*Prays for Buhari’s safe return
By Kemi Kasumu, General Editor
Sunday June 25 equivalent of Shawwal 1 is Sallah, Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has said.
Declaring the new moonsighting Saturday night at his Palace in Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar said the new moon was sighted in parts of the country including Borno, Yobe, Kaduna, Sokoto and Adamawa states.
The Sultan said he received information regarding the new moon of Shawwal from Emir of Zaria, Shehu of Borno, Lamido Adamawa and others adding that the information had been meticulously verified and authenticated by the National Moonsighting Committee.
“Consequently upon this, tomorrow Sunday, the 25th day of June 2017 becomes the first day of Shawwal 1438AH and is therefore declared the Sallah day for 2917 Eid-el-Fitri,” he said.
The Sultan congratulated the Muslims for successful completion of the monthlong fasting period and urged them to keep alive the lessons if Ramadan even after fasting is over.
He seized the occasion to pray for President Muhammadu Buhari andwished him safe return to the country soonest.