Muslims across the country are observing the most revered night of Ramadan, Lailatul Qadr, with deep devotion and solemnity. In mosques across the capital, special prayers are being held following the completion of Khatm-e-Taraweeh (recitation of the entire Quran during Taraweeh prayers). CA Prof Yunus greets Muslim Ummah on Shab-e-Qadr Mosques Overflow with Worshippers A visit to various mosques in Dhaka reveals an increased number of worshippers compared to regular nights. From the call to Isha prayer, large congregations have gathered, with some praying on the streets due to limited space inside mosques. The Baitul Mukarram National Mosque witnessed an overwhelming crowd, with many travelling from distant areas to perform prayers. Awal Hossain, a resident of Narinda, said, "Every year, I come to Baitul Mukarram for Lailatul Qadr. I am not alone; neighbours and relatives join me after Maghrib prayer to spend the night in worship." Sharif Ahmed, another worshipper, said, "This night holds immense significance for Muslims. It is a time for seeking forgiveness for all mistakes and sins committed throughout Ramadan and life." Shab-e-Qadr to be observed tonight Significance of Lailatul Qadr The term Shab-e-Qadr, commonly used in South Asia, originates from Persian, while the Arabic term Lailatul Qadr refers to the Night of Decree or Night of Power. The Quran and Hadith highlight the night’s significance, though no specific date is mentioned. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) advised seeking Lailatul Qadr on any of the odd-numbered nights in the last 10 days of Ramadan. However, many scholars in the subcontinent observe the 27th night of Ramadan as the most likely date. In mosques where Khatm-e-Taraweeh is performed, the recitation of the Quran is completed on this night. This practice allows worshippers to attain the virtues of both the completion of the Quran and Lailatul Qadr. Mufti Maulana Azharuddin, the Imam of Uttar Badda Jame Mosque, explained, "People in urban areas often struggle to find time for Quranic recitation. Many consider Khatm-e-Taraweeh an opportunity to listen to the entire Quran. On Lailatul Qadr, Hafiz-e-Quran are also given special gifts for their recitation throughout Ramadan. This night brings spiritual fulfilment to Ramadan." Although there is no specific prayer exclusively for Lailatul Qadr after Isha and Taraweeh, worshippers engage in voluntary prayers (Nafl), Dhikr, Quran recitation, and charity throughout the night. Mufti Azharuddin added, "In Ramadan, Nafl prayers carry the same reward as obligatory prayers. Many believers spend the night in prayer and supplication, seeking forgiveness for their sins, while special prayers are held in mosques for the well-being of the nation and the entire Muslim Ummah." Shab-e-Qadr: Night of divine blessings being observed nationwide Increased Charity and Religious Commerce The night also witnesses a notable increase in charitable activities. Large crowds of underprivileged individuals and beggars gather outside mosques, hoping for generous donations. Salma, a beggar outside the Kuwait-Bangladesh Jame Mosque in South Badda, said, "On this night, I can collect several thousand Taka. This helps me buy food and small gifts for my children for Eid." Another beggar, Monir, stated, "I stay outside the mosque all night. Worshippers come for prayers after Isha and leave before Suhoor, giving generously during this time." Besides, religious item vendors report a surge in sales. Attars (perfumes), prayer caps, Tasbih (prayer beads), Miswak (teeth-cleaning sticks), and Surma (kohl) are among the most sought-after products. Habibur Rahman, a vendor near Baitul Mukarram Mosque, noted, "Although these items sell throughout the year, demand spikes on Lailatul Qadr. Many also buy new prayer mats, symbolising a renewed commitment to faith." Observances at Home Beyond mosques, households across the country are also engaged in night-long worship. Women and children prepare for prayers early in the evening, ensuring all household chores are completed before Isha. Jasmin Akhter Lipi, a homemaker from Hazaribagh, shared, "Preparations for Lailatul Qadr start from the evening. After Isha, women and children dedicate themselves to prayer, Quran recitation, and supplication until Suhoor." Lailatul Qadr is a night of divine mercy and forgiveness. Muslims recite the special supplication: "Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibbul ‘afwa fa’fu anni" (O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness, so forgive me). With its spiritual significance, Lailatul Qadr enhances the sanctity of Ramadan, providing an opportunity for Muslims to repent, seek blessings, and embark on a renewed journey towards righteousness.

The holy Lailatul Qadr or Shab-e-Qadr, the holiest and most blessed night for Muslims, will be observed across the country on Tuesday night with due solemnity and religious fervour. Muslim devotees will spend the night seeking divine blessings for peace and progress of the country as well as the Muslim Ummah. According to the holy Quran, this is superior to a thousand nights as the Quran was revealed to the greatest Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) on this glorified night to show mankind the path of worldly and eternal emancipation. Devout Muslims usually pass the night offering special prayers, recitation from the holy Quran, holding milad mahfils, zikr and other religious rituals at mosques and in their houses. They also visit graveyards to seek divine blessings for the departed souls of their near and dear ones. President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina greeted the country’s people and the Muslim Ummah across the world on the occasion. Also read: Lailatul Qadr or Shab-e-Qadr observed Newspapers will publish special articles while state-run Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television and private television channels will air special programmes highlighting the significance of Lailatul Qadr.  

