Staff Correspondent: The holy month of Ramadan will begin in the country tomorrow as the new moon was sighted in the sky of Bangladesh this evening.

State Minister for Religious Affairs Md Faridul Haque Khan made the announcement after a meeting of the National Moon Sighting Committee at the conference room of Islamic Foundation (IF) at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque here this evening.

As per the decision, the holy Shab-e-Qadr or Lailatul Qadr, the night when the first verses of the holy Quran were revealed to Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH), will be observed at the night of May 9 (Sunday night).

President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today gave separate messages greeting the countrymen on the occasion of Ramadan.

President Abdul Hamid, in his message, said the entire Muslim ummah observes the month of Ramadan with due dignity and religious solemnity for moderation, self-purification and forgiveness to almighty Allah.

The head of the state hoped that by observing the holiness and significance of Ramadan, everyone will contribute to the correct reflection of individual and social life and to the formation of a peaceful society in the country.

The president added: “This time we are celebrating the holy month of Ramadan at a time when the whole world, including Bangladesh, is in the grip of a novel coronavirus infection.”

He called upon all to offer prayers at homes during the month of Ramadan in accordance with proper health and safety rules.

“At the same time, I call upon the affluent sections of the society to come forward to help the people affected by the epidemic,” he continued.

In her message, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said the holy month of Ramadan, the month of fasting and abstinence, has come among the Muslim community.

During this month, the soul is purified through self-restraint and there is a wonderful opportunity to gain the satisfaction, nearness and forgiveness of Almighty Allah, the premier said.

She added that fasting (Siam) plays a unique role in establishing mutual sympathy, harmony and brotherhood among the rich and the poor.

About the pandemic, she said, the coronavirus or COVID-19 has now become deadly worldwide, adding that infection of this virus is also increasing in Bangladesh like previous year.

She urged all to perform prayers including Tarabi of Ramadan by maintaining social distance and following proper health rules.

She also urged all to stay-at-homes and recite the Quran more and

seek blessing for welfare of the nation.

“Let us be inspired by the teachings of the holy month of Ramadan

and avoid all hatred, merriment and conflict and protect the sanctity

of Ramadan by showing patience and restraint in all walks of life,”

she continued.

“May Ramadan bring peace in our lives, may everyone’s life be

prosperous. May our country and nation, as well as the world, be saved

from the Corona epidemic,” she hoped.

Muslims are meant to fast from dawn-to-dusk during the lunar month

(Ramadan), a time of restraint and austerity.

Ramadan, also known as Ramzan, is the ninth month in the Islamic

calendar. It is a time when Muslims around the world focus on prayers,

fasting, giving to charity and religious devotion.

Fasting not only entails the elimination of food during the hours

of sunlight, but also drinking (all beverages, including water),

smoking, sex and “impure thoughts”, which can include violence, sexual

thoughts and curse words.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has directed that a

maximum of 20 Muslims can take part in the congregational prayers

(jamaat) at the mosque every time due to the COVId-19 pandemic.

The instruction will remain in force from April 14 until further

instructions.

A notification signed by Deputy Secretary of Ministry of Religious

Affairs Sakhawat Hossain said on Monday that a maximum of 20

Muslim-worshipers could take part in the five daily prayers at the

mosque to ensure health safety amid the pandemic.

A maximum of 20 worshipers including Khatib, Imam, Hafez, Muazzin

and Khadim will participate in Tarabi prayers in Ramadan.

Worshipers will take part in the Friday prayers or Jummah prayers

following social distance and hygiene rules.