Look out for new moon of Ramadan Friday, Sultan directs Muslims
By BASHIR ADEFAKA
The Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has asked Muslims in the country to look out for the new moon of Ramadan on Friday April 1, 2022 that is equivalent to Sha’ban 29, 1443 A.H.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Director of Administration, NSCIA, Arc. Zubairu Haruna Usman-Ugwu, copy of which was sent to The DEFENDER on Thursday.
This online newspaper reports that traditionally every Islamic lunar month is counted 29 days except the haze does not make visibility of the sighting of new crescent possible, which implies specifically in the case of Ramadan and Shawwal that the month of Sha’ban will be counted to 30 to then start Ramadan thereafter or month of Ramadan is counted 30 to then celebrate Eid-ul-Fitur thereafter.
According to the Islamic Council’s statement, “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 1443 AH immediately after sunset on Friday, April 1st, 2022, which is equivalent to 29th Sha’aban 1443 AH.
“If the crescent is sighted by Muslims of impeccable character on the said evening, then His Eminence would declare Saturday, 2nd April 2022 as the first day of Ramadan 1443 AH. If, however, the crescent is not sighted that day, then, Sunday, 3rd April 2022, automatically becomes the first of Ramadan, 1443 AH.
“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 a credible and positive sighting of the Crescent of Ramadan 1443 AH”.
The statement also stated that one of the special devotional activities in the month of Ramadan is Tafsir – which is meant to enlighten humanity, particularly Muslims, on the treasures and blessings of the Qur’anic messages.
It further stated that the Tafsir sessions therefore should be devoted to preaching inter and intra–religious harmony, peaceful co-existence, promotion of good citizenship, neighbourliness and governance.
“In the same vein, the Council enjoins all Muslims to be more prayerful unto Allah, especially in this Month, (Ramadan), to help our Nation, the world in general and our leaders in particular to overcome the current challenges confronting the nation and the world.
“Furthermore, Council urges Muslims and non-Muslims alike to be vigilant and take extra security and health measures to protect ourselves, loved ones and neighbours. Fasting brothers and sisters should ensure they have enough rest and consume sufficient fluid after each day’s fast.
“Council also appeals to endowed Muslims in the country to extend acts of charity to the less privileged within their neighbourhoods before, during and after the month of Ramadan.
“The Council also admonishes traders to neither hoard food products, nor unduly hike the prices of consumer goods unnecessarily during the period of the fast.
“The Council hereby enjoins the Muslims all over the Country to be on the lookout for the announcement on the night of Friday 1st of April 2022 by His Eminence, the President-General of NSCIA, on the commencement of the 1443 AH Ramadan fast”, the statement added.
