The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, has declared Sept. 1 as the first day of Muharram 1441AH.

Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III
Abubakar made the declaration in a statement issued on Saturday in Sokoto by Prof. Sambo Junaidu, the Chairman, Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs to the Sultanate Council.

ALSO READ: RainStorm Destroys Bridge Linking Gombe, Adamawa Taraba States

Reports have it that the declaration of the moon will usher in the Islamic New Year.
Reports have it that the first month, Muharram, is one of the four sacred months mentioned in the Holy Quran.

The other months are the seventh month, Rajab, the 11th month, Dhu al-Qi’dah and the 12th month, Dhu al-Hijjah.

READ: Wadume: Presidential Investigation Panel Submits Report to Chief of Defence Staff.

“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 moon of Muharram 1441 AH.
“The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), has accepted the report and accordingly declared Sunday, Sept. 1, as the first day of Muharram 1441 AH.”

It was reported that the Sultan had, on Thursday, directed Muslim Ummah to look for the new moon of Muharram from Friday.