Sultan Urges Muslims To Watch Out For Moon As Ramadan Ends

THE Sultan of Sokoto and President- General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, felicitates with the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria and the world on the successful completion of Ramadan 1438 A.H. fast.

He urged the Muslim faithful to search for the moon today, saying anyone who is privileged to sight the crescent of Shawwal 1438 A.H. immediately after sunset today, equivalent to 29th Ramadan 1438 A.H. should immediately report to the appropriate quarters.

The sultan quoted Prophet Mohammed that guides the termination of Ramadan fast: “Whenever you sight the new moon ( of the month of Ramadan) observe fast, and when you sight it (the new moon of Shawwal) break it, and if the sky is cloudy for you, then observe fast for 30 days.

A statement signed by NSCIA Director of Administration, Ustaz Christian Isa Okonkwo reads: “Following the advice of the National Moon Sighting Committee (NMSC) of the NSCIA, the President-general enjoins the Nigerian Muslim Ummah to search for the crescent of Shawwal 1438 A.H. immediately after sunset on Saturday, 24th June, 2017 equivalent to 29th Ramadan 1438 A.H. and report to the appropriate quarters.

“Where the authorities are satisfied that the crescent has been duly sighted, the Sultan would announce the termination of Ramadan fast and the observance of ‘Eid el Fitr prayer the following day.

“If, however, the crescent of Shawwal is not sighted on the night of Saturday, 24th June, 2017, the Ramadan fast will therefore complete 30 days on Sunday, 25th June, 2017. “Thus, Monday, 26th June, 2017 automatically becomes the first of Shawwal, 1438 A.H. and the day of ‘Eid el Fitr.”