The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alh. Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar has declared Wednesday, July 19, as the first day of the new Islamic year, News About Nigeria reports.
The Sultan said Wednesday has been announced as Hijjrah, marking the beginning of the Islamic year, Muharram 1445H.
Recall that the Sultan told Muslim faithful to look out for the new moon.
He said if they find it, it should be relayed to the nearest district or village heads for onward communication to the sultan of Sokoto.
However, there was no positive or accurate sighting which led to the declaration.
The decision was reached due to the absence of a positive sighting report of the crescent in Nigeria.
The Sultanate Council, responsible for overseeing religious affairs in Sokoto, made the announcement on behalf of the Sultan.
The sighting of the crescent moon determines the beginning of the Islamic months, and it serves as a significant event for Muslims worldwide.
Muslims in Nigeria have been advised to embrace the new Islamic year with prayers, gratitude, and acts of kindness.
The Sultan urged the faithful to use the occasion to reflect upon their actions and renew their commitment to the teachings of Islam.
The Federal Government has been pressured to declare first day of the new Islamic Calendar as public holiday, allowing Muslims to celebrate their day with joy and happiness.
Some states across Nigeria usually declare the first day of the new Islamic year as public holiday for the Muslim citizens to celebrate.
Last year, 2022, states like Kwara, Oyo, Osun declared a public holiday to mark the significant event in the Islamic calendar.
