The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has extended heartfelt felicitations to the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria as the sacred month of Dhul-Hijjah 1446AH begins.
In a statement released by the Secretary-General of Jama’atu Nasril Islam, Professor Khalid Aliyu, on Wednesday in Kaduna, the Sultan described the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah as the most revered and spiritually rewarding in the Islamic calendar.
“These days are the greatest and most beloved to Allah. It is a period that invites us to renew our connection with the Creator through worship, sacrifice, and righteous deeds,” the Sultan said.
The official sighting of the moon signifying the start of Dhul-Hijjah was declared on Wednesday, and Muslims across Nigeria will mark the Eid-el-Adha celebration on Friday, June 6, 2025, In-shaa-Allah.
Amid economic hardship and rising insecurity across the country, the Sultan called on Muslims not to lose hope but to turn towards Allah with greater sincerity and resilience.
“Our circumstances must not diminish our faith. Trust in Allah must be our anchor. The Nigerian situation should not derail us from our duties as believers,” he said.
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The Sultan emphasized the significance of engaging in acts of worship during the blessed days, recommending increased remembrance of Allah, recitation of the Qur’an, acts of charity, reconciliation, and visiting the sick. He also urged believers to maintain ties with family and extend goodwill to the needy.
“Performing good deeds during these ten days holds more weight with Allah than doing so at any other time of the year,” Abubakar noted.
He also advised Muslims intending to offer sacrificial animals to observe the Sunnah by refraining from cutting their hair or nails until after the Eid prayers and slaughter.
“It is recommended that those offering sacrifices should not eat on Eid morning until after the prayer and the slaughter, and then eat from their own sacrifice,” he added.
Extending his goodwill to pilgrims currently performing the Hajj in Saudi Arabia, the Sultan prayed for their safety and a successful completion of the rites.
“We pray for a peaceful Eid celebration and for Allah to accept our sacrifices and grant the Ummah strength, unity, and guidance,” Abubakar said.
NAN
