Is There a Specific Dua for Three Ashra of Ramadan?

There are no specific duas assigned to the first, second, or third Ashra of Ramadan. 

Instead, we can ask Allah for anything at any time during this blessed month, as it is a time of mercy and abundant blessings. The term Ashra in Ramadan refers to each ten days within the month. 

Many Muslims divide Ramadan into three Ashras, believing that the first ten days are for blessings, the second for forgiveness, and the last for protection from Hellfire.

However, scholars emphasize that every day and night of Ramadan is filled with blessings, forgiveness, and the acceptance of prayers, and these virtues are not limited to specific portions of the month.

Let’s uncover the Duas for each of Ramadan’s Ashra and delve into the scholarly perspectives surrounding them.

What are the Dua’s of the Three Ashra of Ramadan?

Here are the supplications for the first three Ashra of Ramadan:

First Ashra of Ramadan – Mercy

The first ten days of Ramadan are known for Allah's mercy and blessings, and Muslims are encouraged to seek His mercy earnestly.

1st Ashra Dua:

“O my Lord, forgive and have mercy, for You are the Best of those who show mercy.” 

(Quran 23:118)

Second Ashra of Ramadan – Forgiveness

The next ten days, from the 11th to the 20th of Ramadan, are dedicated to seeking Allah's forgiveness and repenting for past mistakes.

2nd Ashra Dua:

“I seek forgiveness for my sins from Allah Almighty, who is my Lord, and I turn to Him in repentance.”

Third Ashra of Ramadan – Safety from Hellfire

The final ten days, starting from the 21st until the end of Ramadan, are devoted to praying for protection from Hellfire.

This Ashra is especially significant, as it includes the Night of Power (Lailatul Qadr), a night better than thousands of months. It's also a period where many practice I’tikaf (spiritual retreat).

3rd Ashra Dua:

“O Allah, save me from the fire of Hell.”

Scholars' Perspectives on the Duas of Ramadan's Three Ashras

Ibn Khuzaymah (may Allah have mercy on him) reported in his Sahih (1887) that Salman (may Allah be pleased with him) said: 

The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) spoke to us on the last day of Sha’ban, stating: 

“O people, a great month has come upon you, a blessed month... It is a month whose beginning is mercy, its middle is forgiveness, and its end is ransom from the Fire.”

This Hadith is not authentic. Why?

This hadith was narrated by Ibn Khuzaymah in his Saheeh (3/191, no. 1887), where he mentioned, "If the report is saheeh…” In some references, like al-Targheeb wa’l-Tarheeb by al-Mundhiri (2/95), the word "if" was omitted. This omission led some to assume that Ibn Khuzaymah directly confirmed the hadith’s authenticity, although he did not.

The hadith was also narrated by al-Mahaamili in al-Amaali (293) and by al-Bayhaqi in Shu’ab al-Eemaan (7/216) and Fadaa’il al-Awqaat (p. 146, no. 37). Additionally, Abu’l-Shaykh Ibn Hibbaan included it in Kitaab al-Thawaab, as cited by al-Saa’aati in al-Fath al-Rabbaani (9/233). 

Al-Suyooti referenced it in al-Durr al-Manthoor, attributing it to al-‘Aqeeli, who classified it as weak. It is also mentioned in al-Targheeb by al-Isbahaani and in Kanz al-‘Ummaal (8/477) by al-Munaqqi. All these sources narrate it through Sa’eed ibn al-Musayyib from Salmaan al-Faarisi.

However, the hadith’s isnad (chain of narrators) is considered weak for two main reasons:

1. There is a break in the chain of narrators, as Sa’eed ibn al-Musayyib did not hear this directly from Salmaan al-Faarisi (may Allah be pleased with him).
   
2. The chain includes ‘Ali ibn Zayd ibn Jad’aan, who was considered weak. Ibn Sa’d stated, "There is some weakness in him, and he cannot be quoted as evidence.” Scholars like Ahmad, Ibn Ma’een, al-Nasaa’i, Ibn Khuzaymah, and al-Jawzjaani also classified him as weak, as recorded in Siyar A’laam al-Nubala’ (5/207).
   

