Introduction – Ramadan is also known as Ramzan and is regarded as one of the most sacred months for Muslims worldwide. It is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed as a month of fasting by Muslims worldwide. The Holy Quran is the holy book of Muslims and is the source of direction or guidance, which was revealed during the holy month of Ramadan. Muslims believe that the Holy Quran was first revealed or introduced to the Prophet Mohammad in the sacred month of Ramzan.

As per Islamic belief, Ramadan is an Arabic word that means dryness or scorching heat and is one of the five pillars of Islam. Fasting is beneficial for your good health when properly put into the holy month of Ramadan. The month of Ramadan is based on fasting (roza) which promotes the elimination of toxins from the human body, lowers blood sugar, and reduces fat stores in the body. Fasting (Roza) also encourages healthy eating habits and boosts immunity, which is beneficial for your health.

Ramzan is the month of sacrifice, devotion, and fasting that is divided into three stages (Ashra) Mercy (Rehmat), Forgiveness (Maghfirah), and Nijat (free from hellfire) and Ashra is an Arabic word that means 10 days. As we know Islamic months are based on the appearance of the moon, thus, every Islamic month starts with the appearance of a moon for 29 or 30 days so Ramzan is also based on 29 or 30 days with full days and nights which means 3*10 days that makes 3 Ashra of each 10 days.

Three Stages (Ashra) of Ramadan – There are three Stages (Ashra) of Ramzan, which are discussed below –

1. Mercy (Rehmat) – it is the first stage (Ashra) of Ramadan, which occurs between the 1^st and 10^th of Ramzan. In this Ashra, every Muslim must seek the mercy (Rehmat) of Almighty Allah in these days. The first Ashra reflects the Mercy of Allah; thus, it is called as Rahmat and is an important Ashra in the sacred month of Ramadan.  Muslims give charity to poor people and seek or receive the Mercy (Rehmat) of Almighty Allah during the first Ashra of Ramzan. The first ten days of Ramadan are very important for Muslims to start fasting and worship during the sacred month of Ramzan.
2. Maghfirah (Forgiveness)– It is the second Ashra of Ramadan, which occurs between the 11^th and 20^th of Ramadan. In this Ashra, Muslims must seek forgiveness for all his/her sins from Almighty Allah. According to Islamic Belief, Almighty Allah opens the door of forgiveness for devotees in the second Ashra of Ramadan. Thus, individuals confess their sins and seek forgiveness from Almighty Allah by ensuring that they will not repeat them in their future lives.
3. Nijat (Free from Hellfire) – It is the third or last r most important stage (Ashra) of Ramadan, which occurs between the 21^st and 30^th of Ramadan. The last or final Ashra is very important, and each Muslim must pray for safety from hellfire. In the last or final Ashra of Ramadan, Lailatul Qadar also falls which is better than the nights of thousands of months in the holy month of Ramadan. Juma Alvida, the last Friday of Ramadan, is also celebrated in the third Ashra of Ramadan.

Ramadan Mubarak