Sunday 7 April 2019 has been declared to be the first day of Sha’ban 1440 AH.
The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, made this declaration in a statement issued by the Council’s Deputy Secretary General, Professor Salisu Shehu, sent to The DEFENDER on Saturday.
The statement said: “The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), under the leadership of its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alh. Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, wishes to inform the Nigerian Muslim Ummah that there was no positive sighting of the crescent of Sha’ban, 1440AH on the 29th of Jumadal-Thani, 1440AH, equivalent to April 5, 2019. Therefore, Saturday, April 6, 2019 is the last day of Jumadal-Thani, 1440AH.
“In line with the above, His Eminence, the President-General of NSCIA and Sultan of Sokoto, has approved Sunday, April 7, 2019 as the 1st day of Sha’ban, 1440AH.
“The Council hereby enjoins the Nigerian Muslim Ummah to continue to promote peaceful coexistence and unity among all the citizens of the country.”
