The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has officially announced that Wednesday, July 19, 2023, marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year, MUHARRAM 1445H, corresponding to the 29th of Dhul hijja, 1444 AH. This declaration was made in a statement on Tuesday, signed by Yahaya Muhammad Boyi, the Secretary of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council Sokoto.
The decision to declare Wednesday as the first day of the Islamic New Year was based on the absence of credible reports confirming the sighting of the crescent in Nigeria. Previously, the Sultan had urged Muslims across the country to observe the sky for the new moon of Muharram 1445 AH on Monday, July 17, and report any sightings to local district or village heads, who would then relay the information to him.
Muharram is the initial month in the Islamic calendar and holds significance as one of the four sacred months mentioned in the Quran. During this month, warfare is prohibited in Islam, as believers believe that their devotion during this sacred time is rewarded by Allah.
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