Sunday is Dhul-Hijjah 1st - Sultan

The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammadu Sa'ad Abubakar III, has declared Sunday 12 August as the first day of the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah.

This is contained in a statement by the Deputy Secretary-General of the NSCIA, Prof. Salisu Shehu.

According to him, after due consultation with scholars, the National Moon Sighting Committee (NMSC) and the Fatwa Committee of the NSCIA, it was decided that the dates of Dhul-Qa’adah be adjusted to make today Sunday, 12th of August, 2018, the 1st day of Dhul-Hijjah, 1439AH.

"This is in compliance with the earlier Fatwa that declaration of the month of Dhul-Hijjah would be as determined by the Saudi Arabian authorities. Based on the above, the President-General of NSCIA has approved today Sunday, 12th of August, 2018, as the 1st day of Dhul-Hijjah, 1439 AH.

"The council urges all Muslims to pray for the country and the pilgrims in the Holy Land. Similarly, all Muslims are enjoined to take the advantage of the first 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah for highly rewarding good deeds and supplications, particularly, to fast on the day of Arafah which is Monday, 20th of August, 2018," Shehu said.

Daily Trust reports that by the Sultan declaration, this year's Dhul-Hijjah 10 eid-kabir sallah celebrations, where Muslims, who can afford it, offered designated sacfricial animals, would be next week Tuesday 21 August 2018.