The President-General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has urged Muslim faithful to look out for the new moon of Muharram 1445 After Hijrah, (AH) of the Islamic calendar on Monday, July 17, 2023, which is equivalent to the 29th of Dhul Hijja, 1444 AH.
A statement signed by Secretary of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council Sokoto, Yahaya Muhammad Boyi, said when the crescent moon is sighted, it should be reported to the nearest district or village heads for onward communication to the sultan of Sokoto.
“The sighting of the new moon of Muharram will Mark the end of the Islamic lunar calendar 1444, and the beginning of the New year 1445 After Hijrah”, the statement noted.
Al-Muharram, the first month in the Islamic calendar, is said to be crucial in the lives of the faithful, as they were instructed by the Prophet of Islam to observe voluntary fasting on the 9th and 10th days of the month known as Tashua and Ashurah.
One of the significances of the day is to celebrate the day that Prophet Mose was saved by God from the Pharaoh of Egypt, thereby crossing the Red Sea with His people.
