- The Sultan of Sokoto declared June 7, 2024, as the first day of Dhu al-Hijjah 1445 AH, marking Eidul Adha on June 16
- Approximately three million Muslims are expected to perform Hajj in 2024, starting with Dhu al-Hijjah on June 7
The Sultan of Sokoto and President of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, has declared Friday, June 7, 2024, as the first day of Dhu al-Hijjah 1445 AH. This announcement was made in a statement on Thursday night by the National Moon Sighting Committee, signed by its secretary, Malam Yahaya Muhammad Boyi.
“The Sultan of Sokoto has declared Friday, June 7, 2024, as the first day of Zul-Hijjah 1445 AH,” stated Malam Boyi. Consequently, Sunday, June 16, 2024, will be celebrated as Eidul Adha 1445 AH.
Earlier, the Sultan had instructed Muslims to observe the new moon of Dhu al-Hijjah 1445 AH after sunset on Thursday, as per a statement by Prof. Salisu Shehu, the deputy secretary-general of the council.
This declaration aligns with the Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia’s earlier announcement on Thursday, which confirmed that Friday, June 7, would be the first day of Dhu al-Hijjah following the sighting of the new crescent in the Kingdom on Thursday night. According to the Saudi Arabia Supreme Court, Arafat Day will be observed on Saturday, June 15, and Sunday, June 16 will mark the first day of Eid Al Adha.
The start of Dhu al-Hijjah on June 7 also signals the beginning of the Hajj pilgrimage season, with approximately three million Muslim faithful expected to perform Hajj in 2024.