Sultan directs Nigerian Muslims to search for Zulhijja new moon Tuesday
By BASHIR ADEFAKA
However, whereas Leader of Muslim Ummah in respective countries directs the commencement and termination of Ramadan fasting based on sighting of the new moon, the date for the performance of Hajj is sole responsibility of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the headquarters of Islamic World and divinely chosen host of the annual spiritual exercise.
The Sultan of Sokoto and President General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has asked members of the Muslim Ummah in the country to begin the search for new moon of Zulhijja 1446AH on Tuesday May 27, 2025.
The Sultan’s directive was communicated via a statement dated 26th May 2025, signed by Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu, the Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman, Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sokoto, and circulated to the media on Monday.
According to the statement, “This is to inform the Muslim Ummah that Tuesday 27th May 2025 which is equivalent to 29th Zulki’ida 1446AH shall be the day to look for the new moon of Zulhijja 1446AH.
“Muslims are therefore requested to start looking for the new moon of Zulhijja 1446AH on Tuesday and report its sighting to the nearest District or Village Head for onward communication to His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA).
“May Allah (SWT) help us in the discharge of his religious duty, amen.’
The DEFENDER reports that Zulhijja, the month in which the fifth pillar of Islam – Hajj is performed, is the 12th month marking the end of the Islamic calendar year known as Hijrah.
If the crescent signifying beginning of the month is sighted after sunset on Tuesday 27th May as will be announced by the Sultan, who is the Leader of all Muslims in Nigeria, it will mean that Wednesday 28th May is 1st Zulhijja, 1446AH.
However, whereas Leader of Muslim Ummah in respective countries directs the commencement and termination of Ramadan fasting based on sighting of the new moon, the date for the performance of Hajj is sole responsibility of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the headquarters of Islamic World and divinely chosen host of the annual spiritual exercise.
The Sultan since ascending the throne on 2nd November 2006 has ensured that the over 100 Muslims of world’s most populous black nation he leads are rightly guided in the worship of their Lord, Allah, as dictated in the Glorious Qur’an and traditions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him.
