The first 10 days of Ramadan, often referred to as the 1st Ashra, are commonly described as the days of mercy (rahmah). Many Muslims search for the “1st Ashra Dua” to recite during this period. However, it is important to clarify that dividing Ramadan into three specific Ashras—mercy, forgiveness, and protection from Hellfire—with separate fixed duas is not established through strong authentic hadith.
While a widely shared supplication for the first ten days circulates in popular tradition, scholars explain that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ did not assign a specific dua exclusively for each Ashra. Instead, believers are encouraged to increase in general supplication, Qur’an recitation, repentance, and seeking Allah’s mercy throughout the entire month.
The beginning of Ramadan sets the spiritual foundation for the days that follow. It is a time to renew intention, soften the heart, and ask Allah ﷻ sincerely for rahmah and guidance.
In this guide, you will find the commonly recited 1st Ashra dua in Arabic with transliteration and translation, its authenticity status, scholarly explanations about dividing Ramadan into Ashras, and authentic supplications to maximize the first ten days.
What Are the First 10 Days (1st Ashra) of Ramadan?
The first ten days of Ramadan are commonly referred to as the 1st Ashra. The word Ashra (Arabic: عشرة) simply means “ten,” and in this context it refers to the first ten days of the month of Ramadan. Linguistically, the term carries no specific religious ruling; it is a numerical division used for teaching and reflection.
The Qur’an itself does not divide Ramadan into three fixed parts. However, many Muslim communities use the three-Ashra framework as a practical way to structure spiritual focus throughout the month.
The Three-Ashra Narration and Its Authenticity
A widely circulated narration states:
“The first ten days of Ramadan are mercy, the middle ten are forgiveness, and the last ten are freedom from the Fire.”
Scholars of hadith have explained that this narration is weak (da‘if) in its chain of transmission. Because of this, it should not be presented as a firmly established statement of the Prophet ﷺ.
However, the concepts mentioned in the narration — mercy, forgiveness, and salvation from Hellfire — are authentically established throughout Ramadan in other sound sources. Allah’s mercy and forgiveness are not limited to specific segments of the month.
For this reason, the three-Ashra framework may be used as a motivational teaching tool, but it should not be treated as a legislated division of Ramadan.
Why the First 10 Days Are Associated with Mercy (Rahmah)
The first Ashra is often called the days of Rahmah (mercy). Rahmah refers to Allah’s compassion, kindness, and nurturing care toward His servants.
Ramadan itself is a manifestation of divine mercy:
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The Qur’an was revealed as guidance for humanity.
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The gates of Paradise are opened.
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The gates of Hell are closed.
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Rewards are multiplied.
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Sins are forgiven.
Because Ramadan begins with renewal, the first ten days are often viewed as a time to return to Allah, soften the heart, and seek His mercy before progressing deeper into repentance and intensified devotion.
Spiritual Focus of the First Ashra
The first ten days of Ramadan establish the spiritual foundation for the entire month. They are a time to:
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Renew intention (niyyah) for fasting and worship
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Establish consistency in salah and Qur’an recitation
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Begin nightly prayers (Taraweeh) with sincerity
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Increase personal du‘a
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Remove habits that distract from worship
The first Ashra is not about a fixed script or a single prescribed supplication. Rather, it is about building spiritual momentum that carries through the rest of Ramadan.
1st Ashra Duas (Commonly Recited Dua for the First 10 Days)
Many Muslims search for a specific dua for the first 10 days of Ramadan. However, there is no authentic hadith that assigns a fixed supplication exclusively to the 1st Ashra. The Prophet ﷺ did not prescribe a unique dua limited only to the first ten days of Ramadan.
That said, Muslims often recite Qur’anic supplications during the first Ashra because these days are associated with seeking Allah’s mercy (Rahmah). One frequently recited Qur’anic dua during the first ten days of Ramadan is:
رَبِّ اغْفِرْ وَارْحَمْ وَأَنْتَ خَيْرُ الرَّاحِمِينَ Transliteration: Rabbighfir warham wa anta khayrur-raahimeen English Meaning: “My Lord, forgive and have mercy, and You are the Best of the merciful.” — (Qur’an 23:118)
Best Duas to Recite in the First 10 Days of Ramadan (Authentic Alternatives)
There is no fixed or exclusive 1st Ashra dua established in authentic hadith. For this reason, the best approach in the first ten days of Ramadan is to recite authentic supplications from the Qur’an and Sunnah that focus on mercy (rahmah), forgiveness (maghfirah), and spiritual renewal.
The first ten days of Ramadan are a time to begin the month with humility, repentance, and sincere hope in Allah’s mercy. Below are authentic duas that align with the spiritual focus of the first Ashra.
Dua for Forgiveness – From the Sunnah
اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي Transliteration: Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibbul-‘afwa fa‘fu ‘anni Meaning: “O Allah, You are Pardoning, You love to pardon, so pardon me.”
The Prophet ﷺ taught this dua to be recited during Laylatul Qadr. Although it is specifically recommended for the last ten nights, seeking forgiveness is encouraged throughout Ramadan, including the first Ashra.
Dua for Steadfastness and Mercy – From the Qur’an
رَبَّنَا لَا تُزِغْ قُلُوبَنَا بَعْدَ إِذْ هَدَيْتَنَا وَهَبْ لَنَا مِن لَّدُنكَ رَحْمَةً ۚ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ الْوَهَّابُ Transliteration: Rabbana la tuzigh quloobana ba‘da idh hadaytana wahab lana min ladunka rahmah innaka antal-Wahhab Meaning: “Our Lord, do not let our hearts deviate after You have guided us, and grant us mercy from Yourself. Indeed, You are the Bestower.” — (Qur’an 3:8)
This dua asks for firmness in faith and divine mercy — especially valuable at the beginning of Ramadan when spiritual habits are forming.
