The President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, has confirmed Sunday, May 21, as the first day of the Dhul-Qadah 1444AH after sighting the crescent of the new moon. This announcement was made by the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council of Sokoto, led by Professor Sambo Junaidu.
Dhul-Qadah is the 11th month in the Islamic calendar and is among the four sacred months in Islam which comes before Dhul-Hijjah. The Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs reportedly did not receive any report on the sighting of the crescent on Friday, hence, May 21 is declared as the first day of the month.
According to Junaidu, the committee, in conjunction with the National Moon-Sighting Committee, verified the report and the sultan, in acceptance, declared the first day of Dhul-Qadah 1444AH to be on Sunday, May 21.
Muslims globally are encouraged to keep to holy observances during the sacred month of Dhul-Qadah. It is recommended for Muslims globally to fast for six days during this month. Muslims globally also observe the holy month of Ramadan, which began on May 17, 2018.
It is, therefore, expected that Muslims worldwide will celebrate Eid-el-Fitr on Saturday, June 16 or Sunday, June 17, subject to the sighting of the moon during the month of Shawwal. With this, it is hoped that this sacred month of Dhul-Qadah will bring about divine blessings and fulfilment for all members of the Muslim community, as they observe the holy fast.
