As the crescent moon graces the sky and the holy month of Ramadan begins, Muslims across the world enter a sacred journey of fasting, reflection, and renewal. In every home, the air shifts — hearts soften, prayers deepen, and intentions realign. Ramadan is not just a month of abstaining from food and drink; it is a time to nourish the soul, strengthen faith, and reconnect with the values of compassion and gratitude.
Within this blessed month, the first 10 days — known as the First Ashra — hold special significance. These days are described as the days of mercy (Rahmah), a divine opportunity for believers to draw closer to Allah and open their hearts to His compassion. Through fasting, prayer, and charity, Muslims seek to embody mercy in action — towards themselves and others.
The Gift of Mercy in the First Ashra
The First Ashra of Ramadan is devoted to mercy — a gift that flows endlessly from Allah, inviting believers to seek His compassion through devotion and good deeds. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said,
“The first ten days of Ramadan are the days of mercy, the middle ten days are forgiveness, and the last ten days are freedom from the Fire.”
This reminder is not merely poetic — it is a roadmap for the heart. During these early days, Muslims increase their prayers, recitation of the Qur’an, and acts of charity. Mercy is reflected in the way one speaks, gives, and forgives. Each action becomes a means of softening the heart and drawing nearer to the Divine.
In Azad Kashmir and beyond, communities welcome Ramadan with hope — despite hardship. For families struggling with poverty or displacement, this period represents both spiritual renewal and survival. Through your acts of mercy — a meal, clean water, or a simple act of generosity — you can help others experience the blessings of these sacred days.
The Pursuit of Forgiveness
As believers fast and pray, they are reminded of their human imperfections. The first 10 days open the heart to introspection — an opportunity to seek forgiveness for past mistakes and sins. In these days, Muslims recite the du‘a:
“Rabbighfir warham wa anta khayrur raahimeen.”
(My Lord! Forgive and have mercy, for You are the best of those who show mercy.)
Forgiveness is both a divine gift and a spiritual practice. In forgiving others, we cleanse our own hearts. In seeking forgiveness, we find peace. And in giving — whether through Sadaqah, Zakat, or time — we show gratitude for the mercy we ourselves receive.
Every donation made during these first 10 days carries multiplied reward. As the Qur’an reminds us, “Whoever does good equal to the weight of an atom shall see it.” (Surah Az-Zalzalah, 99:7). Even a small act of giving can open the door to immense forgiveness and blessings.
Building Towards the Night of Power
While Laylat al-Qadr — the Night of Power — occurs in the last ten nights, the first Ashra is where spiritual preparation begins. Through fasting, mindfulness, and consistency, believers strengthen their hearts for the sacred nights ahead.
This is a time to establish habits: reading Qur’an daily, offering voluntary prayers, giving charity consistently, and restraining the tongue. These early days are the foundation for spiritual resilience — helping Muslims enter the later part of Ramadan with sincerity and strength.
By supporting families in Azad Kashmir through your donations during this time, you are part of this preparation — not just for yourself, but for others who rely on the mercy of your compassion.
The Battle of Badr — A Lesson in Faith and Courage
Among the historic events that took place during Ramadan is the Battle of Badr, fought in the second year after Hijrah (624 CE). Though outnumbered, the Muslims emerged victorious through unity, faith, and reliance on Allah.
This victory was not one of might, but of conviction — showing that divine help comes to those who trust in Him wholeheartedly. The story of Badr reminds us that faith transforms weakness into strength and despair into triumph.
For believers today, this lesson is alive in every act of perseverance — whether it’s a mother walking miles for water in Azad Kashmir or a family fasting through hardship. When we extend help to others, we echo that same faith and courage, turning compassion into victory.
The Opportunity for Self-Reflection
The early days of Ramadan invite Muslims to look inward — to measure their hearts, intentions, and actions. Self-reflection is not about guilt, but about growth. It is a chance to ask:
- Am I grateful for what I have?
- Have I treated others with kindness?
