By John Ikani
The Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has directed the Muslim Ummah to look out for the new moon of Muharram 1443 AH, on Sunday, Aug. 8.
Abubakar who doubles as President General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) issued the directive on Saturday, in a statement signed by Prof. Sambo Junaidu, Chairman, Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sokoto.
“This is to inform the Muslim Ummah that Sunday, August 8, which is equivalent to 29th day of Dhul-Hijja 1442AH shall be the day to look out for the new moon of Muharram 1443AH.
“Muslims are, therefore, requested to start looking out for the new moon on Sunday and report its sighting to the nearest District or Village Head for onward communication to the Sultan,’’ he said.
The Sultan prayed Allah to assist Muslims in the discharge of their religious duties.
The sighting of the new moon of Muharram will usher in the new year 1443 AH in Islam.
Muharram, the first month in the Islamic calendar, is one of the four sacred months mentioned in the Quran, along with the seventh month of Rajab, and the eleventh and twelfth months of Dhul-Qadah and Dhul-Hijjah, respectively, preceding Muharram.
