The moon for the holy month of Ramadan was sighted in the skies of Bangladesh yesterday evening, marking the return of the sacred month. The National Moon Sighting Committee officially confirmed the news.

According to the Islamic Foundation, the counting of the holy month of Ramadan begins today, Thursday. Consequently, Lailatul Qadr (the Night of Power) will be observed across the country on the night of Monday, March 16.

Following the Isha prayers last night, devout Muslims gathered in mosques to perform the Tarawih prayers in congregation, signaling the start of the month's religious observances.

Early this morning, the faithful partook in Sahur (the pre-dawn meal) to begin their fast.

Uniformity in Tarawih Prayers
The Islamic Foundation has requested all mosques nationwide to follow a uniform method for Khatme Tarawih (recitation of the entire Quran) during the month.

In a press release issued last Tuesday, the Foundation suggested a specific schedule to resolve variations in recitation:

• First 6 days: 1.5 Paras (chapters) daily (totaling 9 Paras).
• Remaining 21 days: 1 Para daily.

This schedule ensures the completion of the Quran on the 27th night of Ramadan, coinciding with the observance of Shab-e-Qadr.

A Month of Spiritual Reflection
During this month, Muslims dedicate themselves to spiritual purification by abstaining from food and drink from dawn till sunset, seeking the pleasure of Almighty Allah. Beyond fasting, the month is spent in charity, Quranic recitation, and increased voluntary (Nafal) prayers.

Devout Muslims await this month all year round to attain the infinite mercy and forgiveness of Allah. Ramadan is considered more prestigious than the other eleven months of the year due to its blessings. It is the month of Mercy, Forgiveness, and Salvation, during which the Holy Quran was revealed.

Global Start of Ramadan
While Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar began fasting on Wednesday, several other countries—including Oman, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Turkey, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Japan—started the month of Ramadan today, Thursday, as the moon was not sighted in those regions on Tuesday.