The Sultan of Sokoto and President General Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, has declared today, Sunday May 21 as the first day of Dhul-Qadah 1444AH.

This is contained in a statement signed by Prof Sambo Junaidu, Chairman, Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council of Sokoto.

“The Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, in conjunction with the National Moon Sighting Committee, did not receive any report confirming the sighting of the crescent of Dhul-Qadah 1444AH on Friday.

“The sultan has accepted the report and accordingly declared Sunday May 21 as the first day of Dhul-Qadah 1444AH,” Junaidu said.

Dhul-Qadah is the penultimate month in the Islamic calendar. It comes before the month of Dhul-Hijjah- the month where Muslims go to Saudi Arabia for pilgrimage. It is also the month where Muslims celebrate Eid-al-Adha festival.

Meanwhile, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria says it is ready for the 2023 Hajj as the inaugural flight of Nigerian pilgrims for this year’s Hajj exercise will depart the country for Saudi Arabia on 25 May.

The Chairman of the Commission, Zikrullah Hassan, said the commission has wrapped up plans for the advance team to depart for Saudi Arabia on Sunday to prepare for the Nigerian delegation.

“Every pilgrim will get value for money in terms of the money they paid for service.

“Insha Allah, we are fully prepared, all registered Nigerian pilgrims will be airlifted. Our plan still remains that our advance team proceed to the holy land on the 21 May, which is just in three days.

“An advanced team of Hajj officials will depart to the Holy land on Sunday to prepare for the reception of Nigeria’s pilgrims,” he said.