The first Asra (10 days) of Ramadan is known as the Asra of Mercy (Rahmat). It is a time to seek Allah’s mercy and establish good habits for the rest of the month. Here are the key things to do:
1. Strengthen Your Intentions (Niyyah)
- Start Ramadan with a sincere intention to fast, seek forgiveness, and improve your faith.
2. Increase Worship and Prayers
- Five Daily Prayers: Perform them on time, preferably in congregation.
- Taraweeh: Participate in or pray at home.
- Tahajjud: Wake up for extra prayers in the last part of the night.
3. Recite and Reflect on the Quran
- Begin a plan to read and understand the Quran throughout Ramadan.
- Read with translation and Tafseer for deeper understanding.
4. Seek Allah’s Mercy
- This Asra is focused on Allah’s mercy, so recite:
اللَّهُمَّ ارْحَمْنِي (Allahumma irhamni) – O Allah, have mercy on me.
5. Increase Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah)
- Recite Astaghfirullah, SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, and Allahu Akbar regularly.
6. Give in Charity (Sadaqah)
- Help the needy through donations, food, or acts of kindness.
- Start planning for Zakat if you haven’t already.
7. Improve Your Character
- Avoid gossip, arguments, and bad habits.
- Practice patience, humility, and kindness.
8. Focus on Duas
- Ask Allah for His mercy, guidance, and forgiveness.
- Make duas for yourself, family, and the Ummah.
9. Establish Healthy Fasting Habits
- Eat a nutritious Suhoor (pre-dawn meal).
- Avoid overeating at Iftar, and break fast with dates and water.
10. Set Goals for the Rest of Ramadan
- Plan how to maximize your worship in the next Asras:
- 2nd Asra (Forgiveness – Maghfirah)
- 3rd Asra (Freedom from Hell – Najat)