Sokoto, Oyo, Kebbi, Jigawa, Katsina, and Osun have declared Tuesday a public holiday to mark Muslims’ new year, following the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has declared August 10 as the first day of Muharram 1443AH.

The declaration marks the Islamic New Year 1443AH, commencing on Tuesday.

Mr Abubakar announced this in a statement issued on Sunday by Sambo Junaidu, Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sokoto.

“The Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs in conjunction with the National Moon Sighting Committee did not receive any report confirming the sighting of the crescent of Muharram 1443AH on Sunday, August 8,” said the statement. “This was equivalent to 29th day of Dhul-Hijjah 1442AH. Therefore, Monday, August 9, 2021, will be the 30th day of Dhul-Hijjah 1442AH.”

The further stated that the sultan accepted the report and declared Tuesday as the first day of Muharram, 1443 AH.

Mr Abubakar felicitated Nigerian Muslims on the new year celebration while urging Nigerians to continue praying for peace, progress, and development.

Muharram, the first month in the Islamic calendar, is considered of four sacred months in the Qur’an, along with the seventh month of Rajab, the 11th and 12th months of Dhul-Qadah, as well as Dhul-Hijjah, respectively, preceding Muharram.

Meanwhile, Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto has declared Tuesday a public holiday commemorating the Islamic New Year, 1443AH.

Mr Tambuwal, in a statement issued by his media aide Muhammad Bello, said the declaration followed the sultan’s announcement.

Oyo, Kebbi, Jigawa, Katsina, and Osun have declared August 10 a public holiday to mark the Islamic new year.

(NAN)