Holy Akheri Chahar Somba to Be Observed Across Bangladesh on Wednesday

Holy Akheri Chahar Somba will be observed across Bangladesh on Wednesday, August 12, marking the last Wednesday of the Islamic month of Safar 1448 Hijri. The date was finalized following a meeting of the National Moon Sighting Committee at the Baitul Mukarram conference room of the Islamic Foundation, chaired by Md Munsi Alauddin Al Azad, secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

The committee verified the sighting of the Safar moon based on reports from district administrations, Islamic Foundation offices, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, and SPARRSO, confirming the start of Safar on Thursday, July 16. Akheri Chahar Somba literally translates to the "last Wednesday" of Safar and is traditionally observed by many Muslims across South Asia through prayers, religious gatherings, and acts of charity.

According to widespread Islamic tradition, the day is associated with the Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) temporary recovery from an illness near the end of Safar, prompting devotees to express gratitude to Allah. However, scholars note that the observance is a traditional practice rather than a universally prescribed Islamic festival, with differing scholarly views regarding its religious status and specific practices.