Jumada al-Thani Moon Sighted in Bangladesh, Ramadan Around 90 Days Away

The crescent moon of Jumada al-Thani has been sighted in Bangladesh, marking the beginning of the sixth month of the Islamic calendar from Wednesday. According to the Hijri calendar, the holy month of Ramadan, known as the month of mercy, forgiveness and salvation, is still approximately 89 to 90 days away.

Earlier, Bangladesh’s National Moon Sighting Committee had announced that the Jumada al-Thani crescent was not sighted in the country on Tuesday.

Following a meeting chaired by A H M Kamruzzaman, secretary (routine duties) of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the committee decided that the new Hijri month would begin on Wednesday.

According to the Islamic lunar calendar, Jumada al-Thani is the sixth month of the year. It will be followed by Rajab, the seventh month, and Sha'ban, the eighth month. Ramadan, the ninth month, will begin after these two months.

Each Hijri month typically lasts 29 or 30 days, depending on the sighting of the moon. Based on this calculation, approximately 89 to 90 days may remain between the beginning of Jumada al-Thani and the start of Ramadan.

A recent report by Gulf News noted that, because the Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, Ramadan begins around 10 to 12 days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar. Accordingly, Ramadan in 2027 is expected to begin approximately 10 to 11 days earlier than in the previous year.

According to astronomical calculations, Ramadan 2027 may begin on Monday, February 8. If the crescent moon is sighted on the evening of February 7, the first Taraweeh prayers will be held that night, followed by the first day of fasting on February 8.

However, the actual start of Ramadan will depend on the sighting of the crescent moon. Bangladesh’s National Moon Sighting Committee will hold a meeting at the appropriate time and make an official announcement regarding the beginning of the holy month.