* Sultan wishes Muslims Happy New Year, urges them to pray for peace, progress in Nigeria
Saudi Arabia and Nigeria have announced the first day of Muharram, 1446 AH after the crescent moon was not sighted anywhere in both countries on Friday, July 5.
Consequently, Saturday, July 6, 2024, will be observed as the 30th day of Dhul Hijjah, the 12th and the last month of Islamic Lunar calendar.
The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia and Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs therefore declared Sunday, July 7, 2024, as the first day of Muharram, the first month and the beginning of the Hijrah 1446, Islamic New Year.
The Supreme Court said in a statement: “The Crescent Sighting Committee of the Supreme Court decided that Saturday, 30/12/1445 AH according to the Umm Al Qura calendar, corresponding to July 6, 2024 AD, will be the completion of the month of Dhul Hijjah for the year 1445 AH as thirty days, and that Sunday, 1/1/1446 AH according to the Umm al-Qura calendar, corresponding to July 7, 2024 AD, will be the first day of the month of Muharram for the year 1446 AH.”
Similarly, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar CFR, mni, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), has declared Sunday, 7th July 2024, as the first day of Muharram 1446 AH, following reports of the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, in conjunction with the National Moon Sighting Committee.
In a statement, the Sultan extended his felicitations to the Nigerian Muslim community, wishing them Allah’s guidance and blessings.
He urged Muslims to continue praying for peace, progress, and development in the country and wished all Muslims a happy New Year.
The announcement was made by Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, the Waziri of Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sokoto.
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