Sultan makes fresh announcement on Sallah celebration

The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has officially declared Wednesday, May 28, 2025, as the first day of Zulhijja 1446 AH, marking the beginning of the last month in the Islamic lunar calendar.

This announcement comes after the confirmed sighting of the new moon in various locations across Nigeria, in line with Islamic tradition. With the commencement of Zulhijja, Muslims in Nigeria will observe Eid al-Adha (Eid Kabir) on Friday, June 6, which is the 10th day of the sacred month.

Eid al-Adha is one of the most significant festivals in Islam, commemorating the unwavering faith and obedience of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to Almighty Allah. It is marked by special prayers and the symbolic sacrifice of animals, followed by acts of charity and community bonding.

In his statement, the Sultan, as the spiritual leader of Muslims in Nigeria, urged the faithful to dedicate the holy period to prayers for peace, unity, and national progress. He emphasized the importance of caring for the less privileged and fostering a spirit of generosity and compassion, particularly in the lead-up to the festival.

“This sacred period is not only for celebration but also for reflection, sacrifice, and helping others,” the Sultan said, calling on religious leaders and the broader Muslim community to promote peaceful coexistence and social harmony.

He further noted that the challenges facing Nigeria today require more than just policy interventions—they also demand divine guidance and the collective prayers of all citizens.

Zulhijja is also the month in which millions of Muslims globally embark on the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, one of the five pillars of Islam. For those not making the pilgrimage, the days leading up to Eid offer opportunities for fasting, spiritual reflection, and preparation for the Eid celebrations.