In alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court’s directive, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, has urged Muslims across Nigeria to participate in the sighting of the crescent moon for the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah 1445 AH, beginning tomorrow (Thursday).
The Sultan, who is also the President General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), made the call in a statement signed by Prof. Sambo Janaidu, the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs of the Sultanate Council, Sokoto, on Wednesday.
In the statement, Janaidu tasked the Muslim faithful to ensure that upon sighting the moon, they report it to the nearest district or village head for onward communication with the Sultan.
The statement partly reads, “This is to inform the Muslim Ummah that Thursday, June 6, which is equivalent to the 29th day of Dhul-Qidah 1445 AH, shall be the day to look for the new moon of Dhul-Hijjah 1445 AH. Muslims are, therefore, requested to start looking for the new moon of Dhul-Hijjah on Thursday and report its sighting to the nearest district or village head for onward communication to the Sultan.”
The Sultan also prayed that Allah continues to bless and support Muslims in all their endeavours, even as they prepare for the forthcoming Eid al-Adha celebration.
News About Nigeria reports that Eid al-Adha, which is the biggest Islamic festival, falls on the 10th of Dhul Al Hijjah.
The “Festival of Sacrifice” is celebrated in commemoration of the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God, which is why Muslim faithful usually slaughter animals such as rams, sheep, goats, cows, or camels.
