Islamic New Year: Sultan Of Sokoto Declares Tuesday First Day Of Muharram

Following the non-sighting of the Muharram crescent on Sunday, the President General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, (NSCIA), and Sultan of Sokoto,/Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has declared Tuesday, August 10, 2021, to be the first day of Muharram, 1443 after Hijrah.

This is stated in a statement signed by Arc, the Director of Administration for the NSCIA. Zubairu Haruna Usman-Ugwu, Zubairu Haruna Usman-Ugwu, Zubairu Haruna

The decision was made after analyzing the Moon Sighting Committee’s report, according to the statement.

Cloudy weather and rains in most regions of the country on Sunday were among the reasons that hampered the viewing of the new crescent, according to reports.

Part of the statement read: “His Eminence, Alh. Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, the President General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and Sultan of Sokoto, after considering the report of the Moon Sighting Committee, has declared Tuesday, 10th of August, 2021 as the 1st day of Muharram, 1443 AH”.

In the statement, the Sultan wished all Muslims a joyful New Hijri Year.

This comes after most state governments in the country’s northern regions announced Monday, August 9th, 2021, as a work-free day for Muslims governmental servants and other citizens to observe the New Islamic Year.