The Markazi Royat-e-Hilal Committee and Darul Uloom Deoband has confirmed the sighting of the Ramadan moon across India on Wednesday evening, February 18, with the first fast to be observed on Thursday, February 19. In a circular, the committees stated that the moon had been sighted in Delhi, marking the start of the holy month.
The moon was sighted in several major cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Lucknow and Hyderabad. With the confirmation, communities observed Chand Raat on Wednesday, and preparations for the first fast began. Reports from Fatehpuri Masjid in Delhi, Central Hilal Committees, Aishbagh Eidgah in Lucknow and Hilal Committees in Mumbai also verified the end of the 29-day month of Shaban and the beginning of Ramadan.
With the advent of Ramadan, areas such as Delhi’s Jama Masjid and Mumbai’s Mohammed Ali Road are seeing a rise in activity. People are busy shopping for dates, fruit and other items for Sehri and Iftar.
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Special arrangements have been made for Taraweeh, the special night prayers, in various mosques. Taraweeh prayers will begin tonight as soon as the moon is sighted.
Ramadan is regarded as a sacred and blessed month for Muslims. It is a period for patience and worship of Allah, during which people fast, pray, recite the Quran and give charity such as zakat and sadaqa. The month teaches helping the needy, fostering brotherhood and humanity. Acts of worship are believed to carry greater reward, which is why the month is often described as a time of mercy and blessings.