Residents of 40 villages in Chandpur district have started the holy month of Ramadan today (March 1), in alignment with Saudi Arabia's moon sighting.

The villagers, primarily followers of the Sadra Darbar in Hajiganj and the Mirzakhil Darbar Sharif in Chittagong, observed the commencement of fasting in line with the moon sighting in Saudi Arabia on February 28. 

They joined several Middle Eastern nations in marking the start of Ramadan a day earlier than other parts of Bangladesh.

This tradition, which dates back to 1928, was established by the late Maulana Mohammad Ishak, former principal of the Ramchandrapur Madrasa in Hajiganj. Since then, these 40 villages have continued to follow the Saudi Arabian schedule for Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha.

However, not all villagers adhere to the practices of the Sadra Darbar or Mirzakhil Darbar Sharif. Only those who follow these religious centers observe Ramadan and Eid according to the Saudi schedule.

Dr. Baki Billah Mishkat Chowdhury, the current Pir's son of Sadra Darbar Sharif, clarified that their observances are rooted in the moon sightings as guided by the Qur'an and Hadith, not solely the decisions made by Saudi authorities.

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is a time when Muslims fast from dawn until sunset, refraining from food and drink to deepen their faith and obedience to Allah. It is also marked by increased Quran recitation, Taraweeh prayers, and acts of charity.

BDST: 1211 HRS, FEB 01, 2025
SMS