The moon marking the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan was sighted in the skies of Bangladesh on Wednesday (February 18). As a result, fasting will begin across the country on Thursday (February 19). Devout Muslims will begin preparations for observing the fast with Taraweeh prayers from Wednesday night.
The announcement was made following a meeting of the National Moon Sighting Committee held at the Islamic Foundation auditorium at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque. The meeting was presided over by Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaykobad.
The meeting was organized by the Islamic Foundation Bangladesh and the National Moon Sighting Committee, which officially confirmed the sighting of the crescent moon.
According to Hadith, Talha ibn Ubaydullah (RA) narrated that whenever the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) saw the new moon, he would recite the following supplication:
“Allahumma ahillahu ‘alayna bil-amni wal-iman, was-salamati wal-Islam. Rabbi wa rabbukallah.”
Meaning: O Allah, let this moon appear over us with security and faith, with peace and Islam. My Lord and your Lord is Allah. (Reported in Jami` at-Tirmidhi, 3451)
Scholars note that this supplication is not exclusive to Ramadan; rather, it may be recited upon sighting the new moon at the beginning of any lunar month.
It is also reported that the Prophet (PBUH) would search for the Ramadan crescent on the 29th evening of Sha’ban and encouraged his companions to do the same. Upon sighting the moon, he would pray for blessings and goodness.
Another supplication mentioned in Hadith states:
“Allahu Akbar. Allahumma ahillahu ‘alayna bil-amni wal-iman, was-salamati wal-Islam, wat-tawfiqi lima tuhibbu wa tarda. Rabbuna wa rabbukallah.”
Meaning: Allah is the Greatest. O Allah, let this moon rise over us with security, faith, peace, and Islam, and grant us the ability to do what You love and are pleased with. Allah is our Lord and your Lord. (Reported in Mishkat al-Masabih)
With the sighting of the crescent moon, Muslims across the country are set to begin a month of fasting, prayer, and spiritual reflection.
