Shab-e-Qadr tonight

Muslims across the country will observe the holy Shab-e-Qadr or Lailatul Qadr tonight, the night when the first verses of the holy Quran were revealed to Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH).

According to the holy Quran, the night is better than 1,000 nights as the angels and the spirit descend therein, by the permission of Almighty Allah with all decrees.

This is one of the holiest and most blessed nights which is likely to occur on one of the odd nights in the last 10 days of Ramadan and most likely to be the 27th of the holy month.

The devout Muslims traditionally observe the occasion through nightlong special prayers, milad, Quran Khwani, religious discussions at mosques and in their houses on this holy night.

Devotees also visit graveyards to seek eternal blessings for the departed souls of their near and dear ones.

Newspapers publish special articles while state-run Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television and private television channels air special programmes highlighting the significance of Lailatul Qadr.

To the Muslims, the entire month of Ramadan is a period of spiritual training. Besides fasting, they devote themselves to praying, recitation from the holy Quran and offering charity.

On the occasion, the Baitul Mukarram national mosque has taken different programmes.

President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday greeted the countrymen and the Muslims across the world on the occasion of the holy Lailatul Qadr.

In separate messages on the eve of the holy night, they prayed for continued peace, progress and prosperity of the country and the Muslim Ummah.

In his message, the president said the holy Lailatul Qadr is "very sacred and full of virtues" for mankind. Allah has revealed the holy Quran on this night, he added.

"On this night, Almighty Allah opens up His store of blessings and forgiveness. Therefore, the significance of this glorified night is immense," he added.

Hamid prayed to Almighty Allah to fulfil everybody's life with His unlimited blessings on this night.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in her message said the holy Quran was revealed on this night to show mankind the path of emancipation.

“I pray to Almighty Allah for continued progress, peace and welfare of our beloved motherland and the Muslim Ummah on this holy night,” she noted.

JUMATUL WIDA TODAY

Jumatul Wida, the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan, will be observed today.

The biggest Jumatul Wida congregation of the country will be held at Baitul Mukarram national mosque in the capital where thousands of Muslims will offer Juma prayers.

Special munajat will be offered at all mosques across the country after Jumatul Wida prayers seeking divine blessings for eternal peace of the departed souls of the near and dear ones of the devotees.