This year, the holy month of Ramadan will probably start in Tajikistan on April 13, Tajikistan grand mufti Sayeedmukarram Abduqodirzoda told Asia-plus in an interview.
According to him, to him, to determine the exact start date of Ramadan, hey are currently collaborating with the Institute of Astrophysics of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan.
“Usually, it is the 29th day Shaʽban, the eighth month of the Islamic calendar (April 11, 2021 in the Gregorian calendar), when the new moon appears. Astrophysicists will observe this event in the territory of Tajikistan, and then we will determine the exact date. This year, the holy month of Ramadan is expected to start in Tajikistan on April 13 or 14. The exact start ate of Ramadan will be announced at a general meeting of members of the Council of Ulema,” Abduqodirzoda said.
Besides, performance of Taraweeh (additional ritual prayers performed by Muslims at night after the Isha prayer during the holy month of Ramadan), the amount of Zakat, and category of people who do not need to fast will also be announced at the general meeting, the grand mufti added.
Meanwhile, according to some sources, Ramadan start date will be expected in the Arabic world as on April 13, 2021 and in Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and some other parts of the world on April 14 2021.
Recall, a decision made by the Council of Ulema (Tajikistan’s highest Islamic institution) told mosques to suspend public gatherings, including Friday prayers) on April 17 last year imposed suspension on performing Taraweeh and public gathering such as iftar and others due to the coronavirus crisis.
The fasting, which is the fourth pillar of Islam, is practiced during the month of Ramadan. Ramadan is derived from an Arabic word for intense heat and sun-scorched ground. It is the ninth month of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar, established in the year 638 CE. It is considered the most venerated, blessed and spiritually-beneficial month of the Islamic year. Prayers, fasting, charity, and self-accountability are especially stressed at this time; religious observances associated with Ramadan are kept throughout the month.
The most prominent event of this month is the fasting practiced by observant Muslims. Every day during the month of Ramadan, Muslims around the world get up before dawn to eat the Suhoor meal (the predawn meal) and perform their fajr prayer. They break their fast when the fourth prayer of the day, Maghrib (sunset), is due.
During Ramadan, Muslims are expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam and to avoid obscene and irreligious sights and sounds. Purity of both thought and action is important. The fast is intended to be an exacting act of deep personal worship in which Muslims seek a raised level of closeness to God Almighty. The act of fasting is said to redirect the heart away from worldly activities, its purpose being to cleanse the inner soul and free it from harm. Properly observing the fast is supposed to induce a comfortable feeling of peace and calm. It also allows Muslims to practice self-discipline, sacrifice, and sympathy for those who are less fortunate, intended to make Muslims more generous and charitable. Muslims can eat after the sun has set. Pregnant women, the elderly, the ill, travelers and children who have not reached puberty are all exempt from fasting as lack of food and liquid in these situations could be detrimental to health.
