ISLAM
Ramadan Likely to Begin on February 19, Eid al-Fitr on March 20: Astronomical Forecast
The holy month of Ramadan for the Hijri year 1447 is expected to begin on February 19, with Eid al-Fitr likely to fall on March 20 (Friday), according to an astronomical forecast by Ibrahim Al Jarwan, president of the Emirates Astronomical Society.
In a statement on Thursday (October 16), Al Jarwan said that the crescent moon marking the start of Ramadan will appear on February 17 in the Middle East but will set just one minute after sunset, making it impossible to be seen with the naked eye. Consequently, Ramadan will begin the next day, on February 19.
The forecast, reported by Al Arabiya, indicates that most Middle Eastern countries — including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Qatar, and Kuwait — will observe fasting hours of about 12 hours at the start of Ramadan, which will gradually increase to 13 hours toward the end of the month.
Saudi Arabia’s moon-sighting committee is scheduled to meet on February 18 to confirm the start of the holy month. However, the kingdom often follows its Umm al-Qura calendar for official announcements.
Since Bangladesh observes Ramadan and Eid one day after the Middle East, Ramadan in Bangladesh is likely to begin on February 20, with Eid al-Fitr on March 21.
A rural healthcare practitioner has been arrested in Faridpur’s Saltha upazila for allegedly making derogatory remarks about Allah and insulting religion, police said. Sheikh Akhtar Hossain, 55, was detained on Sunday morning around 10am from the Bauskhali area of Ballovdi Union.
According to police, Hossain posted a video on Facebook last Friday in which he referred to a statement by Baul singer Abul Sarkar and cited lyrics from Baul songs. In the video he reportedly described Allah as a “thief, fraudster and killer” and labelled the current government as a “Taliban government.” The video quickly spread online, triggering outrage among local Islamic scholars.
Following complaints from residents, police arrested him and took him into custody. Officer-in-Charge of Saltha Police Station Md Ataur Rahman confirmed that a case has been filed against Hossain on charges of religious defamation. He has been sent to the Faridpur court, and further legal procedures are ongoing.
At least 42 Indian nationals, including nine children, were killed in a deadly road accident near Madinah in Saudi Arabia while returning from performing Umrah. Among the victims were 18 members of a single family spanning three generations, according to a report by NDTV. The crash occurred around 1:30am on Sunday when their bus collided with a diesel tanker on the Makkah–Madinah route, causing the vehicle to burst into flames.
The accident took place in the Muharrass area, approximately 30 kilometres from Madinah. Most passengers were asleep at the time of the collision. All the victims were residents of India’s Telangana state.
Mohammed Asif, a relative of the deceased, told NDTV that the 18 family members—Nasiruddin (70), Akhtar Begum (62), their son Salauddin (42), daughters Amina (44), Rizwana (38), Shabana (40) and their children—had travelled to Saudi Arabia eight days earlier. They had completed Umrah and were returning to Madinah. The family was scheduled to fly back to India on Saturday.
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy expressed deep condolences over the tragedy. In a statement, his office said that officials have been instructed to identify the victims, coordinate with India’s Ministry of External Affairs and the Saudi Embassy, and arrange immediate assistance if required. Local authorities in Saudi Arabia have begun investigating the cause of the accident.
Saudi Arabia’s King and Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, has called on citizens to perform Salat al-Istisqa (the prayer for rain) across the Kingdom.
According to a statement issued by the Royal Court on Monday (10 November), the prayer will be held on Thursday, 22 Jumada al-Awwal 1447 Hijri, as per the Umm al-Qura calendar, in accordance with the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
The statement urged citizens to repent, seek forgiveness, and return to Allah. It also encouraged acts of charity, remembrance of God, regular prayers, and kindness toward others to attain divine mercy.
The Royal Court further emphasized that every able Muslim should join the prayer with humility and patience, seeking Allah’s mercy and blessings.
The statement concluded with a supplication asking Allah to show mercy to the people and the land, to accept their prayers, and to send rain as a source of goodness and compassion.