Allah Almighty has bestowed Muslims with countless blessings, and one of them is the month of Ramadan. He opens the doors of rewards and forgiveness for every Muslim. The reward of performing a good deed in this holy month is multiplied by 70 times. This is the reason every Muslim tries to be at his or her best during this month.
Ramadan, in itself, is divided into three Ashras. Each of these Ashras contains ten days in them and is known as the first, second, and third Ashra as per the corresponding days. With the backdrop of countless hadiths and ayats about the importance of Ramadan, Muslims try their best to go for Umrah, give zakat, and help people in need. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said that performing Umrah in Ramadan is equal to going to Hajj with me. This is why millions of believers want to perform pilgrimage during the holy month. Most of them often book Ramadan Umrah packages so they can perform minor pilgrimage without worrying about logistics or other arrangements.
If you are also planning to go for Umrah in Ramadan and wondering which Ashra is the best, you are at the right place. In this guide, we will explain the importance of each Ashra with regard to performing Umrah.
1st vs. 2nd vs. 3rd Ashra: Which is the Right Time to Go for Umrah?
There is no denying the fact that Umrah has ample rewards regardless of the time you perform it, but its blessings increase when you go in Ramadan. Let’s explore what each Ashra has in store for pilgrims.
First Ashra – The Ashra of Mercy
As the name implies, the first 10 days of Ramadan provide pilgrims with a chance to gather Allah’s mercies and blessings as much as they can. It is believed that doing good things during the first ten days of Ramadan brings more rewards from Allah.
Going for Umrah is an excellent way to start your holy month. Some people travel even before the month of Ramadan starts so they can settle down and welcome this blessed month in Masjid Al Haram or Masjid e Nabwi.
As the first Ashra is the start of the holy month, going for Umrah ensures that you spend the rest of the month with the same religious zeal and vigor. It builds the habit of standing in Taraweeh and fasting. Moreover, the crowds during the first Ashra are comparatively fewer than the last two Ashras. If you are looking to perform Umrah without breaking the bank, we recommend you book Umrah Ramadan packages at least 4-6 months before the travel date. In this way, you can find top hotels near to Haram at affordable prices.
Second Ashra – The Ashra of Forgiveness
The second Ashra is also an excellent time to go for Umrah. During the second Ashra, Allah opens the door of forgiveness for all people, and if you repent from your sins in Masjid Al Haram, you’ll surely be forgiven.
Just like the first Ashra, Muslims all over the world continue to engage in good deeds such as praying five times a day, fasting, giving Zakat, and helping others.
Once you arrive for Umrah, you can engage in various worships to increase your efforts for seeking Allah’s forgiveness. These prayers include Nafals, Quran recitation, reflecting on past mistakes and seeking repentance, and forgiving people who have wronged you before.
If you want to stay in Makkah and Medina during both Ashras, we suggest you book a deal like the 14 nights Ramadan Umrah package that offers extended stays. Some travel agencies also offer full-month deals that are best for people who want to stay in the holy cities for the entire month.
As far as the hotel and flight rates are concerned, they are quite high due to increased demand. The crowds also start to increase and reach their maximum by the end of the second Ashra. Hence, we suggest you make your plan timely.
Third Ashra – The Ashra of Safety from Hell
It is the last Ashra of Ramadan and begins on the twenty-first night. The third Ashra has the most major events in the whole month. It is during this Ashra that Laila tul Qadar (night of power) comes. The night holds a high spiritual significance for Muslims. It can be very well gauged from the fact that there is a whole surah dedicated to it. The holy Quran was also revealed to the Holy Prophet during this night. Plus, its rewards are better than a thousand months.
Moreover, the tarweeeh prayers end during the third Ashra. So being there is a feeling you won’t get anywhere else. The crowds reach their peak during the third Ashra, and the prices of hotels and flights also increase.
Wrap-Up: The Best Ashra for Umrah in Ramadan
Honestly speaking, every Ashra has something unique to offer to pilgrims. But if you look at the number of significant events, the third Ashra clearly takes the lead due to the occurrence of Laila tul Qadar. Plus, it is a great way to say goodbye to the holy month. If you are looking for a reliable tour partner to make your Ramadan Umrah stress-free, contact Muslims Holy Travel. They offer affordable Umrah packages with all the essential amenities.