Muslims May Begin Ramadan Thursday
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) under the leadership of its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alh. Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar has called on Muslims in the country to look for the sight of the moon on Wednesday for the possible commencement of 2019 Ramadan.
The NSCIA’s Deputy Secretary General, Prof. Salisu Shehu in a statement on Monday, while felicitating with the Muslims, prayed that Allah grant the Ummah the opportunity to maximise the benefits and blessings of the Holy Month.
He said following the advice of the National Moon Sighting Committee (NMSC), the President-General has enjoined the Nigerian Muslim Ummah to search for the crescent of Ramadan 1439 AH immediately after sunset on Wednesday, 16th May, 2018 equivalent to 29th Sha’aban 1439 AH.
He added that if the crescent was sighted by Muslims of impeccable character on the said evening, His Eminence would declare Thursday, 17th May, 2017 as the first day of Ramadan.
According to him, if the crescent was not sighted that day, then, Friday, 18th May, 2018 automatically becomes the first of Ramadan, 1439 AH.
‘’The month of Ramadan (is that) in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan i.e. present at his home), he must observe fasting that month…’’
The Council enjoined the Muslims all over the country to be on the lookout for the announcement of His Eminence, the President-General of NSCIA, on the commencement of the 1439 AH Ramadan fast.
