Failure to sight the new moon of Muharram 1442 AH as envisaged on Wednesday, has now made Thursday, August 20, 2020, the 30th Zulhijia 1441 AH.

Consequently, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has declared today (Friday) the first day of Muharram 1442 AH.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Chairman, Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Prof. Sambo Junaidu.

This, however, is contrary to Osun and Kano states’ declaration of Thursday as public holiday to commemorate the New Year.

The statement read in part, “The Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, in conjunction with the National Moon Sighting Committee, did not receive any report from various moon sighting committees across the country confirming the sighting of the new moon of Muharram 1442 AH, on Wednesday, August 19, 2020, which was the 29th day of Zulhijia 1441 AH. Therefore, Thursday, August, 20, 2020, will be the 30th Zulhijia 1441 AH.”