The Ten Days of Forgiveness
The Prophet (saw) said, “Ramadan is a month, the first (part) of which is mercy, the middle (part) of which is forgiveness and the last (part) of which is freedom from the Fire” [Ibn Khuzaymah]
Allah (swt) is the Most Merciful and has given us multiple ways in which we can seek His forgiveness. Here are 7 tips on how you can make the most out of the second ten days of Ramadan:
1. Read Surah Mulk: There is a chapter in the Quran of thirty verses, which will intercede for its companion until he is forgiven: Blessed is He in whose hand is the dominion (i.e. Surah Mulk) [Abu Dawud]
It is best to recite Surah Mulk every day as it will provide help for the one who recites it constantly.
2. Read tasbeeh throughout the day: The Prophet (saw) said, “Two words are most loved by the Most Merciful, light on the tongue but heavy on the scale: SubhanAllahi wa bihamdihi, Subhaan Allah Al-Adheem (glory and praise to Allah, and glory to the Almighty)” [Bukhari].
While doing chores, recite this simple and quick tasbeeh to earn the pleasure of Allah (swt).
3. Give Sadaqah to continuously extinguish your sins: The Prophet (saw) said, “Sadaqah wipes out sins like water extinguishes fire” [Tirmidhi]
Charity is one of the easiest ways of racking up some good deeds as you can earn rewards simply by smiling towards your Muslim brother, giving food to a poor person, or even saying a good word! A good way to extinguish your sins, and those of loved ones no longer with us, is by giving Sadaqah Jariyah. We have a wide range of Sadaqah Jariyah approved projects – you could gift a sewing machine to a widow or donating an olive tree to Palestinian farmers or even building a water well.
4. Forgive- and you will be forgiven: The Prophet (saw) said, “Be merciful to others and you will receive mercy. Forgive others and Allah will forgive you” [Ahmad].
Ask forgiveness from your loved ones and forgive those who have wronged you to gain Allah’s utmost pleasure during the days of forgiveness. If you are holding onto any bitterness, anger, or pain towards someone, let go as Allah (swt) loves those who have a forgiving nature.
5. Give Iftar to the poor: The Prophet (saw) said, “Whoever provides Iftar to a fasting person, then that shall be a forgiveness for his minor sins and freedom from the fire” [Ibn Khuzaymah]
You can simply give a date, a glass of water, or even donate Iftar to a poor person anywhere in the world, such as the Rohingya refugees who recently lost their homes to a raging fire in Bangladesh.
6. Pray at night: Abu Huraira (ra) reported, “The Prophet (saw) encouraged standing for night prayer in the month of Ramadan, without imposing it on them. The Prophet (saw) would say, “Whoever stands in prayer during Ramadan due to faith and seeking reward, his previous sins will be forgiven” [Bukhari]
It is highly encouraged to spend long hours of the night reading Salah and worshipping Allah (swt). Read Taraweeh salah at home if you cannot go to the Masjid or wake up for Tahajjud as this is the best time of the night to make Dua to Allah(swt) and seek His forgiveness.
7. Trust in Allah’s forgiveness: This Ramadan, remember to trust Allah and hold on to hope as you seek forgiveness from the Almighty. Whether you are giving charity, or making tawbah, trust that Allah will forgive you and have hope in His infinite mercy.
In these blessed 10 middle days of Ramadan, make extra effort to perform all the actions that will earn you the pleasure of Allah (swt) as well as His mercy and forgiveness. Make sincere Tawbah and intention to never commit the sin again.
We hope you enjoyed reading this article. If you want to earn a good deed in less than 30 seconds, share this article with your loved ones as the Prophet (saw) said, “Whoever guides someone to goodness will have a reward like the one who did it”. [Muslim]
May Allah make us from those who earn His forgiveness this Ramadan, Ameen.
