The Virtues of Fasting and Success in This World and the Hereafter.
Ramadan – The Month of Mercy and Spiritual Transformation
Ramadan is a great and blessed month that Allah Almighty has granted superiority over all other months. It is not merely a period of hunger and thirst, but a means of spiritual purification, self-discipline, and strengthening the bond between the servant and his Lord. The first ten days of Ramadan are especially known as the Ashra of Mercy, during which Allah’s mercy descends upon His servants like a continuous rain. These are the days when sincere worship can begin to resolve many life problems naturally.
The Importance of Fasting in the First Ashra
Fasting is the greatest act of worship in the first Ashra of Ramadan. A fast does not only mean abstaining from food and drink; rather, it is a practical demonstration of protecting the eyes, ears, tongue, and heart from sins. In the Holy Qur’an, Allah Almighty describes fasting as a means of attaining Taqwa (God-consciousness)—a quality that nurtures awareness of Allah within a person. Whoever understands the true spirit of fasting in the first Ashra experiences Ramadan as a complete spiritual revolution.
Purpose of Worship During the First Ten Days
The primary goal of worship in the first Ashra should be to turn the heart fully toward Allah. Observing prayers regularly, performing voluntary prayers, reciting the Qur’an, and engaging in remembrance of Allah form the foundation of these days. Especially, spending a few moments in silent remembrance of Allah after Fajr and Isha prayers deeply transforms the inner world. Supplications made during this Ashra are accepted quickly because these are the days of divine mercy.
Worldly and Physical Benefits of Ramadan
The benefits of Ramadan are not limited to spirituality alone; they extend to worldly life as well. Fasting instills discipline, teaches patience, and trains a person to control desires—qualities that lead to success in practical life. Whoever learns to value time during Ramadan remains successful even afterward. From a health perspective, fasting protects the body from many illnesses and restores balance.
A Proven Spiritual Practice of the First Ashra
A well-tested spiritual practice of the first Ashra is to recite “Ya Rahman, Ya Rahim” 100 times daily after Fajr prayer. This practice removes anxiety from the heart, reduces domestic conflicts, and creates ease in sustenance. If a person is facing any worldly obstruction or blockage, giving charity along with this recitation—even a few pieces of bread—enhances its effectiveness.
Blessings of Surah Al-Fatiha
Reciting Surah Al-Fatiha during the first Ashra is extremely beneficial. The righteous elders state that Surah Al-Fatiha is the key to Allah’s treasures. Whoever recites it seven times daily and entrusts their problems to Allah begins to see doors opening.
A Real-Life Spiritual Experience
A notable incident shared by spiritual guide Muhammad Ayaz Mazmal Hussain Shah involves a man who had been suffering from severe financial difficulties for years. His business had completely stalled. Upon seeking guidance, he was advised to recite “Ya Razzaq” 111 times after Fajr for eleven days during the first Ashra of Ramadan and to feed someone in need every Friday. By Allah’s grace, his blocked matters were resolved before Ramadan ended, and he received a new business opportunity.
Another case involved a woman whose marriage had been delayed for years. She was guided to perform two voluntary prayers after Isha during the first Ashra and then recite Surah Al-Inshirah 21 times, along with giving charity to orphaned children weekly. Within a few months, her marriage was finalized, and she personally testified that the Ramadan supplications transformed her life.
Charity in the First Ashra
Charity holds special importance in the first Ashra, as mercy increases when it is shared. Even giving a small amount of charity daily before iftar—even a single date—brings blessings in sustenance and health. Charity is not limited to wealth; good character, kind words, and a smile are also forms of charity.
The Message of the First Ashra
The first Ashra of Ramadan teaches us that when we take one step toward Allah, Allah takes many steps toward us. It reminds us to view worship not as a burden but as a blessing. Whoever corrects their intention during this Ashra finds the rest of Ramadan easy and full of blessings.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when the worship, virtues of fasting, and spiritual practices of the first Ashra of Ramadan are performed with understanding and sincerity, both religious and worldly life are refined. This is the true message of Ramadan and the secret that the righteous elders have always conveyed.
