Those who are observing the holy month of Ramadan will soon be entering its final stage, known as the Third Ashra, in the run-up to Eid ul Fitr. Ramadan is divided into three 10-day sections. Each of these is called an Ashra, a word meaning 'ten' in Arabic. Each Ashra has its own dua - a supplication or specific prayer that calls out to Allah (God) - and Muslims are expected to recite this as well as practising specific activities linked to that particular phase of Ramadan. In 2025, Ramadan began either on March 1 or 2, depending on which moonsighting announcement a particular congregation, community or country followed. In the UK, some started Ramadan on March 1 if they fell in line with Saudi Arabia declarations or followed local announcements that said the moon was seen, while others started Ramadan on March 2 if they aligned their schedule with announcements where the moon was not sighted. Ramadan 2025 latest schedule of prayer, meal and fasting times including jummah Sizzling grills and bubble tea at new Ramadan market which is 'incredible Arabian meets West souk' Here are the key dates and meanings for each Ashra of Ramadan 2025. First Ashra: Days of Mercy This is called Rehmat, meaning 'mercy of Allah.' So these first ten days are also known as the Days of Mercy. This is the time when every Muslim must seek mercy and blessings from Allah. The dua for this part of the month is: 'O My Lord forgive and have Mercy and you are the best of Merciful.' Another similar prayer that can be said is: 'O Ever Living, the Everlasting I seek your help through your Mercy.' In line with these prayers and the meaning of this Ashra, all Muslims should display mercy through acts of charity, by treating others well and helping people whenever they can. This year the First Ashra ran from February 28 to March 9 for those who began their Ramadan fasting on March 1. Second Ashra: Days of Forgiveness This is called Maghfirah, meaning 'forgiveness.' So these are also known as the Days of Forgiveness. This is the time when every Muslim must ask for forgiveness and peace from Allah. They should apologise for all their mistakes, change their ways, and forgive those who have wronged them. The dua for this Ashra is: 'I ask forgiveness of my sins from Allah, who is my Lord, and I turn towards Him.' This year the Second Ashra runs from March 10 to 19 for those who began their Ramadan fasting on March 1. Third Ashra: Days of Seeking Refuge This is called Nijaat, meaning 'salvation.' These are also known as the Days of Seeking Refuge. This final stage of the month is about seeking sanctuary from the fires of hell. Fasting itself is said to be a shield from hellfire that's as effective as any physical shield used in battle. And the dua for this part of the month is 'O Almighty Allah, save me from the fire of Hell.' This year the Third Ashra will run from March 20 to 29 for those who began their Ramadan fasting on March 1. These last ten days of Ramadan are very significant as they are when Laylat ul Qadr takes place. Variously translated as Night of Power, Night of Destiny and other names, it commemorates the night when the Qur'an was first revealed to Muhammad. Although the prophet did not mention a specific date for the Night of Power, he did say to "seek it in the last 10 days on the odd nights." So Laylat al-Qadr is thought to fall on one of the odd-numbered nights in the final ten days of Ramadan. Get breaking news on BirminghamLive WhatsApp. Join our dedicated community for the most up-to-date news from across the city. You can also sign up to our Brummie Muslims newsletter for the latest updates on Ramadan, Eid and key dates throughout the Islamic calendar.