One Ummah News - 17 Apr 2025
The second ten days of Ramadan are for seeking forgiveness. Learn how to purify your soul and maximize your worship.
The Sacred Journey of the Second Ashra
As the blessed month of Ramadan unfolds, is divided into three very distinct periods, each carrying its own special significance. After experiencing the profound mercy of Allahﷻ in the first ten days, we now enter the second ten days. This is a period dedicated to seeking forgiveness (Maghfirah) – a divine gift, a golden opportunity of repentance for those of us who sincerely seek it.
During these second ten days, the gates of forgiveness are wide open. After the foundations we laid during the first Ashra, we have a chance to turn to Allahﷻ with sincere hearts. Our Lord tells us in the Qur’an: "Say, 'O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allahﷻ forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the most Merciful.” –[39:53].
Repenting is not merely uttering words of regret, it’s a deep, spiritual transformation, and it begins with self-accountability. We must become comfortable with confronting our shortcomings and acknowledge the errors of our ways. It demands us to feel genuine remorse, recognising our disobedience to the One who created us. Only then can we make a firm intention to abstain from our sins and turn towards Allahﷻ with unwavering devotion.
True forgiveness begins with genuine and heartfelt Tawbah. The Prophet Muhammadﷺ said: "One who repents from sin is like one who never sinned" –[Ibn Majah]. This profound hadith reminds us that no matter how great our sins may seem, Allah’sﷻ mercy is vast, and his forgiveness is always in reach.
The honourable companions of the Prophetﷺ were great examples of this conscious Tawbah. They would spend hours in deep reflection, rigorously examining their deeds. They feared even the slightest shortcomings in their worship or interactions with others. Their hearts were so attuned to Allah’sﷻ pleasure that they would cry at the thought of falling short. We should follow in their footsteps by regularly reflecting, purifying our intentions, and seeking His Almighty forgiveness with humility and sincerity.
The story of Ka’b ibn Malik رضي الله عنه and his two companions is a timeless testament to the power of sincere repentance. When they remained behind from the Battle of Tabuk without a valid excuse, they faced a severe trial: a fifty-day social boycott. Yet, instead of resorting to excuses or false justifications, they chose honesty and turned to Allahﷻ full of remorse. Their trial turned into triumph, and Allahﷻ not only forgave them but also revealed their story in the Qur’an as a lesson for all of humanity: “Indeed, Allah has forgiven the Prophet, the Muhajireen, and the Ansar who followed him in the hour of difficulty...” –[9:117].
أسْتَغْفِرُ اللهَ رَبي مِنْ كُلِ ذَنبٍ وَأتُوبُ إلَيهِ
“I ask forgiveness of my sins from Allah who is my Lord and I turn towards Him.”
This powerful Du’a is a direct path to Allah’s forgiveness. Make it a consistent part of your morning and evening Adhkar. Recite “Astaghfirullah”, especially when your duas are most accepted. You can recite during the last third of the night, while fasting, and between the Adhan and Iqamah.
This Ashra, keep your tongue moist with the remembrance of Allahﷻ, and soften your heart with the weight of your repentance. The Prophet Muhammadﷺ also said: “Whoever says ‘Astaghfirullah al-‘Adheem alladhi la ilaha illa Huwa al-Hayy al-Qayyum wa atubu ilayh’ will be forgiven, even if he fled from battle.” –[Tirmidhi].
Charity is not just an act of kindness; it is a means of shedding our sins and drawing closer to Allahﷻ. The Prophet Muhammadﷺ said: “Sadaqah extinguishes sin as water extinguishes fire.” –[Tirmidhi]. During the second Ashra, let your generosity flow abundantly. Whether through monetary donations, feeding the hungry, volunteering to help others, or even smiling, every act of charity during this sacred time is pleasurable to Allahﷻ.
You could provide Ramadan food packs, sponsor orphans, or delivering Emergency Aid to those suffering in the holy lands of Gaza, Syria, and Lebanon. These acts of charity are not just a means of seeking forgiveness, but a source of endless rewards. The Prophetﷺ said: “When a person dies, their deeds come to an end except for three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for them.” –[Muslim].
Let your charity reflect the sincerity of your repentance.
Seeking Allah’sﷻ forgiveness should inspire us to extend that same forgiveness to others. The Prophet Muhammadﷺ said: "Show mercy to those on earth, and the One in the heavens will show mercy to you." –[Tirmidhi]. Use these blessed days to heal broken relationships, reconcile with family members, and let go of past grievances.
Forgiveness is a revered act of worship to Allahﷻ. Each time you feel the sweetness of Allah’sﷻ forgiveness in your heart, let it motivate you to pay it forward. Remember, forgiving others earns Allahﷻ's forgiveness for yourself, purifies your soul and elevates your rank in the Hereafter.
We must build on our momentum from the first ten days, while embracing this special period of forgiveness. Soon, we will enter the final ten nights – a time of unparalleled blessings, including Laylatul Qadr (The Night of Decree). Prepare your heart for these sacred nights by sincerely repenting, increasing your Ibadah, and purifying your intentions.
Make this Ashra a time of transformation. Let each prayer be an opportunity to seek forgiveness. Each charitable act a means of purification. Each moment of reflection a step closer to Allahﷻ. Remember, true success doesn’t lie in never falling, but in always getting up and turning back to Allahﷻ.
May Allahﷻ accept our fasting, forgive our sins, and make us among those who emerge from Ramadan purified and renewed. Let us strive to be of those about whom the Prophet Muhammadﷺ said: "Whoever fasts Ramadan out of faith and in the hope of reward, all his previous sins will be forgiven" –[Bukhari].
Every moment of these blessed days is a divine gift –a chance to revive our Emaan and seek forgiveness. Do not let them pass by without taking full advantage. May Allahﷻ accept our fasting, forgive our sins, and make us among those who are granted His mercy and forgiveness. Ameen.