- Have I given from what I love?
This personal audit leads to renewal. Many Muslims use this time to set intentions — to become more patient, humble, and charitable. Ramadan’s true power lies in how it changes us from within. And change begins in these first 10 days.
The Nourishment of the Soul
Fasting is a discipline of both body and spirit. As the body feels hunger, the soul feels awakening. The absence of food sharpens empathy — reminding us of those who face hunger daily, not just by choice but by circumstance.
In villages across Azad Kashmir, families break their fasts with simple meals: bread, dates, water. Your Sadaqah can ensure that these families have enough to eat, not just for iftar, but for life beyond Ramadan.
These ten days are a nourishment for the heart — where worship, reflection, and charity blend into one. It is through giving that the soul finds true contentment.
The Foundation for the Rest of Ramadan
The first 10 days lay the spiritual groundwork for the rest of the month. They set the rhythm for worship, discipline, and compassion. A believer who begins Ramadan with mercy and giving carries that light through every subsequent day.
By donating during the first Ashra, you multiply not only your reward but your impact. Every pound you give can provide food for a fasting family, clean water for a village, or emergency aid to those in need.
Your mercy today builds someone else’s tomorrow.
UK Muslims: A Legacy of Giving
For British Muslims, Ramadan holds deep emotional and cultural roots. Across the UK, families gather for iftar, mosques open their doors for communal prayers, and generosity fills the air.
Many UK Muslims maintain strong ties to Azad Kashmir — a connection of heart and heritage. Giving back to Kashmir through your Sadaqah or Zakat is not just charity; it’s legacy. It’s a bridge between generations — from the UK to the valleys of your ancestral home.
By donating through trusted UK-registered humanitarian initiatives, you can ensure your help reaches those most in need — transparently and effectively.
Amplify Your Reward with Gift Aid
If you are a UK taxpayer, Gift Aid is one of the easiest ways to increase your impact without spending an extra penny. By adding Gift Aid to your donation, every £1 becomes £1.25 — allowing your generosity to reach even more families in need.
Through Gift Aid, your compassion goes further. It transforms an act of kindness into an enduring source of hope.
Share Mercy This Ramadan
As we enter these first ten days of Ramadan — the days of mercy — let your heart be a vessel of compassion.
Your donation can feed a fasting family, bring clean water to a village, or help build sustainable futures across Azad Kashmir.
Mercy is more than a feeling — it’s an action.
Give mercy. Share hope. Let your Ramadan be a legacy of compassion.
FAQs
1. Why are the first 10 days of Ramadan called the “Days of Mercy”?
They are the period in which Allah’s mercy is believed to descend abundantly upon believers who fast, pray, and give in charity.
2. Is it better to donate Zakat or Sadaqah in the first Ashra?
Both are highly rewarded. The first Ashra is ideal for giving any form of charity — Zakat for obligation, and Sadaqah for voluntary kindness.
3. How can I ensure my donation reaches those in Azad Kashmir?
By giving through registered UK-based humanitarian organisations that operate transparently and directly with local teams in Kashmir.
4. Can I claim Gift Aid on my Sadaqah donations?
Yes, if you are a UK taxpayer, you can add Gift Aid to most Sadaqah and general donations (not Zakat). It boosts your donation by 25% at no extra cost.
5. What should I focus on during the first 10 days of Ramadan?
Seek mercy, practise gratitude, give generously, and build habits that carry you through the month — both spiritually and socially.
🌙 Begin with Mercy, End with Freedom
Ramadan begins with mercy, flows through forgiveness, and concludes with salvation. The first 10 days are a sacred invitation — to return to Allah, to renew your heart, and to bring mercy to others.
As you fast and pray, let your giving become a reflection of your gratitude.
Mercy multiplies — when shared.
Before completing your donation, make sure to check the Gift Aid box.
It’s free, easy, and adds 25% more impact — turning every pound you give into a deeper act of Sadaqah Jariyah.
