Singling out the first third of Ramadan to make Du`a for mercy, the second third to make Du`a for forgiveness and the last third to make Du`a for ransom from Hell is an innovation for which there is no basis in Islamic teachings. There is also no justification for singling out these times for these Du`as, because all the days of Ramadan are equal in that regard. Rather the Muslim may make Du`a for whatever he wants of goodness in this world and the hereafter throughout Ramadan; that includes asking Allah for mercy, forgiveness, ransom from the Fire and admission to Paradise.

Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to say this du’a when breaking his fast: “Dhahaba al-zama wa’btalat al-‘uruq wa thabata al-ajr in sha Allah.”

Some Sunnahs of fasting: 1- If someone reviles you, respond to him by saying ‘I am fasting.’ 2- Eating Suhur. 3- Hastening to break the fast and delaying Suhur. 4- Breaking the fast with fresh dates. 5- Saying this du`a when breaking your fast: ‘Dhahaba al-zama-u wa abtalat al-‘uruqu wa thabata al-ajr in sha Allah.’ 6- Offering a lot of du`a.

Whoever gives iftar to one who is fasting will have a reward like his, without that detracting from the reward of the fasting person in the slightest.