The Month of Mercy

The entirety of Ramadan embodies Allah's mercy; the entire month is also about forgiveness and liberation from the Fire. These blessings are not confined to any specific part of the month, reflecting the vastness of the mercy of Allah. 

Designating the first third of Ramadan for prayers of mercy, the second third for forgiveness, and the last third for seeking protection from Hell is an innovation. This practice lacks support in authentic Islamic teachings.

There is no basis for isolating these specific times for such supplications, as all days in Ramadan hold equal significance.

Muslims may pray for any good in this world and the Hereafter throughout Ramadan. This includes asking Allah for mercy, forgiveness, protection from the Fire, and admission to Paradise.

The Importance of Making Du’a in Ramadan

Muslims are encouraged to make abundant Du’a, seeking goodness and mercy, particularly during this blessed month. They should capitalize on this time of Barakah, earnestly seeking their Lord’s mercy and forgiveness. 

Ibn Kathir (may Allah have mercy on him) commented: 

“The fact that Allah, may He be Exalted, mentions this verse encouraging Du'a amidst the verses regarding fasting indicates that one should exert effort in making Du'a at the end of the fast and indeed, every time one breaks the fast.” 

Tafsir Ibn Kathir: 1/509

Examples of Du’as in Ramadan

It is commendable for those making Du’a to follow proper etiquette. They should recite many of the supplications reported from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) while avoiding excess in their requests.

They should observe the proper etiquette of Du’a and frequently recite the recommended prayers. This practice is beneficial during Ramadan and throughout the year, including:

"(Our Lord, grant us goodness in this world and the Hereafter, and protect us from the torment of the Fire),”

(Al-Baqarah 2:201)

"(Our Lord! Bestow upon us from our wives and offspring the comfort of our eyes, and make us leaders for the pious)”

(Al-Furqan 25:74)

"(O my Lord! Make me among those who establish prayers, and also from my offspring. Our Lord! Accept my invocation. Our Lord! Forgive me and my parents, and all believers on the Day when reckoning will be established)”

(Ibrahim 14:40-41)

"(O Allah, I ask You for all good in this world and the Hereafter, what I know of and what I do not know, and I seek refuge with You from all evil in this world and the Hereafter, what I know of and what I do not know.

O Allah, I ask You for the good that Your servant and Prophet asked of You, and I seek refuge with You from the evil from which Your servant and Prophet sought refuge.

O Allah, I ask You for Paradise and for whatever brings me closer to it in word or deed, and I seek refuge with You from Hell and whatever brings me closer to it in word or deed. I ask You to make everything You decree for me good).”

"(O Allah, I ask You for pardon and well-being in my religious and worldly affairs, my family, and my wealth. O Allah, conceal my faults and protect me from that which causes me to worry. O Allah, protect me from before me and from behind me, from my right and my left, and from above me, and I seek refuge in Your greatness lest I be destroyed from beneath me).”

Note: There are many duas mentioned in the Qur'an, particularly the Rabbana duas, which begin with "Rabbana." Additionally, several duas are found in Hadith. You can purchase dua cards containing these supplications at a nearby store.

It is also beneficial to recite general Du’as from the Quran and Sunnah; any Du’a is good as long as the individual sincerely strives to beseech their Lord. None of this is limited to Ramadan. Additionally, it is recommended to say upon breaking the fast (iftar time):

It is important to exert effort in Du’a, especially during the last third of the night each night. 

During the last ten nights of Ramadan, one should frequently recite: 

Note: Many Muslims believe that the above supplication is only Ramadan's third ashra dua. However, it is a powerful supplication that can be made at any time in Ramadan, especially during Laylatul Qadr. This dua is specially to ask forgiveness of Allah. 

In conclusion, many Muslims believe that each of the three Ashras of Ramadan embodies mercy, forgiveness, and blessings. Each day and night is an opportunity to seek Allah’s grace. The last ten days hold special significance due to Laylatul Qadr. However, Muslims are encouraged to make heartfelt supplications throughout the entire month. 

Limiting oneself to a single dua or confining devotion to specific ten-day sections is not authentically proven. Embracing each day with sincerity and gratitude brings us closer to Allah’s mercy. This allows us to fully experience the spiritual renewal that Ramadan offers.

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