RAMADAN: Sultan asks Muslims to look for new moon on Monday

The Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) , Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has asked 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.

The call was contained in a statement released on Sunday by Arc. Zubairu Haruna Usman-Ugwu, Director of Administration of the NSCIA.

“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, ” the statement added.

According to the director, “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”… (Q. AlBaqarah 2:185)

“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, CFR, mni, 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 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 C0vid-19 pandemic and the various extant and palpable security
challenges.

“Also, 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. Consequent upon the advice of the National Moon Sighting Committee (NMSC), the President-General enjoins 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.

“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. At the same time, His Eminence also directs the Muslim Ummah to practice social distancing when looking out for the crescent. 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 Council hereby enjoins 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 1442 AH Ramadan fast. The
announcement will be made on Monday evening.

“In addition to the established and traditional Islamic leaders in each locality, the following members of the National Moon Sighting Committee (NMSC) can be contacted to report credible and positive sighting of the Crescent of Ramadan.”

Names to contact upon sighting of the moon Monday:

S/N NAME PHONE NO. E-MAIL
1 Sheikh Dahir Bauchi 08036121311 Sayyadibashir26@yahoo.com
2 Sheikh Karibullah
Kabara
08035537382 malamkabara@yahoo.com
3 Mal. Simwal Usman
Jibrin
08033140010 simwaljibril@yahoo.com
4 Sheikh Salihu Yaaqub 07032558231 Salihumy11@hotmail.com.com
5 Mal. Jafar Abubakar 08020878075 Jaafaraa1434@gmail.com
6 Alh. Abdullahi Umar 08037020607 waziringwandu@yahoo.com
7 Prof. J.M. Kaura 08067050641 Jmkaura56@yahoo.com
8 Dr. Bashir Aliyu Umar 08036509363 Baumar277@gmail.com9 Muhammad Rabiu
Salahudeen
08035740333 muhammadrabiusalahudeen@gmail.c
om
10 Sheikh Abdur Rasheed
Mayaleke
08035050804 jentleasad@yahoo.com
11 Dr. Ganiy I. Agbaje 08028327463
08057752980
Ganiy.agbaje@nasrda.gov.ng
gagbaje@yahoo.co.uk
12 Gafar M. Kuforiji 08033545208 kuforijiabdulwasiu@gmail.com
13 Prof. Usman El-Nafaty 08062870892 elnafaty@gmail.com
14 Mal. Ibrahim Zubairu Salihu
08038522693 zubairusalisu@yahoo.com
15 Dr. Usman Hayatu Dukku
0805 7041968 udukku@yahoo.com
16 Imam Manu Muhammad
08036999841 limaminmisau@gmail.com
17 Qadee Ahamad Bobboy
08035914285 adamawaemiratecouncil@yahoo.com
18 Prof. Z. I. Oboh Oseni 08033574431 oseni@unilorin.edu.ng
wazzioseni@gmail.com
19 Nurudeen Asunogie D. 08033533012 hamdallah1999@yahoo.com