The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) yesterday urged Muslims and the moon sighting committees to look out for the new moon of Shawwal today.
The directive is contained in a statement in Abuja and signed by the Secretary-General of the Council, Dr AbdulLateef Adegbite.
It said that the directive was in line with the practice of the Prophet Muhammad as Ramadan will be 29 days Friday (today).
“Prophet Muhammad (SAW) instructed the Muslims, saying: “Do not fast unless you see the Crescent (of the month of Ramadan) and do not give up fasting till you see the Crescent (of the month of Shawwal).
“But if the sky is overcast, count thirty (30) days of Sha’aban or of Ramadan as the case may be,” the statement stated.
Adegbite said in accordance “with this Prophetic Tradition, Friday Aug. 17, being the 29th day of Ramadan 1433AH, members of the National and State Moon-Sighting Committees as well as other Nigerian Muslims should look for the new Crescent of Shawwal month’’.
The Secretary-General said where the authorities were satisfied that the new moon had been sighted in accordance with the prescribed procedure, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, should be informed at once.
He said the Sultan would then formally announce the termination of the Ramadan Fast and the observance of Eid-il-Fitr Prayer on Saturday.
“In the event of the moon not being sighted tonight, the fasting would continue on Saturday, while the Eid-il-Fitr prayer shall be observed on Sunday,” the statement explained.
The Council urged the media to help publicise the announcement made by the Sultan.
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We really thank Allah for preserving our life to witness this year's Ramadan. We pray that He guide and guard Nigeria to the promise land of peaceful co-existence, economic development and ultimately, improved living standard. For those who perpetuate violence in the name of religion, Allah is the utmost judge and shall apportion for them their worth in this world and in the hereafter. To all our Muslim brethren, happy Ed-I-Fitri in advance. Please take the discipline attitude imbibed during Ramadan beyond the fasting period.
ReplyDeleteEidu mubarak to all muslims.
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