Sultan of Sokoto declares June 16 as Ileya day for Muslims

The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has also declared Sunday, June 16, as the first day of Eid Al Adha after a new crescent was sighted on Thursday.

The Sultan of Sokoto, who is also the president of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, has annouced Friday, June 7, 2024, as the first day of Dhul al-Hijjah 1445 AH of the Islamic Calendar.

This was noted in as statement released on Thursday, by the National Moon Sighting Committee, signed by its secretary, Malam Yahaya Muhammad Boyi.

“The Sultan of Sokoto has declared Friday, June 7, 2024, as the first day of Zul-Hijjah 1445 AH,” the statement said.

As reported by pulse news, the first day of Eid Al Adha 1445 AH (ileya day) will fall on Sunday, 16th of June, 2024.

According to a statement by the deputy secretary-general of the council, Prof. Salisu Shehu, the Sultan instructed Muslims to observe the sky for the new moon which would depict the beginning of Dhul al-Hijjah 1445 AH after sunset on Thursday.

It was also gathered that a new crescent was sighted on Thursday night by the Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia, hence, indicating Friday, June 7, the first day of Dhul al-Hijjah.

“Arafat Day falls on Saturday, June 15, while Sunday, June 16 will be the first day of Eid Al Adha,” the Saudi Arabia Supreme Court noted in a statement.

This development also signals the beginning of this year’s Hajj prilgrimage season for Muslims all across the world.