By BASHIR ADEFAKA
The Sultan of Sokoto and President General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has declared that the new moon of Shawwal 1442 AH was not sighted anywhere in the country Tuesday night and, as such, that Muslims are to fast the 30th day of Ramadan and celebrate Sallah on Thursday May 13.
*The Majilizah coordinating moonsighting reports from across states of Nigeria, led by Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, in collaboration with the National Moon Sighting Committee (NMSC), inside the Sultan’s Palace, Sokoto, on Tuesday 11th May 2021.
According to a statement issued and signed by Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, the Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman, Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, copy of which was handed to The DEFENDER in Sokoto Tuesday night, the Sultan had approved the report of no-moon sighting submitted to him by his advisory committee, in conjunction with the National Moon Sighting Committee (NMSC) and the various other committees across the country.
“His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has accepted the report and accordingly declared Thursday 13th May 2021, as the first day of Shawwal 1442AH (Day of Idul-Fitri).
“His Eminence the Sultan felicitates with the Nigerian Muslim Ummah and wishes them Allah’s guidance and blessings,” Prof. Junaidu said.
The Sultan whole urging the Muslim Ummah to continue to pray for peace, progress and development of the country, he also wishes Al Muslims a happy Eid-ul-Fitri.
The Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), in a statement issued and signed by its Deputy Secretary General, Prof. Salisu Shehu, also corroborated the Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu’s statement.
It said by the authority of its President General and the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the Ramadan fasting days had to complete 30, while celebration hold on Thursday 13th May.
