Sultan declares May 18th as first day of Zulhijja 1447AH
The Sultan of Sokoto and President‑General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has declared Monday, May 18, 2026, as the first day of Zulhijja 1447 After Hijrah (AH). The declaration followed credible reports of the sighting of the crescent moon of Zulhijja in parts of Nigeria on Sunday evening. The announcement was contained in a statement issued by the Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs of the Sokoto Sultanate Council, Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu. The statement said the successful sighting of the new moon marks the commencement of Zulhijja, the 12th and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar and one of the holiest periods in Islam. With this declaration, Muslims in Nigeria and beyond will begin preparations for the sacred rites and celebrations associated with Zulhijja, […]