Bangladesh to commemorate Eid-e-Miladunnabi on Sept 6

The decision follows a review of nationwide moon sighting reports

The Islamic Foundation has announced that Eid-e-Miladunnabi, marking the birth and passing of Prophet Muhammad (SM), will be observed on Sept 6, as the moon of Rabi’ al-Awwal has not been sighted.

Shayla Sharmin, spokesperson for the Islamic Foundation, made the announcement in a statement on Sunday.

It said, “The moon of the holy month of Rabi’ al-Awwal 1447 Hijri was not sighted anywhere in Bangladesh. Thus, the holy month of Safar will complete 30 days on Monday, Aug 25, and the holy month of Rabi’ al-Awwal will be counted from Tuesday, Aug 26.

“In view of which, the holy Eid-e-Miladunnabi will be celebrated on Saturday, Sept 6.”

The decision came at a meeting of the Moon Sighting Committee, chaired by Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs AKM Aftab Hossain Pramanik, at the Baitul Mukarram on Sunday.

According to the statement, the date was fixed following a review of information from all district administrations, the Islamic Foundation’s head office, divisional and district offices, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, and the Space Research and Remote Sensing Organisation regarding the moon sighting of Rabi’ al-Awwal 1447 Hijri.

Additionally, a draft policy on moon sighting was presented during the meeting, and a 10-member committee was formed.