The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, has declared Tuesday, June 16, as the first day of Muharram 1448 AH in Nigeria.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar and marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year.
The declaration was contained in a statement issued on Monday in Sokoto by Prof. Sambo Junaidu, Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs of the Sultanate Council.
Meanwhile, the Sokoto State Government has declared Tuesday, corresponding to 1st Muharram 1448 AH, a public holiday to enable Muslims in the state to celebrate the commencement of the new Islamic year.
The announcement was made in a statement by Abubakar Bawa, Director-General of Media and Publicity to Governor Ahmed Aliyu.
Governor Aliyu called on residents to use the occasion for prayers for lasting peace and an end to insecurity affecting parts of Sokoto State and the country.
He described insecurity as a major challenge hindering national development and stressed the need for collective efforts to tackle the menace.
According to him, both the federal and state governments are supporting security agencies in the fight against banditry and other criminal activities, noting that citizens also have a role to play.
“We need to understand that securing our country is a collective responsibility in which every patriotic citizen must play a role,” he said.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting security agencies to curb banditry and other forms of crime across the state.
He urged Muslims to use the Islamic New Year for sober reflection, self-assessment, repentance, and renewed commitment to righteous living, saying Allah is Most Forgiving and Most Merciful.
Aliyu also assured residents of continued support for Islamic propagation and religious activities, while wishing Muslims in Sokoto State and across Nigeria a peaceful and prosperous new Islamic year.
