Islamic New Year: Watch Out For New Moon –  Sultan Urges Muslims

The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has advised Muslim faithful to be on the watch out for the crescent (moon) on Sunday.

Naijanews report that the Sultan gave the order in a statement issued on Saturday by Prof. Sambo Junaidu, Chairman, Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council.

“This is to inform the Muslim Ummah that Sunday, August 8, which is equivalent to 29th day of Dhul-Hijja 1442AH shall be the day to look out for the new moon of  Muharram  1443AH.

“Muslims are, therefore, requested to start looking out for the new moon on Sunday and report its sighting to the nearest District or Village Head for onward communication to the Sultan,’’ he said.

The sighting of the new moon of Muharram will usher in the new year 1443 AH in Islam.

The Sultan prayed Allah to assist Muslims in the discharge of their religious duties; stressing that in the month of Muharram, warfare is forbidden in Islam.

He added that devotion in the sacred months attracted a lot of reward from Almighty God.