The Three Stages of Ramadan: A Spiritual Guide

Mercy: a gateway to compassion (Rahmah)

The first ten days of Ramadan, known as Rahmah, invite Muslims to reflect deeply on Allah’s boundless mercy. Believers strive to emulate divine compassion through acts of kindness, generosity, and empathy.

"O My servants who have exceeded the limits against their souls! Do not lose hope in Allah’s mercy, for Allah certainly forgives all sins. He is indeed the All-Forgiving, Most Merciful."

The Quran

| Chapter 39, Verse 53

The dua recommended to say during the first ten days is:

اللَّهُمَّ ارْحَمْنِي يَا أَرْحَمَ الرَّاحِمِينَ

Allahumma irhamni ya arhamar rahimeen

O Allah, have mercy upon me, O Most Merciful of the merciful.

Forgiveness: a path to purification (Maghfirah)

The second ten days, Maghfirah, encourage believers to turn inward, seeking forgiveness for personal shortcomings and forgiving those who may have wronged them. This period emphasises spiritual purification, helping Muslims shed burdens from past mistakes and embrace renewed peace.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

"Whoever fasts Ramadan out of faith and in hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven."

Bukhari & Muslim

The dua recommended to say during the second ten days is:

أَسْتَغْفِرُ اللَّهَ رَبِّي مِنْ كُلِّ ذَنْبٍ وَأَتُوبُ إِلَيْهِ

Astaghfirullah Rabbi min kulli dhanbin wa atoobu ilayh

I seek forgiveness from Allah, my Lord, from every sin and turn to Him in repentance.

Salvation: the ultimate reward (Nijat)

The final ten days of Ramadan focus on Nijat, highlighted by Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power). This night, better than a thousand months, offers immense spiritual rewards. Muslims intensify their worship, recitation of the Quran, and heartfelt supplications, yearning for divine acceptance and eternal salvation.

"Indeed, We sent it down on a blessed night, for We always warn ˹against evil˺. On that night every matter of wisdom is ordained"

The Quran

| Chapter 44, Verses 3 to 4

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

"Whoever stands (in prayer) during Laylat al-Qadr with faith and expectation of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven."

Bukhari & Muslim

The dua recommended to say during the final ten days is:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي

Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa'fu 'anni

O Allah, You are forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me.

Final thoughts: The significance of Ramadan’s three phases

Understanding the three distinct phases of Ramadan—Mercy, Forgiveness, and Salvation—enables believers to fully embrace and deepen their spiritual experience. Each part provides an essential opportunity for personal growth, reflection, and closeness to Allah. May this Ramadan journey through compassion, forgiveness, and salvation inspire transformative change and profound spiritual fulfilment.