Dhaka, June 27 (V7N) - The moon marking the beginning of the Islamic month of Muharram was sighted in Bangladesh on Thursday evening. Consequently, today, Friday, marks the first day of the Hijri year 1447. The sacred day of Ashura, which falls on the 10th of Muharram, will be observed across the country on Sunday, July 6. The day has been declared a public holiday.

The announcement came following a meeting of the National Moon Sighting Committee held at the conference room of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in Dhaka. The meeting was presided over by Dr. A F M Khalid Hossain, Adviser to the Ministry of Religious Affairs. Present at the meeting were Religious Affairs Secretary Aftab Hossain Pramanik, Director General of the Islamic Foundation Salahm Khan, and other senior officials.

The word Ashura is derived from the Persian word Ashara, meaning "ten." The 10th of Muharram is widely observed by Muslims as a day of mourning and reflection, commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), at the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD (61 Hijri). Imam Hussain (RA), along with his companions, was killed on the banks of the Euphrates River by the forces of the Umayyad Caliph Yazid.

Beyond its association with Karbala, Ashura holds broader religious significance. According to Islamic tradition, several pivotal events occurred on this date. It is believed to be the day when Prophet Adam (AS) first set foot on Earth and that the Day of Judgment (Qiyamah) will occur on this date.

The observance of Ashura is marked by prayers, religious sermons, processions, and acts of charity, particularly among the Shia community. In Bangladesh, various religious organizations and communities also hold programs to remember the sacrifice of Imam Hussain (RA) and promote the values of justice and truth for which he stood.

The government has announced July 6 as an official holiday to allow Muslims across the country to observe Ashura with due reverence.

END/V&D/SMA/