The first ten days of the holy month of Ramadan are all about mercy, a time to seek Allah’s (swt) mercy for ourselves and our families but also a time to show mercy to each other as Muslims and as humans.
We have compiled a list of actions and prayers to help you through this Ashra of mercy as the holy Prophet (PBUH) said:
“It is a month, the first (part) of which is mercy, the middle (part) of which is forgiveness and the last (part) of which is freedom from the Fire” [Ibn Khuzaimah]
Pray at Night:
While the rest of the world sleeps, if you wake up to seek your creator’s mercy, your efforts are sure to be noted, as Allah (swt) says in the holy book,
“Is one who is devoutly obedient during periods of the night, prostrating and standing [in prayer], fearing the Hereafter and hoping for the mercy of his Lord, [like one who does not]? Say, “Are those who know equal to those who do not know?” Only they will remember [who are] people of understanding.” [Zumur 39:9]
While we understand that it can be exhausting to wake up at night when you are already tired from fasting and working during the day, it is entirely worth it, as the peace you feel and the rewards hereafter are immense.
While you increase your ibadaa, it is important to remember that there many who are unable to devote themselves to worship in this holy month due to their financial hardships. You can help out such families by donating a monthly iftar food pack of £120.
Be Merciful to Other People:
While this Ashra is about seeking Allah’s (swt) mercy, it is also about being kind and compassionate towards others because as the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:
“Be merciful to others and you will receive mercy. Forgive others and Allah will forgive you” (Musnad Ahmad)
Being merciful to others can be as simple as being kind in your words and having a calm demeanor but it can mean paying your Zakat, giving Sadaqah frequently and donating towards making a difference in people’s lives.
This Ramadan, consider donating towards a water handpump or building a mosque to show compassion and mercy towards fellow humans.
Be Kind Towards Children:
This is something you should practice all year round, but the first ten days of Ramadan are good reminders to be merciful towards children. The Prophet (PBUH) was a prime example of compassion towards children:
Once a Sahabi said to the Prophet (PBUH), “I have ten children and have never kissed one of them.” The Prophet cast a look at him and said, “Whoever is not merciful to others will not be treated mercifully.” (Al-Bukhari)
Follow the sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH) and show compassion towards children in your words and actions. Consider donating towards our Maktabs, which provide free Islamic education to children from underprivileged families, UCI also shows care towards these children by gifting them clothes, food and other necessities throughout the year but particularly during Ramadan and on Eid.
Donate an Eid Gift Pack to a child.
Memorize These Small Prayers to Gain Allah’s Mercy:
Lastly, here is a list of prayers we suggest you memorize and repeat to yourself throughout the day in the first Ashra of Ramadan to gain Allah’s (swt) mercy:
‘رَّبِّ اغْفِرْ وَارْحَمْ وَأَنتَ خَيْرُ الرَّاحِمِينَ’
Rabbi ighfir warham wa anta khair-ur-raahimeen
’And [O Prophet] say, “My Lord, forgive and have mercy, and You are the best of the merciful”’. (Qur’an, 23:118)
‘اللّهُـمَّ إِنَّـي أَسْـأَلُـكَ بِرَحْمَـتِكَ الّتِي وَسِـعَتْ كُلَّ شيْء، أَنْ تَغْـفِرَ لي’
Allaahumma inni as’aluka bi-rahmatika al-lati wasi’at kulla shay’in an taghfira li
‘O Allah, I ask You by Your mercy which envelopes all things, that You forgive me’.
‘اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَارْحَمْنِي وَأَلْحِقْنِي بِالرَّفِيقِ الأَعْلَى’
Allahuma ighfir li warhamni wa alhiqni bir-rafiq-il-a’laa
Aisha (ra) said, ‘I heard the Messenger of Allah (saw) saying at his death, “O Allah, forgive me and have mercy on me, and join me with the Highest Company”’. (Tirmidhi)
Give Your Fidyah to Help Feed People:
If you are unable to fast this Ramadan due to an illness any other legitimate reason, you can give your Fidyah, which will help Muslims in unfortunate circumstances break their fast in a dignified manner. Truly is a way of showing mercy towards your brothers and sisters.
We pray that you have had a wonderful Ramadan so far, full of peace and mercy.