The Three Parts Of Ramadan

The Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) said Ramadan is traditionally divided into three distinct parts each with its own focus and significance, it consists of the first ten days which is known as Rahmah, the middle ten days which is referred to as Magfirah and last but not least the last ten days which is known as Najat. We will look into these further and their important meaning below.

The First Ten Days – Mercy (Rahmah)

The first ten days of Ramadan are focused around mercy, during this time Muslims seek Allah's mercy and forgiveness for their past sins and it is a period of self-reflection, repentance and supplication. Muslims believe that Allah’s mercy is abundant during these days, and they try to engage in acts of worship, prayer, and charity to draw closer to Allah, the first ten days of Ramadan are considered particularly significant in the Islamic tradition.

They are seen as a time to purify the soul and increase one's connection to Allah and the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is reported to have said that the first ten days of Ramadan are full of Allah’s mercy. As Allah is believed to be especially merciful during this period, It is a time to repent for past mistakes.

Muslims often use the first ten days to increase their acts of worship particularly focusing on prayer, fasting, reading the Quran and performing good deeds and the first part helps prepare individuals spiritually and mentally for the remaining days of Ramadan. By focusing on their faith and devotion they set a strong foundation for the months to come.

Though it is believed to fall in the last ten days of Ramadan some scholars and traditions emphasize the significance of the first ten days in setting the tone for seeking the Night of Decree, which is considered the holiest night of the year. Overall the first ten days are viewed as a time for intense devotion and reflection laying the foundation for the full spiritual benefits of Ramadan.

The Middle Ten Days – Forgiveness (Maghfirah)

The middle ten days of Ramadan are focused on seeking forgiveness and this is a time to reflect on one’s mistakes, sins and shortcomings and to sincerely ask for forgiveness from Allah. Many Muslims increase their duas and recite additional prayers particularly seeking the special mercy and forgiveness that is believed to be offered during this part of the month. The middle ten days of Ramadan are often considered the most spiritually important and it is divided into three sets of ten days, the middle ten days are believed to be a time when the mercy of Allah is plentiful. These days are extraordinary for the religious practices and the hunt of forgiveness.

Additionally, the 15th night of Ramadan is significant because it is thought to be the night when the Qur'an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and some people also believe that during these days, the chance of receiving Allah's mercy and forgiveness is especially high. Many Muslims make extra duas and pray Nafls (like Taraweeh) and engage in extral acts of charity and dedication during these days and this period is also associated with seeking Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Decree which is believed to fall during the last ten days of Ramadan, often on an odd-numbered night (21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or 29th). The middle ten days of Ramadan can be a time of strong reflection, prayer and seeking spiritual growth.

The Last Ten Days – Protection from the Hellfire (Najat)

The last ten days of Ramadan are dedicated to seeking protection from the Hellfire and attaining freedom from it and Muslims intensify their worship, seeking Allah's protection from punishment. These days are considered the most spiritually significant, with the “Night of Power” (Laylat al-Qadr) falling within this period, laylat al-Qadr is believed to be the night when the Quran was revealed, and it holds immense importance, as prayers during this night are said to be especially powerful. These days of Ramadan are considered among the most significant and spiritually rewarding days of the Islamic month of fasting and during this period, Muslims engage in extra acts of worship, prayer, and reflection.

Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Decree)

One of the last ten nights (traditionally believed to fall on the 27th night, but could also be any odd-numbered night in the last ten days) is Laylat al-Qadr, a night that is considered the holiest of the year. It is described in the Qur'an as "better than a thousand months" (Surah Al-Qadr 97:3) making it a time of intense prayers, seeking forgiveness and making duas to Allah.

Increased Worship

Muslims often increase their worship including prayer (Salat), reciting the Qur'an and making dhikr (remembrance of Allah) and engaging in acts of charity and a lot of people also spend time in the mosque especially for Tahajjud (night prayers) in search of getting closer to Allah during this religious special time.

I'tikaf (Spiritual Retreat)

Some Muslims observe I'tikaf which is a form of religious retreat where they stay in the mosque for increased prayers and reflection, this custom usually takes place during the last ten days of Ramadan allowing people to focus entirely on worship and prayer, away from the interruptions of everyday life.

Charity and Giving

The last ten days are a time when Muslims are encouraged to be particularly generous in their acts of charity and many people give Zakat al-Fitr, a form of almsgiving that is given to the poor before Eid al-Fitr which marks the end of Ramadan.

Seeking Forgiveness and Mercy

Ramadan is a time of forgiveness and spiritual cleansing, and the last ten days are particularly important for seeking Allah's mercy and forgiveness. Muslims believe that during these final days, Allah is especially compassionate and willing to forgive the sins of those who sincerely repent and seek His mercy.

In summary, the last ten days of Ramadan are a time for increased devotion, spiritual growth, and closeness to Allah, with an emphasis on worship, reflection, and acts of charity. It is a time when Muslims hope to gain the most spiritual benefit and possibly encounter Laylat al-Qadr. These three phases guide Muslims through a journey of mercy, forgiveness, and salvation throughout the month of Ramadan, helping them strengthen their faith and deepen their connection to Allah.