The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, has declared Sunday, August 12 as the first day of the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah.

This was contained in a statement yesterday by the Deputy Secretary General of the NSCIA, Prof Salisu Shehu.

The statement said, after due consultation with scholars, the National Moon Sighting Committee (NMSC) and the Fatwa Committee of the NSCIA, it was decided that the dates of Dhul-Qa’adah be adjusted to make yesterday, August 12, 2018, the 1st day of Dhul-Hijjah, 1439AH.

“This is in compliance with the earlier Fatwa that declaration of the month of Dhul-Hijjah would be as determined by the Saudi Arabian authorities. Based on the above, the President-General of NSCIA has approved Sunday, August 12, 2018, as the 1st day of Dhul-Hijjah, 1439 AH.

“The council urges all Muslims to pray for the country and the pilgrims in the Holy Land. Similarly, all Muslims are enjoined to take the advantage of the first 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah for highly rewarding good deeds and supplications, particularly, to fast on the day of Arafah which is Monday, August 20, 2018,” Shehu said.

By the Sultan’s declaration, this year’s Dhul-Hijjah 10, which is Eid-el-Kabir celebration would be Tuesday, August 21, 2018.

•Sourced from a Daily Trust report

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