The Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar has urged Muslims across the country to look for the new moon of Ramadan Wednesday.
The Deputy Secretary-General of the NSCIA, Prof Salisu Shehu in a statement quoted the Sultan as felicitating with Muslims on the occasion of this year’s Ramadan fasting and prayed that Allah grant the Ummah the opportunity to maximize the benefits and blessings of the Holy Month.
“Following the advice of the National Moon Sighting Committee (NMSC), the President-General enjoins 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.
“If the crescent is sighted by Muslims of impeccable character on the said evening, His Eminence would declare Thursday, 17th May, 20187 as the first day of Ramadan.
“If, however, the crescent is not sighted that day, then, Friday, 18th May, 2018 automatically becomes the first of Ramadan, 1439 AH.
”The council hereby enjoins 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,” Shehu said.
He added that in addition to the established and traditional Islamic leaders in each locality, members of the NMSC could be contacted for information and clarification.
He listed some member of the committee that could be contacted to include, Mallam Hafiz Wali Chairman 08036009090, Shaykh Tahir Bauchi 08032103733, 08033058201 Bauchi, Shaykh Kariballah Kabara 08035537382, Muhammad Nasir AbdulMuhyi 08065687545, 08024333381, Shaykh Habeebullahi Adam Abdullahi Al-Ilory 08023126335, Alhaji Abdul Hamid Oyebode 08037063923, Prof. Z I Oboh Oseni 08033574431Auchi and Shaykh AbdurRahman Ahmad 08023141752.
Others are Malam Simwal Usman Jibrin 08033140010, Alhaji Yusuf Nwoha 08030966956, Sheikh Bala Lau 08037008805, Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir 08065687545 and Sheikh Adam Idoko 08036759892.