Second Ashra of Ramadan: Meaning, Dua, Virtues, Worship & Complete Guide

Second Ashra of Ramadan means the period that includes the second ten days of the holy month of Ramadan; that is, from 11th to 20th of Ramadan. This comes after the first Ashra and offers a new chance to Muslims to build their connection with God by fasting, praying, reading the Holy Quran, making dua, making repentance, donating, and doing good things.

It is believed that during the second Ashra, Muslims seek forgiveness from God, which is why Tawbah (repentance), Istighfar (forgiveness), and mistakes rectification become very common in this period.

What Is the Second Ashra of Ramadan?

The word Ashra means "ten." Therefore, the Second Ashra means the second ten days of Ramadan, from approximately:

Ramadan 11 to Ramadan 20

The exact Gregorian dates change every year because Ramadan follows the Islamic lunar calendar. The three Ashras are commonly presented as:

Why Is the Second Ashra Important?

The Second Ashra holds significance in that it occurs in the month of Ramadan, which is a month of fasting. It is also an ideal time in the month for one to determine if the acts of worship begun in the first Ashra are being maintained.

Many people begin Ramadan with strong motivation but find it difficult to maintain their routine. The Second Ashra can therefore be a time to:

• Renew your intention and continue fasting sincerely
• Increase Istighfar and make sincere Tawbah
• Maintain the five daily prayers
• Read and understand the Quran
• Increase voluntary worship and give charity
• Improve your character and avoid sins
• Prepare spiritually for the final ten nights

Quranic Evidence About Allah's Forgiveness

One of the most powerful verses concerning Allah's mercy and forgiveness is Surah Az-Zumar, 39:53. Allah says:

"Do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful."
— Quran 39:53

This verse gives believers hope even after committing serious sins. However, the following verse continues by instructing people to return to their Lord in repentance:

"And return [in repentance] to your Lord and submit to Him..."
— Quran 39:54

Together, these verses teach an important lesson: do not lose hope in Allah's forgiveness, but respond by sincerely turning back to Him. That message is highly relevant during Ramadan.

Is the Second Ashra Specifically for Forgiveness?

You may often hear the statement: "The First Ashra is for mercy, the Second Ashra is for forgiveness, and the Third Ashra is for freedom from Hellfire."

This is a popular way of describing the three parts of Ramadan. However, Muslims should not assume that these are three independently established religious periods with separate rules. There is strong Quranic and Prophetic evidence encouraging Muslims to seek forgiveness throughout Ramadan. The authentic evidence does not establish that forgiveness is restricted to Ramadan days 11–20.

In fact, one authentic hadith states that a person who fasts Ramadan with sincere faith and hope for reward from Allah may have their previous sins forgiven. The Prophet ﷺ said:

"Whoever observes fasts during the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith, and hoping to attain Allah's rewards, then all his past sins will be forgiven."
— Sahih al-Bukhari 38

Therefore, seeking forgiveness should be part of the entire Ramadan journey, including the First, Second, and Third Ashra.

Second Ashra Dua

A commonly circulated dua associated with the Second Ashra is:

An Authentic Dua for Forgiveness

One of the most important supplications for seeking forgiveness is Sayyid al-Istighfar:

The Prophet ﷺ taught this supplication as a great form of seeking forgiveness.

How to Make Sincere Tawbah During the Second Ashra

If you want to make the Second Ashra a period of meaningful repentance, do more than simply repeat "Astaghfirullah." Sincere Tawbah involves turning away from sin and returning to Allah. A person should:

Tawbah is therefore more than words. It is a change in direction.

How to Spend the Second Ashra of Ramadan

Second Ashra Fasting Guide

The basic obligation of fasting applies throughout Ramadan, including the Second Ashra. Anyone with a medical condition or a specific question about fasting should seek appropriate medical and qualified Islamic guidance rather than relying on a general article.

Suhoor During the Second Ashra

A good Suhoor can help you maintain energy during the fasting day. Consider:

• Whole grains, eggs, yogurt, and fruit
• Vegetables and protein-rich foods
• Water

Avoid turning Suhoor into an excessively heavy meal. The aim is to nourish your body while maintaining a balanced Ramadan routine.

Iftar During the Second Ashra

At Iftar:

• Break the fast when the fasting period ends.
• Make dua.
• Eat moderately.
• Drink enough water.
• Pray Maghrib.

Avoid spending the entire evening preparing and consuming large meals at the expense of Salah, Quran, family responsibilities, or rest.

Second Ashra Daily Worship Schedule

A simple schedule can help maintain consistency.

You do not need to follow this schedule exactly. Adjust it according to your work, family, sleep, and personal responsibilities.

Common Mistakes During the Second Ashra

Second Ashra and the Third Ashra

The Second Ashra is followed by the final ten days of Ramadan. The final ten nights have a particularly important status because Laylat al-Qadr occurs among them. Muslims should therefore use the Second Ashra to strengthen their worship rather than treating it as an isolated ten-day period.

The Prophet ﷺ gave special attention to the final ten nights, so maintaining a strong routine during the Second Ashra can help you enter the final nights spiritually prepared.

Can You Seek Forgiveness During the First and Third Ashra?

Yes. There is no restriction preventing a Muslim from seeking forgiveness during any part of Ramadan. In fact, seeking forgiveness should be a regular practice throughout the month.

The Prophet ﷺ taught that fasting Ramadan with sincere faith and hope for reward brings the promise of forgiveness.

• First Ashra → seek forgiveness
• Second Ashra → seek forgiveness
• Third Ashra → seek forgiveness

The Second Ashra can simply provide an additional reminder to focus on Tawbah and Istighfar.

Conclusion

The Second Ashra of Ramadan comprises the second ten days of the holy month and is often related to forgiveness and repentance. Though this relation is often made for remembering the month of Ramadan, Muslims need to be aware that Allah’s mercy and forgiveness does not confine itself to only these ten days.

Use the Second Ashra as an opportunity to examine your life, acknowledge your mistakes, seek forgiveness, correct harmful habits, and strengthen your worship.

Keep your Salah, fasting, reading of the Holy Quran, Dua, Dhikr, sadaqah, and good manners going on. What is more important than all this is that you should not think that these ten days of Second Ashra are the only period of making Tawbah.