Grand Strategy to Unite Ummah

That would be one truly remarkable achievement in its entire history - if on one fine day, OIC is able to foster unity among Ummah on a critical matter like this. At least, there should be no discord among the believers when to have a holiday. :)

cheers,
Umar
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http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2006\10\29\story_29-10-2006_pg1_3

OIC for Eid on one day worldwide

JEDDAH: The head of the Organisation of Islamic Conference on Saturday deplored the way Islamic countries mark Eidul Fitr on different days, AFP reported. OIC Secretary General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu said in a statement that Eid on different days illustrated the disunity of Muslims and suggested that scientific methods should be used the synchronise the Islamic calendar. “The disparity of dates for celebrating Eidul Fitr in Islamic countries ... is deplorable, when science, and especially astronomy, has reached high levels of development and precision,” he said. According to Ihsanoglu, celebration of religious festivals on the same day is supposed to “unify the sentiments and positions of Muslims”, while it now reflected their disunity and disparity of positions. He called on Islamic religious and official institutions to cooperate with the OIC to harmonise the astronomical calculations which determine the time of the new moon. Staff report adds: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Saturday directed the Ministry of Religious Affairs to review moon-sighting procedures so that the entire country would in the future be able to celebrate Eid on the same day. The prime minister directed the ministry to consult all those involved in the process to evolve a mechanism that would be acceptable to all sections of society across the country. He also directed the ministry to hold consultations with the OIC to ensure that any new mechanism would be transparent, workable and participatory in nature and to submit a follow-up report to him within 30 days.