The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has officially declared Monday, May 18, 2026, as the first day of Zulhijja 1447AH.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Sunday night by the Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council Sokoto, Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu.
The declaration signals the commencement of the twelfth and final month of the Islamic calendar, a sacred period during which millions of Muslims around the world perform the annual Hajj pilgrimage and prepare for the celebration of Eid al-Adha.
The Sultanate Council urged Muslims in Nigeria and across the world to use the holy month for prayers, sacrifice, acts of charity and reflection, while also seeking peace, unity and progress for the country.
According to the statement, Muslims were encouraged to remain committed to the teachings of Islam and continue offering prayers for national stability, harmony and development.
The announcement in Nigeria came shortly after Saudi Arabia confirmed that Eid al-Adha would be celebrated on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, following the sighting of the crescent moon of Dhul Hijjah on Sunday evening.
Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court also declared Monday, May 18, as the first day of Dhul Hijjah.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, pilgrims participating in the 2026 Hajj exercise will observe the Day of Arafat on Tuesday, May 26, corresponding to the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah, while Eid al-Adha celebrations will hold the following day.
The Day of Arafat is widely regarded as the peak of the Hajj pilgrimage, during which millions of Muslims gather at Mount Arafat near Makkah for prayers, repentance and spiritual reflection.
Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God before a ram was provided in his place according to Islamic tradition.
