Spirituality Fills Bangladesh Mosques in Ramadan
"There are lots of programs in Baitul Mukarram mosque, the national mosque in Bangladesh that is operated by the Islamic Foundation, to achieving Islamic spirit and to create an Islamic environment during the month of Ramadan," Rafiqul Islam, deputy director of Bangladesh Islamic Foundation, told OnIslam.net.
Bangladesh is home to over 250,000 mosques, including 6,000 in the capital.
These mosques are usually operated by locals, with no government aid or assistance offered to them.
At the start of the holy month of Ramadan, special programs are arranged at different mosques which turn into spiritual and teaching centers.
At Baitul Mukarram mosque, special classes are arranged throughout Ramadan after the Dhuhr and Asr prayers for interpretation and recitation of the Quran.
"Another special program is Qiyamul Lail [night prayer] which will begin on 20 Ramadan, during which imams will recite the whole Quran during prayer within seven days only," Rafiqul Islam said.
Iftar
Along with spiritual programs and special prayers, Bangladesh mosques offer iftar meals to thousands of Muslims throughout Ramadan.
"We have various types of programs in our mosque during Ramadan month for local Muslims," Abul Kashem, secretary of Masjidul Aqsa at Sabujbag in Dhaka, told OnIslam.net.
"Our three main programs are Salatul Khatme Tarabi [Taraweeh prayer], Iftar meals for who present at the mosque during the iftar period and Quran teachings for children.
"We have been serving iftar meals for 70-80 peoples per day at the time of Iftar at this mosque during the month of Ramadan," Kashem added.
Bangladesh is the world's third-largest Muslim majority nation with a population of over 170 million.
Ramadan is the holiest month in Islamic calendar.
In Ramadan, adult Muslims, save the sick and those traveling, abstain from food, drink, smoking and sex between dawn and sunset.
Muslims dedicate their time during the holy month to become closer to Allah through prayer, self-restraint and good deeds.
Source: OnIslam.net
