The sighting of the crescent moon marking the beginning of Jumada al-Thani in Bangladesh has brought the holy month of Ramadan a step closer. With the sixth month of the Islamic lunar calendar now under way, approximately 89 to 90 days remain before Ramadan is expected to begin. Astronomical calculations suggest that the holy month could start on 8 February 2027, although the final date will depend on the sighting of the crescent moon.
The Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle and consists of 12 months. Each month lasts either 29 or 30 days, depending on the appearance of the moon. Jumada al-Thani is the sixth month of the Islamic year. It will be followed by Rajab, the seventh month, and then Sha’ban, the eighth. Ramadan, the ninth month, begins after Sha’ban comes to an end.
Ramadan holds a special place in the lives of Muslims around the world. During the month, adult Muslims who are able to fast abstain from food, drink and other specified activities from dawn until sunset. Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam and is observed as an act of worship, discipline and devotion.
The month is also associated with increased religious observance. Muslims devote more time to their daily prayers, recitation of the Holy Quran, charity and acts of kindness. Special night prayers, known as Taraweeh, are performed after the obligatory Isha prayer. Ramadan is widely regarded as a month of mercy, forgiveness and spiritual renewal.
The timing of Ramadan changes every year in the Gregorian calendar because the Islamic lunar year is approximately 10 to 11 days shorter than the solar year. As a result, Ramadan generally begins around 10 to 12 days earlier each year. Over time, this gradual shift means that Muslims experience fasting during different seasons, with variations in daylight hours and weather conditions.
According to astronomical projections, Ramadan could begin on Monday, 8 February 2027. If the crescent moon is sighted on the evening of Sunday, 7 February, Muslims would offer their first Taraweeh prayers that night before beginning their first fast the following morning.
However, astronomical predictions provide an estimated date rather than an official confirmation. In Bangladesh, the National Moon Sighting Committee is responsible for reviewing reports of the crescent moon’s appearance and announcing the beginning of religious months, including Ramadan.
The committee will make its formal announcement after considering the available moon-sighting information at the appropriate time. Depending on the actual sighting, the beginning of Ramadan could differ from the predicted date by a day.
For now, 8 February 2027 remains a projected starting date. Muslims in Bangladesh and elsewhere will have to wait for the official moon-sighting announcement to know exactly when the fasting month will begin.
