The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, has declared Thursday as the first day of Rabiul-Awwal.
This is contained in a statement by Ustaz Christian Isa Okonkwo, the Director of Administration of NSCIA, on behalf of President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alh. Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.
Ustaz Okonkwo noted that there was no positive sighting of the crescent of Rabiul-Awwal, 1438AH on the 29th of Safar, 1438AH, equivalent to 29th November, 2016, either by naked eye or astronomical calculations.
“Therefore, Wednesday, 30th November, 2016 is the last day of Safar 1438AH.
“Against the above background, His Eminence, the President-General of NSCIA and Sultan of Sokoto, has approved Thursday, 1st December, 2016 as the 1st day of Rabiul-Awwal, 1438AH,” the statement reads.
The council therefore enjoined Muslim Ummah to continue to promote peaceful coexistence and unity among all the citizens of the country.
