The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) Sa’ad Abubakar III, has declared Thursday, May 13, as the first day of Shawwal 1442AH.

Mr Abubakar made the declaration in a statement on Tuesday signed by the chairman of the advisory committee on religious affairs sultanate council, Sokoto, Sambo Junaidu.

“The sultanate council advisory committee on religious affairs in conjunction with the national moon sighting committee did not receive any report from various moon sighting committees across the country.

“This confirms the sighting of the new moon of Shawwal 1442AH on Tuesday, May 11, 2021, which is the 29th day of Ramadan 1442AH.

“Therefore, Wednesday, May 12, 2021, is the 30th day of the month of Ramadan 1442AH.

“The Sultan has accepted the report and accordingly declared Thursday, May 13, 2021, as the first day of Shawwal 1442AH, Day of Eid-el-Fitr,” he said.

The Sultan felicitated the Nigerian Muslim Ummah and wished them Allah’s guidance and blessings.

He urged the Muslim Ummah to continue to pray for peace, progress and development of the country and wished all Nigerians happy Eid-el-Fitr.

The Shawwal is the tenth month of the Islamic calendar which comes after the fasting month of Ramadan.

Sighting of the new moon signified the first day of Shawwal in which Muslim Ummah celebrate Sallah and end the compulsory fasting of Ramadan.

(NAN)