Sultan ‘adjusts’ August 12 as 1st day of Dhul-Hijjah

The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA,  Sa’ad Abubakar III, has “adjusted” Sunday 12 August as the first day of Dhul-Hijjah.

In an earlier statement by Sambo Junaidu, the chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sokoto, on Sunday, the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, had asked the Muslim Ummah to look for the new moon of Dhul Hijjah 1439AH from Sunday.

But later on Sunday, the Deputy Secretary-General of the NSCIA, Prof. Salisu Shehu, issued another statement, saying 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, August 12, 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,” Mr Shehu added.