Sultan directs search for new moon of Dhul-Hijjah 1444AH

By BASHIR ADEFAKA

The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, directed Muslims in the country to look out for the new moon of Dhul-Hijjah from Sunday Dhul-Qadah 28, 1444 AH equivalent to June 18, 2023.

He gave the directive in a statement signed by Prof. Sambo Junaidu, Chairman Sultan Council, Sokoto’s Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs.

The DEFENDER reports that Dhul-Hijjah is 12^th and the last month of the Islamic calendar year, during which Muslims perform annual pilgrimage, Hajj, and celebrate Eid-el-Adha, the festival of animal sacrifice.

According to the statement, “This is to inform the Muslim Ummah that, Sunday 18^th June, which is equivalent to 29^th day of Dhul-Qadah shall be the day to look for the new moon of Dhul-Hijjah 1444 AH.

“Muslims are therefore requested to start looking for the new moon on Sunday and report its sighting to the nearest District or village Head for onward communication to the Sultan,” it said.

In the statement, Professor Junaidu, who is Waziri of Sokoto, prayed Allah to help all Muslims in the discharge of their religious duty.