According to reports from PUNCH, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar, has declared that Sunday, July 7th, 2024, will mark the first day of Muharram and the beginning of the Islamic year 1446 after Hijrah.
The announcement was made by Sambo Junaidu, the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs at the Sultanate Council of Sokoto.
Junaidu explained that the new moon of Muharram was not sighted by any of the national or local moon sighting committees across Nigeria on Friday, July 5th, which was the 29th of Dhul'Hijja 1445 AH.
In his statement, the Sultan conveyed his well-wishes to all Nigerian Muslims on the occasion of the new Islamic year.
He urged the faithful to use this opportunity to pray for the peace, progress, and development of Nigeria as a nation.
The Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, with each new month beginning with the sighting of the new crescent moon.