitation during Ramadan, and Jibreel عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ would review the Qur’an with him. We shouldn’t just pick up the Qur’an for the sake of reading it. Go beyond mere recitation. Study its meanings, and implement its teachings in our daily lives.
Making Du’a is one of the most powerful ways to seek Allah'sﷻ boundless mercy. The Prophet Muhammadﷺ said: “Supplication is worship itself.” –[Abu Dawud]. During these first ten days, make it a habit to make sincere Du’a after each prayer, during the last third of the night, and while fasting. These are times when our Du’as are more likely to be accepted.
Giving in charity opens doors to Allah'sﷻ mercy. The Prophet Muhammadﷺ was most generous during Ramadan, and we should follow his example. But charity comes in many forms; this isn’t just monetary - helping others, feeding the fasting, supporting your family, and even smiling at your brother are all beloved forms of charity to Allahﷻ.
The Prophetﷺ said: "Your smiling in the face of your brother is charity, commanding good and forbidding evil is charity, your giving directions to a man lost in the land is charity for you. Your seeing for a man with bad sight is a charity for you, your removal of a rock, a thorn or a bone from the road is charity for you. Your pouring what remains from your bucket into the bucket of your brother is charity for you." –[Tirmidhi].
The first ten days are the perfect time to bond with your family and community. Visit relatives, mend broken relationships for the sake of Allahﷻ, and support your local Masajid. The Prophet Muhammadﷺ said that whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should maintain good relations with their kinfolk [Bukhari].
The companions of the Prophet Muhammadﷺ would prepare for Ramadan six months in advance, then spend the following six months praying for its acceptance. They understood that success in Ramadan required serious preparation and follow-through. Their example teaches us the importance of taking full advantage of these blessed days from the very beginning.
To make the most of Ramadan, we give ourselves the best chance by structuring a daily schedule centred around our Ibadah. Wake up early for Suhoor, making it a time of worship through Du’a and Dhikr. Plan your day to ensure you can pray on time and attend Taraweeh. Set aside specific periods for Qur’an recitation and reflection.
Consistency is key in the First Ashra. The Prophet Muhammadﷺ taught us that Allahﷻ loves consistent deeds, even if they are small. Focus on establishing sustainable habits that you can maintain throughout Ramadan and beyond. This might mean starting with a manageable amount of Qur’an recitation or extra prayers, and gradually increasing.
Prepare your environment for success by removing distractions and ensuring your spaces are appropriate for worship. Keep your Wudhu, have your prayer mat ready, and maintain a clean and organised space for reading Qur’an. Breaking things down into practical steps makes it easier to be consistent in our Ibadah throughout these blessed days.
The First Ten Days of Ramadan is a chance to change our habits for the better, and carry them through Ramadan, into the rest of the year. Use this time to develop habits of regular night prayer, consistent Qur’an recitation, and frequent remembrance of Allahﷻ. Seeking Allah'sﷻ mercy isn't limited to formal acts of worship. Every aspect of our lives can become an opportunity to earn Allah'sﷻ pleasure when done with the right intention.
Regularly evaluate your worship and adjust your schedule as needed. Be mindful of signs that Allah'sﷻ mercy is reaching you - increased ease in worship, opportunities for good deeds, or positive changes in your character. These signs can motivate us to strive harder in our worship.
May Allahﷻ grant us the Tawfiq to make the most of these blessed days, accept our worship, and envelop us in His mercy. Let us approach these days with seriousness and dedication, knowing that the effort we put in during this time will set the foundation for our entire Ramadan experience. Ameen.