Eid-ul-Adha: Sultan directs Muslims to look out for Dhul-Hijjah crescent

Ahead of the celebration of Eid-al-Adha, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) under the leadership of its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alh. Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, has enjoined the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria to look out for the crescent of Dhul-Hijjah 1445AH after sunset on Thursday, 29th Dhul-Qa’dah 1445AH (i.e., 6th June 2024).

This was revealed in a statement made available to AfriReporters signed by Prof. Salisu Shehu, Deputy Secretary General of the NSCIA.

The statement said, “Scientifically, the expected time for the conjunction of the moon is on Thursday, 6th June 2024 by 1:38 p.m. Nigerian time.

It added, “It is important to note that the moon appears and can be sighted usually long (even bearing other environmental factors) after the conjunction has taken place.”

There are two key Eid (Celebration Festivals) in Islam: Eid-ul-Fitr, which signifies the completion of the Holy Month of Ramadan; and Eid-al-Adha, the greater Eid, which follows the completion of the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

Eid al-Adha, according to Wikipedia, honours the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God’s command.

Muslims sacrifice a sheep, goat, cow or camel to celebrate the day. The meat is shared between family, friends and the poor.