More Northern States have joined their counterparts to declare Monday, August 9 as work free day for the Muslims to mark the commencement of the Hijrah 1443 AH.
The two additional States are Borno and Yobe, Muslim News can authoritatively confirm.
A Statement released by the Borno State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Information and Culture Alhaji Babakura Abba Jato indicates that Governor Babagana Umara Zulum declared the public holiday in commemoration of the Islamic New Year of 1443 which starts effectively tomorrow (Monday).
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum also urged the people particularly the Muslims to fast and pray for lasting peace to prevail in the state and the country at large.
“While congratulating the Muslim Ummah for witnessing the Islamic New Year, the Governor also stressed that peaceful coexistence among the people is paramount as Borno is historically known as Home of Peace and Hospitality,” he added.
Similarly, the Yobe State Head of the Civil Service, Mohammed B. Nura announced government decision on Saturday, adding that work resumes on Tuesday, 10th August 2021.
The statement further disclosed that “Yobe State Governor, Hon. Mai Mala Buni gave the approval to enable Civil Servants and other citizens of the state observe the ushering-in of the New Islamic Year.”
The Katsina State Government has also announced Monday, August 9, 2021, as a public holiday to commemorate the Islamic Calendar New year referred to as the ‘1st of Muharram, 1443 hijra.’
This was disclosed in a press statement by the state’s Commissioner for information, Home Affairs and Culture, Abdulkarim Sirika.
He said the essence of declaring the holiday was to remind Muslims in the state about the Islamic Calendar and its significance in their activities.
Muslim News check shows that seven out of the eight States have declared Monday, August 9 as Hijrah Holiday. They are Borno, Katsina, Yobe, Jigawa, Kano, Kebbi and Osun State. Only Oyo has so far chosen Tuesday, August 10, as a public holiday to mark the Islamic New Year.
Information from the office of the Sultanate shows that the new crescent of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar hasn’t been sighted as at the time of filing this report on Sunday, August 8, 2021 at exactly 9pm (Nigerian time).
If the moon isn’t sighted, Monday will be counted as the 30th day of Dhul-Hijjah and Tuesday automatically becomes the Day 1 of Muharram, Muslim News has learnt.
Meanwhile, the Muharram moon was not sighted in Saudi Arabia on Sunday. This means the Islamic New Year will begin on August 10.
Muharram moon sighting is Important as it will confirm the date of Ashura – The 10th of Muharram. The Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle. Hence, the moon sighting assumes great significance
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