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 felicitated with the entire Muslim Ummah on the auspicious occasion of the forthcoming Ramadan.
In a statement signed by its Director of Administration, Zubairu Haruna, Usman-Ugwu, on Sunday April 11, 2021, NSCIA urged the, Muslims to begin searching for the Moon from Monday April 12, 2021.
“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),” the statement reads.
“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 statement quotes Qur’an 2:185.
The Council therefore enjoined all Muslims to seek Allah’s assistance for Nigeria and its leaders to overcome the current Covid-19 pandemic and the security challenges.
The statement adds, “Consequent upon the advice of the National Moon Sighting Committee (NMSC), the President-General urges the Nigerian Muslim Ummah to search for the crescent of Ramadan 1442 AH immediately after sunset on Monday, April 12, 2021, which is equivalent to 29th Sha’aban 1442 AH.”
According to the statement, if the crescent is sighted by Muslims of impeccable character on the said evening, then His Eminence would declare Tuesday, April 13, 2021 as the first day of Ramadan 1442 AH.
“If, however, the Crescent is not sighted that day, then, Wednesday, April 14, 2021, automatically becomes the first of Ramadan, 1442 AH,” it says.
His Eminence also appealed to the Muslim Ummah to adhere strictly to social distancing.
“All Covid-19 protocols should be observed. I’tikaf should still be put on hold while strict observance of all Covid-19 protocols including avoiding lengthy or crowded sessions should be observed,” the statement reads.
