The Sultan of Sokoto and President General Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III has declared Friday 7th June 2024 as the 1st Day of Zulhijjah 1445 A.H.
This is contained in a statement Thursday night from the National Moon Sighting Committee signed by its secretary, Malam Yahaya Muhammad Boyi.
“The Sultan of Sokoto has declared Friday, June 7, 2024, as the first day of Zul-Hijjah 1445 AH,” Malam Boyi said.
This means that Sunday, June 16, 2024, will be the day of Eidul Adha 1445 AH.
Sultan Sa’ad used the opportunity to felicitate with the Muslim Ummah and, wished them Allah’s guidance, and blessings. While urging the faithful to continue to pray for peace, progress and development of the Country, he wished Nigerians a happy Eid-el-Kabir.
Earlier, the Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia had declared Sunday, June 16, as the first day of Eid Al Adha for this year, following the sighting of the crescent moon, marking the beginning of Dhu Al Hijjah on Friday, June 7.
This significant announcement came as Muslims worldwide prepare for one of the most sacred holidays in the Islamic calendar.
The court’s confirmation on Thursday followed an earlier appeal to Muslims worldwide to watch for the crescent moon.
Although initial attempts by the country’s observatories were unsuccessful, a later witness report from Al Hareeq confirmed the sighting, prompting the official declaration.
According to the court, the moon sighting means that the Day of Arafat, an important day of Hajj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, will fall on Saturday, June 15, 2024.