The Third Ashra commences on the 21st of Ramadan and concludes on the 29th or 30th of Ramadan, depending on the lunar cycle. It is commonly referred to as the period of “safety from the Hell” (Nijat), during which every Muslim is expected to pray for protection from the torment of hellfire. And Islamic calendar is based on lunar movements. Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It is one of the most sacred months of the lunar year. This month is divided into 3 ashras.

• 10 days of Blessings (First Ashra)
• 10 days of Forgiveness (2nd Ashra)
• Last 10 days of salvation from hell

What is the Third Ashra of Ramadan:

Though every moment in the month of Ramadan is precious, the last ten days of Ramadan are of unique significance for the believers. These 10 days are significant as they mark the last precious moments of the holy month of Ramadan. This Ashra is called the Ashra e Nijaat, i.e. Ten days of salvation from hellfire.

Prophet Muhammad Peace be upon Him taught the specific dua for this Ashra as follows;

. اَللَّهُمَّ أَجِرْنِي مِنَ النَّارِ

Transliteration:

Allahumma Ajirni minan naar

Urdu Translation:

اے اللہ! مجھے آگ کے عذاب سے بچا لے۔

English Translation:

O Allah, save me from the fire (Jahannam).

 Significance of the third Ashra:

All three Ashras of Ramadan are very important, but the last Ashra is signified by many important events that took place in the last 10 days. These events include;

• Lyla-tul-Qadr
• I`tikaaf
• Juma tul Wida

Let´s discuss these events one by one.

Lyla-tul-Qadr:

Lyla in Arabic means “a night,” and Al Qadr means “of great value.”. Lyla tul Qadr is one of the odd nights in the last 10 days of Ramadan. Many scholars say that it falls on the 27th night of the month of Ramadan. But most scholars are unanimous on the fact that it could be any night in the odd nights of the last Ashra of Ramadan.

The importance of this night is crystal clear from the following chapter of the Quran:

In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.

“We have sent it (the Qur‘an) down in the Night of Qadr. And what may let you know what the Night of Qadr is? The Night of Qadr is much better than one thousand months. The angels and the Spirit descend in it, with the leave of your Lord, along with every command. Peace, it is till the debut of dawn.” (Al Quran, Sura tul Qadar)

This night is the night of blessings, peace, and forgiveness of Allah Almighty. Muslims stay awake the entire night to worship Allah SWT and beg for pardon for their sins.

I`tikaaf:

I`tikaaf is a religious ritual done in the last Ashra of Ramadan.

It is to live in isolation, away from all worldly affairs.

I`tikaaf is meant for worshipping Allah in isolation, with complete concentration.

Men sit in I`tikaaf in mosques, while women sit in any corner of their houses.

It is a very important aspect of Islamic rituals as it is a Sunnat, which means Prophet Muhammad SAW used to sit in I`tikaaf during the last ten days of Ramadan.

Muslims all over the world sit in I`tikaaf every year at the last Ashra of Ramadan.

Jumma tul Wida:

Jumma is Friday and Al Wida means farewell, or saying goodbye. Jumma tul Wida means the last Friday of the month of Ramadan. Friday has a specific and sacred identity in Islam. The prayer of Jumma is the most important prayer according to Islamic teachings.

The last Friday of Ramadan is of unique significance, according to the teachings of Islam. This is an event celebrated with true religious zeal by believers all over the world. This is the reason of the extreme importance of the last Ashra of Ramadan.

What to do in the Ashra e Nijaat?

The last ten days of Ramadan, i.e., the Ashra e Nijaat, is the most important Ashra of Ramadan. Muslims should do the following acts as taught by Prophet Muhammad:. Peace be upon him.

• We should offer obligatory prayers regularly.
• We should also focus on offering devotional prayers these days, as Allah Almighty loves His bondsmen who offer devotional prayers.
• We should give alms and sadah to the needy, especially in the last Ashra.
• We should stay awake till late at night to pray Allah SWT, especially on the odd nights of this Ashra, to seek Lyla tul Qadr.
• We should pray the special dua for this Ashra frequently.

Conclusion:

The third Ashra of Ramadan is the last and most important Ashra of Ramadan. It is adorned with Lyla tul Qadr, Jumma tul Wida, and the Sunnah of I`tikaaf. The believers should stay focused on prayers and supplications throughout the last Ashra. It provides a golden opportunity for begging for salvation from hellfire. Last Ashra in general and all odd nights of last Ashra in particular, are really precious for praying to Allah Almighty. QuranHost brings you every aspect of Islamic teachings regarding Ramadan and Islam. Come and join our institute to learn everything about Islam.