Ramadan begins Thursday

The National Moon-sighting Committee in a meeting made the decision after clerics unsuccessfully searched the skies for the moon in a ceremony to determine the first day of fasting and religious reflection.

The committee’s Chairman, State Minister for Religious Affairs Shahjahan Mia, made the decision known on Tuesday after the meeting.

The committee said the moon had not been sighted anywhere in Bangladesh on Tuesday which means the Arabic month Shaban of 1434 Hijri will be completed on Jul 10.

So, the Ramadan will begin from Jul 11, it said.

The panel meet was held at the Islamic Foundation conference room at the national mosque.

According to Islamic tradition, Allah revealed the Koran to the Prophet Muhammad during the 9th month – Ramadan – a time for introspection.

During Ramadan, Muslims refrain from food, drink and sexual activity from dawn until dusk. A Hadith attributed to Prophet Muhammad tells Muslims they experience two joys: when they break their fast and when they meet Allah.

According to Islam, fasting during Ramadan is meant to purify the soul and unify Muslims.