Sultan declares May 18 as 1st of Dhul Hijjah, Eid-el-Adha expected May 27
By BASHIR ADEFAKA
“With this declaration, Muslims in Nigeria and beyond will begin preparations for the sacred rites and celebrations associated with Dhul Hijjah, including the Eid-el-Adha festival, which is expected to fall on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, corresponding to the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, subject to confirmation,” the statement said.
The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has declared Monday, May 18, 2026, as the first day of Dhul Hijjah 1447AH following the sighting of the crescent moon.
The announcement was made in a statement issued by the Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Sultanate Council’s Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu.
According to the statement, the successful moon sighting marks the commencement of Dhul Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar, regarded as one of the holiest periods in Islam.
The Sultanate Council stated that the declaration paves the way for preparations toward the Eid-el-Adha celebration and the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
“With this declaration, Muslims in Nigeria and beyond will begin preparations for the sacred rites and celebrations associated with Dhul Hijjah, including the Eid-el-Adha festival, which is expected to fall on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, corresponding to the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, subject to confirmation,” the statement said.
The Council urged Muslims across the country to use the sacred season for prayers, spiritual reflection, and acts of devotion, while also praying for peace, unity, and prosperity in Nigeria.
It further advised the public to rely only on official communications from the Sultanate Council and recognised Islamic authorities for updates concerning the observance of the religious period.
Dhul Hijjah marks the month ending the Islamic calendar year and is significant for major acts of worship, including the Hajj pilgrimage and Eid-el-Adha celebrations.
The Sultan’s monthly moon-sighting declarations continue to play a central role in guiding Islamic religious observances in Nigeria, particularly the commencement and conclusion of Ramadan fasting and other key dates in the Islamic calendar.
