Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III yesterday directed the Muslim Ummah to look out for the Moon of Ramadan 1442AH from today.
Abubakar, who is the president-general, Nigerian Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), urged Muslims to be prayerful unto Allah, especially in the month of Ramadan, to help the country and the world overcome COVID-19 pandemic and various security challenges.
He gave the directive in a statement issued by the Director Administration, NSCIA, Zubairu Usman-Ugwu.
“The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) felicitates with the entire Muslim Ummah on the auspicious occasion of the forthcoming Ramadan, 1442 A.H.
“The council prays that Allah spares our lives to see this and many more Ramadans on the surface of the earth and give us the ability to carry out good deeds as much as possible because of the multiplicity of its virtues and the blessings of Allah in the month. In the same vein, the council enjoins all Muslims to be prayerful unto Allah, especially in this month, (Ramadan), to help our nation and the world in general and our leaders in particular to be able to overcome the current COVID-19 pandemic and the various extant and palpable security challenges.
“Also, the council wishes to advise Muslims in the country that as they await the announcement for the commencement of the Ramadan fast, we should be vigilant and take extra security and health-measures to protect ourselves, loved ones and neighbours.
“This is to inform the Muslim Ummah that Monday, April 12, which is equivalent to the 29th day of Sha’aban 1442AH shall be the day to look for the new moon of Ramadan 1442AH.
“Muslim are, therefore, requested to start looking for the crescent moon on Monday and report its sighting to the nearest District or Village Head for onward communication to the Sultan,’’ the statement reads.
The Sultan prayed to Allah to assist Muslims in the discharge of their religious duty.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar observed by Muslims worldwide as a month for fasting, prayer, reflection and assisting the needy.