Duas for Moon Sighting, 3 Ashras & Laylatul Qadr
The first Roza in Pakistan is a moment of deep spiritual significance. Fasting from dawn to sunset is the routine of a month dedicated to mercy, forgiveness, and self-discipline. It is a time to increase prayers, recite the Quran, and perform acts of charity that benefit those in need. Ramadan is also a time to strengthen faith and intention.
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: “Whoever fasts in Ramadan with faith and seeking reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven” (Sahih Bukhari).
When the crescent is sighted, recite this moon sighting dua taught by the Prophet ﷺ:
"اللَّهُمَّ أَهِلَّهُ عَلَيْنَا بِالْيُمْنِ وَالْإِيمَانِ وَالسَّلَامَةِ وَالْإِسْلَامِ"
Translation: O Allah, let this moon appear upon us with blessings, faith, safety, and Islam.
Importance of Moon Sighting for First Roza
The Islamic calendar follows the lunar system, so the beginning of Ramadan depends on the sighting of the crescent moon. In Karachi and across Pakistan, local moon sighting committees confirm the start of the month to ensure that Roza begins on the correct day. Observing the new moon is not only a religious duty but also a symbol of unity among Muslims, as communities gather in prayer and anticipation.
The first day of fasting sets the tone for the entire month. Observing it carefully, reciting the correct duas, and following the guidance of the Prophet ﷺ ensures that every fast is filled with spiritual reward.
Duas for Suhoor and Iftar
Suhoor is the pre-dawn meal that prepares both the body and soul for the day of fasting. Before eating, recite:
“وَبِصَوْمِ غَدٍ نَوَيْتُ مِنْ شَهْرِ رَمَضَانَ”
“I intend to keep the fast tomorrow in the month of Ramadan.”
Breaking the fast at iftar is a moment of gratitude. Say:
“اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي لَكَ صُمْتُ وَعَلَى رِزْقِكَ أَفْطَرْتُ”
“O Allah, I fasted for You, and with Your provision I break my fast.”
Sharing iftar with family, neighbors, or the needy brings additional reward. Feeding someone in Ramadan is a deed praised by the Prophet ﷺ, and supporting initiatives such as Sehri & Iftar at Food Complex established by Patients’ Aid at JPMC ensures your blessings reach those who need them most.
Three Ashras in Ramadan
Ramadan is divided into three ashras (10-day periods), each with a special focus:
- First Ashra, Mercy: This period focuses on seeking Allah’s mercy. Fasting, dua, and good deeds are emphasized to receive divine compassion.
- Second Ashra, Forgiveness: The second ten days are for seeking forgiveness for past sins. Intensifying prayers and repentance during this ashra cleanses the soul.
- Third Ashra, Salvation and Protection from Hellfire: The final ten days highlight salvation, emphasizing devotion, worship, zakat, and charity. Laylatul Qadr, the Night of Decree, occurs in this period.
Duas for Each Ashra
| Ashra | Arabic Dua | Transliteration | Translation |
| First Ashra (Mercy) | رَبِّ اغْفِرْ وَارْحَمْ وَأَنْتَ خَيْرُ الرَّاحِمِينَ | Rabbi ighfir warham wa anta khairur raahimeen | O my Lord, forgive and have mercy, for You are the Best of those who show mercy. |
| Second Ashra (Forgiveness) | اَسْتَغْفِرُ اللہَ رَبِّی مِنْ کُلِّ زَنْبٍ وَّ اَتُوْبُ اِلَیْہِ | Astaghfirullaha Rabbi min kulli dhanbin wa atubu ilayh | I seek forgiveness from Allah, my Lord, for all my sins and I repent to Him. |
| Third Ashra (Salvation) | اَللَّهُمَّ أَجِرْنِي مِنَ النَّارِ And اللّهُمَّ إنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ العَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي | Allahumma ajirni minan-naar And Allahumma innaka afuwwun tuhibbul-afwa fafu anni | O Allah, save me from the Hellfire. And O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness; so forgive me. |
Reciting these ashra-specific duas daily helps maintain focus and spiritual consistency throughout the month.
Significance of Laylatul Qadr
What is Laylatul Qadr? Laylatul Qadr is the night Muslims eagerly await all year, a night of immense blessings and mercy. Its exact date is hidden, but it falls within the last ten nights of Ramadan, on the odd nights. Muslims are encouraged to seek it during these nights, especially in the last Ashra, by praying, reciting the Quran, and giving charity. Each odd night becomes an opportunity to encounter this powerful night, whose worship can change destinies and multiply rewards a thousandfold.
