Months before Ramadan, Muslims prepare for a period of religious activities, increased devotion, and seeking Allah’s mercy.
The first ten days of Ramadan, known as the ‘Days of Mercy,’ offer believers a unique opportunity to draw closer to their Creator and seek His forgiveness.
The first Ashra sets the tone for the entire month, preparing Muslims for spiritual transformation and self-improvement.
This blog will explore the significance of these initial days and share essential duas (supplications) to enhance the religious journey during this sacred time.
The Significance of the First Ashra
The first ten days of Ramadan, also called the first Ashra, are when Allah’s mercy descends upon His faithful servants.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasised the importance of these days and encouraged believers to increase their worship and good deeds.
Narrated in a hadith,
“It (Ramadan) is the month, whose beginning is mercy, its middle, forgiveness and its end, emancipation from the fire (of hell)”.
Essential Duas for the First 10 Days
Here are five powerful duas you can recite during the first Ashra of Ramadan:
1. Dua for Seeking Mercy
رَبِّ اغْفِرْ وَارْحَمْ وَأَنْتَ خَيْرُ الرَّاحِمِينَ
Rabbighfir warham wa anta khairur rahimeen
“My Lord, forgive and have mercy, and You are the Best of those who show mercy.”
This beautiful prayer, taken from the Quran (Surah Al-Mu’minun, 23:118), is perfect for the first Ashra.
It is a simple yet powerful plea for Allah’s forgiveness and mercy.
2. Dua for Seeking Allah’s Forgiveness
اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي ذَنْبِي كُلَّهُ، دِقَّهُ وَجِلَّهُ، وَأَوَّلَهُ وَآخِرَهُ، وَعَلَانِيَتَهُ وَسِرَّهُ
Allahumma-ghfir li dhanbi kullahu, diqqahu wa jillahu, wa awwalahu wa akhirahu, wa ‘alaniyatahu wa sirrahu
“O Allah! Forgive me all my sins, great and small, the first and the last, those that are apparent and those that are hidden.”
Ramadan is the best time to ask for forgiveness and repent.
The above Ramadan dua is perfect for asking Allah to forgive small and great sins.
3. Dua for Divine Assistance
يَا حَيُّ يَا قَيُّومُ بِرَحْمَتِكَ أَسْتَغيثُ
Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum bi rahmatika astaghees
“O Ever-Living, O Self-Subsisting and Supporter of all, by Your mercy I seek assistance.”
This dua is highly recommended for the first ten days of Ramadan.
It is a heartfelt call to Allah’s help and support through His infinite mercy.

4. Dua for Protection
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ عَذَابِ الْقَبْرِ وَمِنْ عَذَابِ جَهَنَّمَ وَمِنْ فِتْنَةِ الْمَحْيَا وَالْمَمَاتِ وَمِنْ شَرِّ فِتْنَةِ الْمَسِيحِ الدَّجَّالِ
Allahumma inni a’udhu bika min ‘adhabil-qabr, wa min ‘adhabijahannam, wa min fitnatil-mahya wal-mamat, wa min sharri fitnatil-masihid-dajjal
“O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the punishment of the grave, from the torment of Hellfire, from the trials of life and death, and from the evil affliction of Al-Masih Ad-Dajjal (the False Messiah)”.
This comprehensive dua seeks protection from various trials and punishments, making it particularly beneficial during the first Ashra.
5. Dua for Acceptance of Fasting and Worship
اللَّهُمَّ بَلِّغْنِي رَمَضَانَ وَسَلِّمْ رَمَضَانَ لِي وَتَسَلَّمْهُ مِنِّي
Allahumma ballighni Ramadan wa sallim Ramadana li wa tasallamhu minni
“O Allah! Preserve me until Ramadan, safeguard Ramadan for me and accept it from me (receive my deeds with acceptance)”.
This dua is particularly relevant as we begin the month of Ramadan.
We ask Allah to bless us with the ability to worship fast and accept our efforts.
6. Dua for Breaking the Fast
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي لَكَ صُمْتُ وَبِكَ آمَنْتُ وَعَلَيْكَ تَوَكَّلْتُ وَعَلَى رِزْقِكَ أَفْطَرْتُ
Allahumma inni laka sumtu wa bika amantu wa ‘alaika tawakkaltu wa ‘ala rizqika aftartu
“O Allah, I fasted for You and I believe in You and I put my trust in You and I break my fast with Your sustenance”.
It is recommended that this dua be recited when breaking the fast, expressing gratitude, and reaffirming one’s faith and trust in Allah.
Practical Tips for the First 10 Days
To make the most of this blessed period, consider incorporating these practices:
- Increase Quran recitation: Set aside time daily to read and reflect on the Quran.
- Perform extra prayers: Offer additional voluntary prayers, especially at night, such as Taraweeh and Tahajjud.
- Give in charity: Ramadan is an excellent time for charitable acts. Consider donating to those in need.
- Practice forgiveness: Forgive those who wronged you and seek forgiveness from others.
- Make dua at iftar time: The moment you break your fast is a special time when duas are more likely to be accepted.
- Engage in dhikr: Increase your remembrance of Allah through various forms of dhikr.
- Seek knowledge: During Ramadan, take advantage of online lectures, webinars, and Islamic courses to increase your understanding of Islam.
- Renew your intentions: Sincerely intend to make the most of this Ramadan and pray that your efforts will be accepted.
- Prepare for worship: Create an ibadah (worship) schedule and stay consistent throughout the month.

Embracing the Spirit of Mercy
The first Ashra of Ramadan isn’t just about personal worship; it’s also about extending mercy to others. Consider these ways to embody mercy in your daily life:
- Help those in need
- Remember to pray for others
- Be kind to your family and neighbours
- Volunteer at your local mosque or community centre
- Spread positivity and avoid gossip or backbiting
Remember, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever does not show mercy to others will not be shown mercy”.
By embodying mercy in our actions and seeking it through our supplications, we can hope to receive Allah’s boundless mercy during this blessed month.
Striving for Allah’s Pleasure in The First Ten Days of Ramadan
Ramadan is a sacred month, and it is the best time to ask for forgiveness and strive hard to please Allah.
Laylatul Qadr, the Night of Decree in the Quran, also falls during the last ten nights of Ramadan, making it ideal for repentance.
May Allah accept our fasts, prayers, and good deeds, and may He shower His mercy upon us all during this holy month and beyond, as He is the most merciful.
As we begin this spiritual journey, let us use the first ten days of Ramadan to seek Allah’s guidance and pardon.
Try to recite Ramadan dua for first 10 days. These blessed days offer a chance to realign with the right path and strengthen our faith amidst worldly distractions.
We can purify our souls through worship and self-reflection and earn Allah’s rewards.
May we make the most of this time, for Allah’s mercy is boundless for those who sincerely seek it.