The Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has declared September 24 as Eid-el-Kabir across the country. The position of NSCIA slightly differs from that of the Jamaátu Nasril Islam, the umbrella body for Islamic organizations in Nigeria, which has earlier declared Wednesday, September 23 as Eid-el-Kabir.
The JNI had in a statement on Sunday by its Secretary General, Khalid Aliyu, said the month of Dhul Hajj begins today (Monday), meaning Eid-el-Kabir would be observed on Wednesday, September 23.
The JNI, like the NSCIA, is under the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto, Mohammed Saád Abubakar.
However, the Secretary General of the NSCIA, Ishaq Oloyede today said the announcement by the JNI was done in error.
“The NSCIA would issue a statement on the new month of Dhul hajj later today,”he said.
He also said the Moon-Sighting committee of the NSCIA already agreed with the decision of authorities in Saudi Arabia that the month of Dhul Hajj begins tomorrow (Tuesday).
“Consequently, Eid-el-Kabir would be observed on Thursday September 24, while Wednesday is Arafat day,” he said. [myad]
