SULTAN DECLARES START OF ISLAMIC NEW YEAR

SULTAN DECLARES START OF ISLAMIC NEW YEAR

The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has declared Tuesday, June 16, 2026, as the first day of Muharram 1448AH, marking the commencement of the Islamic New Year.

The declaration was contained in a statement issued by the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council Sokoto, Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu.

According to the statement, the announcement followed the sighting and confirmation of the new moon of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic calendar.

The Sultan congratulated Muslims across Nigeria and beyond on the occasion of the new Islamic year and urged them to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country.

He also called on the faithful to continue to uphold the values of piety, tolerance and mutual understanding as they begin the new Hijrah year.