The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has directed Muslims to look out for the new moon of Muharram from today.
The Sultan, who is also the president-general of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), gave the directive in a statement issued by the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs Sultanate Council, Sokoto.
He said, “This is to inform the Muslim Ummah that Monday, July 17, which is equivalent to 29th day of Dhul-Qadah 1444 AH (Islamic calendar) shall be the day to look for the new moon of Muharram 1445 AH.
“Muslims are, therefore, requested to start looking for the new moon of Muharram 1445 AH on Monday and report its sighting to the nearest district or village head for onward communication to the Sultan,” the statement read.
The Sultan prayed to Allah to help all Muslims in the discharge of their religious duties.
It would be recalled that Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar and identified as one of the four sacred months of the year.