Date: 2016-09-04

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa'ad Abubakar III, has announced Monday, Sept. 12 as the Eid-El-Kabir Day, 1437 AH. This followed the declaration of Saturday, Sept.3 as the 1st of Zulhijja, 1437 AH.

This is contained in a statement signed by Prof. Sambo Junaidu, Chairman, Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council of Sokoto . "The committee in conjunction with the National Moon Sighting Committee had received reports from various Moon sighting committees across the country."

The reports confirmed the sighting of the New Moon of Zulhijja,1437 AH, on Friday, Sept. 2, 2016, which was the 29th day of Zulka'ada, 1437 AH. "The Sultan and President, Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), accepted the reports and accordingly declared Saturday, Sept. 3, as the first day of Zulhijja, 1437 AH.

"Therefore, Monday, Sept.12, which will be equivalent to 10th Zulhijja, and will be marked as this year's Eid el-Kabir, it added. The statement further quoted the Sultan as felicitating with the Nigerian Muslim Ummah and wished them Allah's guidance, as well as blessings.

The Sultan also urged the Muslim Ummah to continue to pray for peace, progress and development of the country. He also wished all Muslims happy Eid el-Kabir, and prayed Allah (SWT) to accept our religious deeds.