*Says Eid-Adha is Dhul-Hijjah 10, August 21
In his routine monitoring of the movement of moon with a view to guiding his over 90 million Nigerian followers with it as it affects the practice of their religion of Islam, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has declared Sunday August 12, 2018 as the first day of the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah, 1439AH.
This is contained in a statement by the Deputy Secretary-General of the NSCIA, Prof. Salisu Shehu.
According to the deputy chief scribe of the Council, 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.
By the Sultan’s declaration, next week Tuesday August 21, 2018 equivalent to Dhul-Hijjah 10, 1439AH will be Eid-Adha that is Sallah celebrations day, where Muslims, who can afford it, offer specified animals for sacrifice to Allah.