Muslims in Bangladesh will start observing the holy month of Ramadan, the lunar month of self-purification through fasting and abstinence, from Sunday as the new crescent moon was sighted on Saturday. Lailatul Qadr, the night of divine blessings and benediction, will be observed on the night of April 28. The National Moon Sighting Committee took the decision at a meeting held at Islamic Foundation's Baitul Mukarram office. State Minister for Religious Affairs Md Faridul Haque Khan chaired the meeting. Muslims are meant to fast from dawn to dusk during the lunar month, a time of restraint and austerity. The government has rearranged the office timing for the holy month of Ramadan from 9 am to 3:30 pm for all government, semi-government, autonomous and semi-autonomous institutions. Besides, as classes were hampered for the Covid-19 pandemic, secondary and higher secondary institutions have been requested to continue in-person classes till April 26 to make up the academic losses. Also read: Healthy Sehri Ideas: What to eat and avoid for Sehri during Ramadan Meanwhile, residents of as many as 40 villages in Chandpur district began the holy fasting month of Ramadan Saturday, in accordance with Saudi Arabia. The villagers across the upazilas of Faridganj, Matlab North, Kachua and Shahrasti offered their Tarabi prayers last night and began their dawn-to-sunset fast after having ‘Sehri’ before sunrise.  They have been celebrating all religious festivals like Eid and Ramadan on the lines of Saudi Arabia, home to the world's most holy Muslim sites, since 1928 Maulana Zakaria Chowdhury, in charge of Hajiganj Sadar Darbar Sharif in Chandpur. Also read: Govt to sell milk, egg, meat at subsidised rates in city during Ramadan: Ministry

Lailatul Qadr or Shab-e-Qadr, the holiest and most blessed night for Muslims, was observed across the country on Sunday with due solemnity and religious fervour. Muslim devotees spent the night seeking divine blessings for peace and progress of the country as well as the Muslim Ummah.   According to the holy Quran, this is superior to 1,000 nights as the Quran was revealed to greatest Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) in this glorified night to show mankind the path of worldly and eternal emancipation.   Also Read:Largest congregation on Juma'atul Wida held at Hajiganj amid pandemic The devout Muslims passed the night offering special prayers, recitation from the holy Quran, and other religious rituals.    President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina greeted the countrymen and the Muslim Ummah  on the occasion of the Shab-e-Qadr.   Bangladesh Television (BTV), Bangladesh Betar and private TV channels and radio stations aired special programmes while newspapers published articles highlighting the significance of the night.  

Muslims in Bangladesh will start observing the holy month of Ramadan, the lunar month of self-purification through fasting and abstinence, from tomorrow, Wednesday. The moon was sighted on Tuesday. Lailatul Qadr, the night of divine blessing and benediction, will be observed on the night of May 9. The National Moon Sighting Committee took the decision at a meeting held at Islamic Foundation's Baitul Mukarram office. Also read: 'No iftar gatherings, sehri in mosques during Ramadan' Muslims are meant to fast from dawn to dusk during the lunar month, a time of restraint and austerity. This year, maximum 20 people, including two imams, can attend Tarabi prayers in mosques. The step was taken to prevent the transmission of coronavirus. Besides, no public gathering for iftar will be allowed. Also read: Govt reschedules office timing for Ramadan On April 6, the Religious Affairs Ministry asked people to offer Zohr prayers at home instead of Jum’a on Friday considering the current situation of coronavirus. This year, devotees have been directed not to arrange iftar gatherings and sehri in mosques during Ramadan to contain the recent surge in Covid-19 infections. The Religious Affairs Ministry on April 5 issued new directives in this connection. The government has rearranged the office timing for Ramadan from 9am to 3:30pm for all government, semi-government, autonomous and semi-autonomous institutions. Also read: Soaring veggie prices sour festive spirit for city residents Meanwhile, residents of as many as 13 villages in Faridpur began the fasting month on Tuesday, in accordance with Saudi Arabia. The residents of the villages under Shekhar and Rupapat unions in Boalmari upazilas began their dawn-to-sunset fast after having ‘Sehri’ in the early hours, said Mohammad Israfil Molla, chairman of Shekhar Union.

Lailatul Qadr or Shab-e-Qadr, the holiest and most blessed night for Muslims, was observed across the country on Wednesday with due solemnity and religious fervour.   Muslim devotees spent the night seeking divine blessings for peace and progress of the country as well as the Muslim Ummah.   According to the holy Quran, this is superior to 1,000 nights as the Quran was revealed to greatest Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) in this glorified night to show mankind the path of worldly and eternal emancipation.   The devout Muslims passed the night offering special prayers, recitation from the holy Quran, and other religious rituals.   President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today greeted the countrymen and the Muslim Ummah across the world on the occasion of the Shab-e-Qadr.   Bangladesh Television (BTV), Bangladesh Betar and private TV channels and radio stations aired special programmes while newspapers published articles highlighting the significance of the night.