Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, President General Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and Sultan of Sokoto, has directed Muslims to look out for the new moon of Dhul-Hijjah 1444 AH from Sunday.
“The Dhul-Hijjah is the 12th and the last month in the Islamic calendar in which Muslims perform annual pilgrimage (Hajj) and celebrate Eid-el-Kabir festival.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, has given a directive to Muslims on the beginning of the festivities for the Eid-el-Kabir. In a statement signed by Sambo Junaidu, Chairman Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sokoto, Abubakar urged Muslims to start looking out for the new moon of Dhul-Hijjah 1444 AH from Sunday. According to the Islamic calendar, Dhul-Hijjah is the 12th and last month, during which period, Muslims perform the obligatory Hajj pilgrimage and celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir.
“This is to inform the Muslim Ummah that, Sunday 18th June, which is equivalent to 29th 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,” the statement read.
Muslims in Nigeria were implored to keep watch for the moon sighting on Sunday the 18th of July, which is equivalent to the 29th day of Dhul-Qadah. The sighting is an indication of the commencement of the festivities for Eid-el-Kabir. They were also asked to report the sighting to their nearest district or village head for proper communication to the Sultan.
The celebration of Eid-el-Kabir is a significant part of Islamic practice and culture. It is marked with the sacrifice of animals like cows, sheep, and others, and it is a time of brotherly love, where family and friends celebrate together.
