Third Ashra of Ramazan
\n PESHAWAR
\nAs the holy month of Ramazan has entered its final ashra, mosques across Peshawar and other cities of Pakistan filled with worshippers seeking forgiveness, freedom from hellfire and spiritual renewal.
\nThe third Ashra (last ten days) of Ramazan is regarded as a sacred period for Muslims to pray for salvation from hellfire and draw closer to Allah Almighty through devotion, worship, alms, itikaf and charity.
\nFor millions of Muslims, fasting during Ramazan is among the five pillars of Islam alongside belief in the Oneness of Allah, prayer, charity and pilgrimage.
\nAs the entire holy month is filled with numerous blessings, religious scholars said the final ten nights hold a unique spiritual significance for Muslims due to Laylatul Qadar in it.
\nAccording to Islamic tradition, Ramazan is divided into three Ashras as the first is for mercy, second for forgiveness, and the last for freedom from hellfire.
\nReligious scholar Maulana Tayyab Qureshi, Central Khateeb of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, said the holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) increased his worship during the last ten days of Ramazan.
\n\u201cThe Prophet (PBUH) would spend these blessed nights in prayer, remembrance of Allah and observed Itikaf,\u201d he told APP. \u201cHe also encouraged his family members to wake up and join in worship especially during last 10 days of Ramazan.\u201d
\nNarrated by Hazrat Aisha bint Abu Bakr (RA) described how the holy Prophet (PBUH) intensified his devotion in the last days of Ramazan, staying awake at night and dedicating himself fully to prayer.
\nOne of the most significant practices during the third Ashra is Itikaf, a spiritual obligation in which Muslims stay in the mosque solely for worship seeking forgiveness and freedom from hellfire.
\nThe holy Prophet (PBUH) regularly observed Itikaf during the last ten days of Ramazan and after his passing, his wives continued this religious obligation.
\nDuring this period, worshippers spend their time in prayer, recitation of the Quran, avoiding worldly desires and seeking closeness to Allah.
\nMaulana Tayyab said in last ashra there is a blessed night of Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Power.
\nThe Quran described it as a blessed night better than a thousand months, when angels descend and divine mercy fills the earth until dawn.
\nThe religious scholars explained that worship performed during this holy night carries rewards more than 83 years of devotion.
\nNarrated by Abu Hurairah (RA), the Prophet (PBUH) said that whoever spends Laylatul Qadr in prayer with faith and sincerity will have their past sins forgiven.
\nMuslims are therefore encouraged to seek the blessed night during the odd nights of the final ten days of Ramazan.
\nBeyond worship, Ramazan also teaches patience, compassion and generosity, said
\nProfessor Dr Hifazatullah, Chairman of Arabic Studies at Islamia College Peshawar, adding the concept of Sabr (patience) is emphasized repeatedly in Islamic teachings.
\n\u201cThe Quran mentions patience dozens of times,\u201d he said. \u201cBelievers are encouraged to endure hardships with faith and patience, trusting that Allah\u2019s wisdom guides every situation.\u201d
\nMedical experts also reiterated that fasting during Ramazan has great psychological benefits. Renowned psychiatrist Dr Khalid Mufti, former principal of Khyber Medical College, said research indicated that fasting promotes emotional balance, control anger, minimize depression, anxiety and create self-discipline as well as empathy.
\n\u201cRamazan cultivates compassion, unity, friendship, mutual coexistence and empathy that continue long after the month ends.\u201d
\nHe said charitable acts become more visible during Ramazan, particularly in Peshawar\u2019s historic Qissa Khwani Bazaar, where community volunteers arrange free meals for fasting individuals till last day of the holy month.
\nFor the past 12 years, local philanthropist Shahid Khan is arranging an Iftar Dastarkhwan, serving meals to the poor and even members of minority communities in last ashra of Ramazan.
\nExperts emphasized that the third Ashra is not only about worship but also about personal transformation by encouraging Muslims to help the needy, strengthen bonds within society and cultivate patience and steadfastness.
\nAs the final nights of Ramazan continued and many faithfuls observe Itikaf, believers are hoping their prayers will be accepted and that they will witness the blessings of Laylat al-Qadr.
\nFor millions of Muslims, these sacred nights of Ramazan represent a great opportunity for forgiveness, reflection and a renewed commitment to faith besides freedom from hellfire.
\nIt is a right time to seek freedom from hellfire and offer prayer for mercy besides generously distribute charity and alms among poor to achieve success in this world and hereafter.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Third Ashra of Ramazan PESHAWAR As the holy month of Ramazan has entered its final ashra, mosques across Peshawar and other cities of Pakistan filled with worshippers seeking forgiveness, freedom from hellfire and spiritual renewal. The third Ashra (last ten days) of Ramazan is regarded as a sacred period for Muslims to pray for salvation […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-536415","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-top-news"},"yoast_head":"\n