By Ayo Alonge
The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, has announced Monday, September 12, as Eid-el-Kabir Day, 1437 AH. This followed the declaration of Saturday, September 3, as the 1st of Zulhijja, 1437 AH.
In a statement signed yesterday by Chairman of Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council of Sokoto, Sambo Junaidu, the Sultan affirmed earlier reports from various moon sighting committees.
“The committee, in conjunction with the National Moon Sighting Committee, had received reports from various Moon Sighting Committees across the country. The reports confirmed the sighting of the New Moon of Zulhijja,1437 AH, on Friday, Sept. 2, 2016, which was the 29th day of Zulka’ada, 1437 AH.
“The Sultan and President, Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), accepted the reports and, accordingly, declared Saturday, September 3 as the first day of Zulhijja, 1437 AH.
“Therefore, Monday, September 12, which will be equivalent to 10th Zulhijja will be marked as this year’s Eid el-Kabir,” the statement reads.
While felicitating with the Nigerian Muslim community and wishing them Allah’s guidance, as well as blessings, the Sultan also urged the Muslims to continue to pray for peace, progress and development of the country.