The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alh. Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has declared Friday, August 21, as Hijjrah, the Muharram 1442.
The President-General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), made this known on Thursday.
According to a statement signed by Deputy Secretary-General, NSCIA, Prof. Salisu Shehu, there was no proven sighting of the crescent of Muharram, 1442 on the 29th of Dhul-Hijjah, 1441 AH, equivalent to Wednesday, 19th August, 2020.
The Sultan, therefore, declared Thursday, 20th August 2020 is the last day of Dhul-Hijjah, 1441 AH.
The President-General of NSCIA and Sultan of Sokoto has approved Friday, 21st August 2020, as the 1st day of Muharram, 1442 AH.
The statement read apart: “The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), under the leadership of its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alh. Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, wishes to inform the Nigerian Muslim Ummah that there was no proven sighting of the crescent of Muharam, 1442 AH on the 29th of Dhul-Hijjah, 1441 AH, equivalent to Wednesday, 19th August, 2020. Therefore, Thursday, 20th August, 2020 is the last day of Dhul-Hijjah, 1441 AH.
“In line with the above, His Eminence, the President-General of NSCIA and Sultan of Sokoto has approved Friday, 21st August, 2020, as the 1st day of Muharram, 1442 AH.
The Council hereby enjoined the Nigerian Muslim Ummah to continue to promote peaceful coexistence and unity among all the citizens of the country.
He said, “The Council equally beseeches them to rededicate themselves to the worship of Allah and to intensify prayer to Allah for the quick eradication of coronavirus pandemic.”
