Ramadan 1439AH: Sultan asks Muslims to search for new moon Wednesday night

Muslims all over Nigeria have been asked to be on the lookout for the crescent signifying the beginning of Ramadan on Wednesday 29^th Sha’ban 1439AH which is equivalent of 16^th May 2018.

This message was handed down by the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, in a statement signed by the Deputy Secretary-General of the Council, Prof. Salisu Shehu, copy of which was sent to The DEFENDER on Monday.

The statement read that, “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, 16^th May, 2018 equivalent to 29^th Sha’aban 1439 AH.

“If the crescent is sighted by Muslims of impeccable character on the said evening, His Eminence would declare Thursday, 17^th May, 2017 as the first day of Ramadan. If, however, the crescent is not sighted that day, then, Friday, 18^thMay, 2018 automatically becomes the first of Ramadan, 1439 AH.

“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 1439 AH Ramadan fast.

“In addition to the established and traditional Islamic leaders in each locality, members of the (NMSC) who can be contacted for information and clarification are as follows:

“We wish all Nigerian Muslims and their counterparts all over the world happy Ramadan in advance.  Allahuma Baligna Ramadan! Amin,” the statement said.