Quran says: "Indeed, We sent it [the Quran] down during the Night of Decree" (Al-Qadr 97:1)
Prayers and charity during this night are equivalent to worshipping for a thousand months. Spending these nights in worship, reciting the Quran, and performing Ibadat maximizes spiritual rewards. Supporting those in need, like donating to Patients’ Aid at JPMC, aligns your ibadat with real-world impact, ensuring your devotion benefits others.
Zakat and Charity During Ramadan
For patients struggling with illness, your support can make a real difference. By contributing to Patients’ Aid at JPMC, you help provide Free treatment and comfort to those who cannot afford care, multiplying the blessings of Ramadan for yourself and others.
Ramadan is an ideal time to fulfill zakat, the obligatory charity, which purifies wealth and supports the needy.
The Quran says: "And establish prayer and give zakat" (Al-Baqarah 2:110)
Providing zakat and sadaqah during Ramadan multiplies reward. Donating to initiatives like Patients’ Aid at JPMC ensures patients receive Free treatment for illnesses such as cancer, kidney problems and other chronic or acute diseases allowing your contributions to save lives. Acts of charity combined with fasting and prayer create a complete cycle of ibadat, which strengthens both one’s faith and the community.
FAQ’s About Ramadan Duas and Practices
Q.01: How is the first Roza determined in Pakistan?
Ans: The first Roza depends on the official moon sighting announcements by the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee in Karachi and other provinces.
Q.02: Who makes the announcement about Ramadan in Pakistan?
Ans: The Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, a government-recognized moon-sighting body, is responsible for announcing the start of Ramadan. Local mosques then confirm sightings and inform the public.
Q.03: When is the moon ready for Ramadan?
Ans: The crescent (hilal) is visible after sunset on the 29th day of Sha’ban. If the moon is not seen, Sha’ban completes 30 days, and Ramadan begins the next day.
Q.04: Can missed fasts be made up later?
Ans: Yes, missed fasts due to illness, travel, or other valid reasons should be made up after Ramadan with sincere intention.
Q.05: What are the benefits of reciting specific duas for each Ashra?
Ans: Reciting Ashra-specific duas maintains spiritual focus, strengthens faith, and ensures your acts of worship align with the goals of Ramadan: mercy, forgiveness, and salvation.
Q.06: Does giving charity in Ramadan have extra reward?
Ans: Yes, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: “The best charity is that given in Ramadan” (Tirmidhi). Charity during this month multiplies in reward, especially when combined with fasting and prayer. Visit the website and check Patients’ Aid’s cancer treatment initiatives details.
Q.07: How can I maximize my ibadat during Laylatul Qadr?
Ans: Increase prayers, recite Quran, make sincere duas, perform dhikr, and give charity. Every act of worship is greatly rewarded.
Q.08: Do we know the exact date for Laylatul Qadr?
Ans: No. The exact date of Laylatul Qadr is hidden. Muslims are encouraged to seek it during the odd nights in the last ten days of Ramadan through extra prayers, Quran recitation, and charity, as the Prophet ﷺ taught.
Q.09: Where can I support those in need during Ramadan?
Ans: You can donate to Patients’ Aid at JPMC, which provides Free treatment to critically ill patients, ensuring your charity has a tangible impact.
Q.10: What happens to those who do not give zakat even if they are eligible?
The Quran warns that those who withhold zakat while being able to give risk severe consequences.
“On the day when the gold and silver will be heated in Hellfire, and their foreheads, their stomachs, and their backs will be burned with it. (And it will be said to them: ‘This is your treasure which you have kept for yourselves, so feel now the consequences of what you have kept‘.” (At-Taubah: 35)
This verse highlights that wealth hoarded without fulfilling the rights of the needy becomes a source of punishment on the Day of Judgment. Islam encourages the accumulation of wealth, but it also demands generosity and responsibility. Paying zakat purifies wealth and protects one from spiritual and eternal consequences.
Donate Your Zakat To The Patients’ Aid This Ramadan 2026
Ramadan is the ideal time to combine fasting, prayer, and charity into a complete cycle of ibadat. Giving zakat or sadaqah to support the needy not only fulfills a religious obligation but also provides Free treatment to patients at JPMCwho cannot afford care.
The Quran says: "And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction" (Al-Baqarah 2:195)
Supporting Patients’ Aid ensures medicines, treatment, and hospital care reach those in urgent need. Every donation, regardless of the size, multiplies your spiritual reward, especially during Ramadan.Visit our Zakat calculator that is available for generous donors to easily and accurately calculate their zakat. You can donate to Patients’ Aid at JPMC and turn your fasts, prayers, and good intentions into hope for critically ill patients, fulfilling both spiritual and practical acts of worship.
