Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), declared Friday, June 7, as the first day of Dhul Hijjah 1445. Thursday, June 6, is the last day of Dhul Qa’adah.

Eid-ul-Adha and Day of Arafah

Eid-ul-Adha will be on Sunday, June 16 (Dhul Hijjah 10). The Day of Arafah, the holiest day in Islam, will fall on Saturday, June 15 (Dhul Hijjah 9).

Official Announcement

Abubakar made the announcement through a statement by Prof. Sambo Janaidu, Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs of the Sultanate Council, Sokoto.

Sultan’s Statement

He said, “Assalaamu alaikum. His Eminence the Sultan of Sokoto has declared Friday, June 7, as the first day of Dhul Hijjah 1445. An official statement will be released shortly by Sarkin Malamai Sokoto.”

Eid-ul-Adha Observance

Eid-ul-Adha, or the Feast of Sacrifice, involves special prayers and the slaughtering of livestock, such as goats, sheep, cows, or camels. This commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s test of faith and his willingness to sacrifice his son at Allah’s command. Allah then provided a ram for Ibrahim to sacrifice instead.