President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Saad Abubakar II, has declared Sunday, July 11, as the first day of the month of Dhul-hijja 1442.
The declaration was made in a statement by the Chairman, Sultanate Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Waziri Junaid.
The Sultan congratulates all Muslims for witnessing the beginning of the last month of Hijra, which signifies the countdown to the Arafat day on July 19 and Eid-El Kabir celebration 10th Dhul-hijja which coincides with 20th July 2021.
The 2021 Arafat would not be witnessed by over 2 million Muslims as a result of the Hajj restrictions due to the Corvid19 virus. Only 60,000 residents of Saudi Arabia would be allowed to perform this year’s Hajj.
However, Muslims across the world would attend Eid congregations while observing Covid-19 rules and performing the symbolic slaughtering of rams on Sallah day.
Meanwhile, the Crescent Moon Sighting Department in Saudi Arabia has also issued a directive to Muslims across the world that standing at Arafat shall be on Monday, the 9th day of the month of Dhu al-Hijjah for this Year 1442 AH, which is equivalent to July 19, 2021 and the blessed Eid al-Alkabir shall be on the following day, Tuesday.
The Committee said the moon was not sighted on Friday evening, adding that Saturday will complete the 30 days of the Hijri month of Dhu al-Hijjah.
The Muslim holiday commemorates the day Prophet Ibrahim was willing to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God’s command. It is celebrated one day after the end of the Hajj exercise.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
