According to the Nigerian News Agency (NAN), the statement marks the start of the Islamic New Year 1443AH, which begins on Tuesday.
Prof. Sambo Junaidu, Chairman, Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sokoto, made the announcement in a statement released on Sunday.
“The Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs in Conjunction with the National Moon Sighting Committee did not receive any report confirming the sighting of the crescent of Muharram 1443AH on Sunday Aug. 8.
“This was equivalent to 29th day of Dhul-Hijjah 1442AH. Therefore, Monday, August 9, 2021, will be the 30th day of Dhul-Hijjah 1442AH.
“The Sultan accepted the report and accordingly declared Tuesday, August 10, as the first day of Muharram, 1443 AH,” he said.
Abubakar III congratulated Nigeria’s Muslim Ummah on the New Year and offered them Allah’s guidance and blessings, while asking Nigerians to continue praying for the country’s peace, growth, and development.
Muharram, the Islamic calendar’s first month, is one of the four sacred months mentioned in the Holy Qur’an, along with Rajab, the seventh month, and the eleventh and twelfth months.
In Islam, combat is prohibited throughout the month of Muharram, and Muslims believe that dedication during these holy months attracts a lot of favor from Almighty Allah.
Meanwhile, Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal has declared Tuesday a public holiday in honor of the Islamic New Year 1443AH.
He urged the Muslim Ummah throughout the country to pray for peace, peaceful harmony, and the country’s progress.
Other states that have designated Aug. 10 as a public holiday to commemorate this year’s Islamic New Year include Oyo, Kebbi, Jigawa, Katsina, and Osun.