The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, has directed Muslims to be on the lookout for the new moon of Dhul-Hijjah 1444 AH starting from Sunday. As the president general of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Mr Abubakar issued the directive through a statement signed by Sambo Junaidu, the chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs of the Sultanate Council in Sokoto.

Dhul-Hijjah, the twelfth and final month in the Islamic calendar, holds great significance as it is a time when Muslims embark on the annual pilgrimage known as Hajj and celebrate the festival of Eid-el-Kabir.

The statement released by the Sultanate Council on behalf of Mr Abubakar said, “This is to inform the Muslim Ummah (community) that Sunday, June 18, which corresponds to the 29th day of Dhul-Qadah, will be the day to search for the new moon of Dhul-Hijjah 1444 AH. Muslims are therefore requested to begin observing the sky on Sunday and report any sighting of the crescent to the nearest district or village head, who will then communicate the information to the Sultan.”

In conclusion, the statement expressed a prayer for Allah to assist all Muslims in fulfilling their religious obligations.

NAN