Dua at Iftar – From the Sunnah
ذَهَبَ الظَّمَأُ وَابْتَلَّتِ الْعُرُوقُ وَثَبَتَ الْأَجْرُ إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ Transliteration: Dhahaba az-zama’u wabtallatil-‘urooq wa thabatal-ajru in sha’ Allah Meaning: “The thirst has gone, the veins are moistened, and the reward is confirmed, if Allah wills.”
Reciting this at iftar reminds the believer that each day of fasting carries reward and mercy.
Why These Duas Are Recommended in the First 10 Days
The first Ashra of Ramadan is focused on:
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Seeking Allah’s mercy
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Establishing sincere repentance
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Building consistency in worship
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Softening the heart
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Strengthening reliance on Allah
Rather than limiting yourself to a single repeated formula, rotate authentic Qur’anic and prophetic supplications that address mercy, forgiveness, steadfastness, and gratitude.
How to Maximize the First 10 Days of Ramadan?
The first ten days of Ramadan establish the spiritual foundation for the entire month. A disciplined and sincere start during the 1st Ashra makes consistency easier in the middle days and prepares the believer for the last ten nights of Ramadan.
Rather than treating the first Ashra as routine fasting days, approach them as a period of structured spiritual preparation.
Ramadan begins with intention before action. Make a conscious niyyah to grow spiritually. Set measurable goals (Qur’an completion, daily charity, consistent night prayer). Ask Allah for sincerity (ikhlas) in worship. A clear intention at the beginning of Ramadan strengthens consistency throughout the month. Ramadan is the month in which the Qur’an was revealed. The first ten days are ideal for building recitation discipline. Set a daily target (even half a juz consistently). Read with reflection (tadabbur), not only speed. Begin listening to brief tafsir explanations for understanding. Consistency in the first Ashra increases the likelihood of completing the Qur’an before the final nights. The first ten days of Ramadan are a time to ask Allah for mercy and guidance. Make dua after every obligatory prayer. Use sujood as a private moment for personal supplication. Write a dua list (for forgiveness, family, guidance, rizq). Beginning strong in dua softens the heart and prevents spiritual stagnation later in the month. Strong worship in the last ten nights begins with habits formed in the first ten. Pray Taraweeh regularly. Add two extra rak‘ahs of Qiyam before sleep if possible. Maintain balance to avoid burnout. Gradual consistency builds endurance for Laylatul Qadr. Ramadan discipline extends beyond food and drink. Reduce: Excessive social media Late-night entertainment Idle talk and arguments The first Ashra is about cleansing the heart and schedule from what weakens focus. Do not delay generosity to the final nights of Ramadan. Give small daily sadaqah. Feed fasting individuals. Support a consistent charitable cause. Starting early multiplies reward across the entire month. The first ten days are often associated with mercy (Rahmah). Practically, this means: Forgive others. Repair strained relationships. Increase dhikr and istighfar. Actively remove resentment and pride. Seeking Allah’s mercy begins with humility and repentance. 
1️⃣ Renew Your Intention (Niyyah)
2️⃣ Establish Qur’an Consistency Early
3️⃣ Increase Dua and Personal Supplication
4️⃣ Build Night Prayer Habits (Taraweeh & Qiyam)
5️⃣ Remove Spiritual Distractions
6️⃣ Begin Charity Early
7️⃣ Focus on Heart Softening
Final Perspective
The first Ashra of Ramadan is not about repeating a single dua. It is about building disciplined worship, sincerity, and spiritual momentum.
When the first ten days are structured and intentional, the middle days become stable and the last ten nights become powerful rather than rushed.
Ramadan rewards those who begin with focus and consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions — First 10 Days of Ramadan
Below are clear, evidence-based answers to common questions about the First 10 Days of Ramadan (1st Ashra).
The dua itself is authentic because it comes directly from the Qur’an.
However, there is no authentic evidence stating that this supplication must be recited specifically during the first ten days of Ramadan.
Yes. Muslims may recite any authentic supplication during the first ten days of Ramadan. There is no restriction limiting specific duas to certain Ashras.
A widely shared narration describes the first ten days as mercy, the middle ten as forgiveness, and the last ten as protection from Hellfire.
Scholars have classified this narration as weak (da‘if). However, Allah’s mercy during Ramadan is firmly established in authentic Qur’anic and prophetic teachings throughout the entire month.
There is no strong authentic evidence that the Prophet ﷺ formally divided Ramadan into three separate worship phases.
The three-Ashra framework is commonly used for teaching and motivational purposes, not as a legislated structure.
Focus on:
- Renewing intention (niyyah)
- Establishing consistent Qur’an recitation
- Increasing dua
- Maintaining regular salah and Taraweeh
- Early repentance
The first Ashra is about building spiritual momentum for the rest of Ramadan.
No specific tasbeeh is legislated exclusively for the first ten days.
General dhikr such as:
- SubhanAllah
- Alhamdulillah
- Allahu Akbar
- Astaghfirullah
May be recited abundantly throughout Ramadan.
There is no fixed number required. The reward of dua depends on sincerity, humility, and consistency — not on a specific repetition count.
There is no authentic hadith assigning three specific duas to the three Ashras of Ramadan. Weak narrations should not be presented as established Sunnah.
Mohammed Basheer is the founder of Sukoonly.com, an Islamic blog focused on duas, prophetic healing, and Qur’anic wisdom. He writes with sincerity and spiritual depth for seekers around the world.