Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), has issued a directive to the Muslim community to observe the crescent of Dhul-Hijjah 1445 AH starting from Thursday.
This announcement was made in a statement signed by Prof. Sambo Janaidu, the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs of the Sultanate Council in Sokoto, on Wednesday.
The statement clarified that Thursday, June 6, aligns with the 29th day of Dhul-Qidah 1445 AH.
Consequently, Muslims are encouraged to begin the observation for the new moon of Dhul-Hijjah 1445 AH on this day.
The Sultan emphasized that Muslims should report any sighting of the new moon to their nearest District or Village Head, who will then relay the information to the Sultan.
The Sultan also offered prayers for Allah’s continued support to Muslims in fulfilling their religious obligations.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) highlighted the significance of Dhul-Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Islamic calendar.
This month holds great importance as one of the four sacred months in Islam. It is during Dhul-Hijjah that Muslims worldwide undertake the pilgrimage (Hajj) to Mecca and celebrate the Eid-El-Kabir festival.
The pilgrimage begins on the eighth day of Dhul-Hijjah, and Eid-El-Kabir is celebrated from the 10th to the 13th of the month.
