The Holy month of Ramadan brings blessings and mercy of Allah for the entire Ummah. For this blessed month, Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) said, "When Ramadan begins, the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained up." (Sunan an-Nasai 2099).
Ramadan is split into three ashras, and each ashra consists of 10 days. The first ashra or 10 days are of Rahmah (Allah's Mercy), the middle 10 days are the days of Maghfirah (Forgiveness from Allah), and the last 10 days are known for Nijaat (Safety from hell). In the first ashra of Ramadan, Muslims should seek Allah's mercy as the doors of mercy are open and Allah rewards all who ask with blessings and good rewards. Muslims should beseech Allah for mercy by sending darood upon the Prophet (S.A.W), making duas, reciting the Quran, and doing all the good deeds with the intention of seeking the blessings of Allah.
Each ashra has its own dua to gain the blessings of Allah, seek His forgiveness, and attain Jannah. Read the dua for the 1st ashra in its original Arabic or English translation.
The dua for the first ashra of Ramadan is short and easy to memorize. If you focus on the meaning of the dua, you will see that it seeks the forgiveness and mercy of Allah. You should make this dua daily and read tasbih of it to avail the blessings bestowed in the first Ashra. The dua suggests that every Muslim should ask forgiveness from the Almighty for their sins.
Muslims must note that Allah considers the niyyah and true intentions of an individual when they carry out an act. Saying the dua 1000 times may not make a difference if you say it with the wrong intention. When making the dua, Muslims should be absolute in their belief that Allah has the power to grant their dua and to only Him can we direct our duas.
It is also important for the person to show mercy towards the creation of Allah. This can easily be done by showing love and care towards everyone, be it humans or animals, helping the ones in need, and feeding the hungry. You can help the poor people with your money, help them such that they can keep fast and break it with good food.
To attain the blessings of Allah in the Ashra of Rahmah, give your best at being kind towards people so Allah will be kind to you. Be generous in giving sadqa, helping others, and being thankful to Allah and His people.
Stay away from evil deeds for the sake of Allah, protect yourself from doing anything Haram, avoid getting angry on petty issues, and try to always keep the zikr of Allah always going to keep yourself protected from all sins. Forgive others who wrong you and always try to avoid any wrongdoing to others.
Following all this will surely help you become a better person and seek the blessings of Allah in this Ashra when it is easiest to attain them, as every good deed reward is doubled as compared to normal days. Be self-aware and try to bring about positive change in yourself and everyone around you. Ramadan is the right time to avoid bad habits and include the positive ones in your life.