Islamic new year: Sultan announces date for 1st day of muharram 1446AH

Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, has declared Sunday, July 7 as the first day of Muharram 1446AH.

The monarch made the declaration in a statement issued on Friday night in Sokoto by Sambo Junaidu, the Chairman, Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs to the Sultanate Council.

Thediscovererng.com reports that the declaration of the moon will usher in the Islamic New Year.

According to report 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.

“The Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs in conjunction with the National Moon Sighting Committee did not receive any report from various Moon Sighting Committees across the Country confirming the sighting of the New Moon of Muharram 1446 AH, on Friday, 5th July, 2024 which was the 29th day of Zulhijja 1445 AH. Therefore, Saturday, 6th July, 2024 will be 30th Zulhijja1445 AH.

“His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar CFR, mni, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has accepted the report and accordingly declared Sunday 7th July, 2024 as the first day of Muharram 1446 AH.

“His Eminence, the Sultan felicitates with the Nigerian Muslim Ummah and wishes them Allah’s guidance and blessings. The Sultan while urging the Muslim Ummah to continue to pray for peace, progress and development of the Country, he wishes all Muslims a happy New Year.”