The Sultan of Sokoto and President General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, Saad Abubakar III, on Friday night announced the sighting of Ramadan crescent in many parts of the country, marking the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan in Nigeria and many parts of the world on Saturday.
The Sultan of Sokoto, who is the spiritual leader of Nigerian Muslims, said the crescent was sighted in Sokoto, Wurno, Yobe, Zamfara, Katsina, Plateau, Kaduna, Kano, among other places.
“After due verification and authentication by the national moon sighting committee and states committees’ confirmation, as well as routine scrutiny, I hereby announce the sighting of the new moon of Ramadan signifies the end of Sha’aban 1443 AH.
”In accordance with Islamic law, Muslim Ummah are to commence fasting on Saturday accordingly,” he said.
The Sultan enjoined Muslim faithful to devote themselves fully to the worship of Allah throughout the holy month, urging them to use the period to pray for the progress, peace and prosperity of the nation.
He called for sustained prayers for leaders to enable them lead the country to prosperity, while appealing to the leaders to always fear Allah in their collective responsibilities.
“We further call on Nigerians to continue to live peacefully with one another irrespective of religious and tribal difference,” he added.
The monarch further urged wealthy individuals to assist the poor and stressed the need for increased religious tolerance and brotherhood in Nigeria.
The Ramadan crescent was earlier sighted in Saudi Arabia, according to an official announcement from the Kingdom’s Supreme Court.
Muslims follow a lunar calendar consisting of 12 months in a year of 354 or 355 days. Sighting a crescent moon heralds the start of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.
The first night of Taraweeh prayers will commence in Haramain after ‘Isha.
