Sultan Declares Monday First Of Zulhijja

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The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has declared Monday, May 18, 2026, as the first day of Zulhijja 1447AH.

This was contained in a statement issued on Sunday night by the Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council Sokoto, Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu.

The announcement marks the beginning of the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar, a significant period when Muslims worldwide perform the annual Hajj pilgrimage and prepare for the Eid al-Adha celebrations.

The Sultanate Council urged Muslims in Nigeria and beyond to use the sacred month to pray, offer sacrifices, and perform acts of charity for peace, unity, and progress in the country.

In the statement, Junaidu called on the Muslim faithful to uphold the teachings of Islam and continue praying for national stability and harmony.

Naija News reports that the announcement followed Saudi Arabia’s declaration that Eid al-Adha would be celebrated on Wednesday, May 27, after the crescent moon of Dhul-Hijjah was sighted on Sunday evening.

Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court said Monday, May 18, would mark the beginning of Dhul-Hijjah.

According to the Saudi Press Agency, pilgrims performing the Hajj would observe the Day of Arafat on Tuesday, May 26, corresponding to Dhul-Hijjah 9, while Eid al-Adha would be celebrated the following day.

The Day of Arafat is regarded as the peak of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, during which millions of Muslims gather at Mount Arafat near Makkah for prayers and reflection.

Eid al-Adha, one of the most significant Islamic festivals, commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God before a ram was provided in his place, according to Islamic tradition.