By BASHIR ADEFAKA
The Sultan of Sokoto and President General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar has announced the sighting of new moon of Ramadan 1444 A.H.
He made the announcement night of Wednesday March 22, 2022 equivalent to Yaom Al-Arba Sha’ban 29, 1444 A.H.
The Sultan said Thursday March 23 is Ramadan 1, with the sighted new moon having been duly verified and confirmed by the National Moon Sighting Committee (NMSC) and “I therefore call on the Muslim Ummah to commence fasting of Ramadan tomorrow Thursday March 23, 2023 equivalent to Ramadan 1, 1444 A.H.).
The DEFENDER reports that the crescent of Ramadan was sighted in many parts of the country mainly Kaduna, Bauchi, Taraba, Yobe, Kwara, Lagos, Osun, others and the Sultan, having verified all the claims, have approved the report.
While making his broadcastingin Council Chamber of the Sultan’s Palace in Sokoto on Wednesday, the Sarkin Musulumi of Nigeria urged well-to-do Muslims to help the needy especially at this period that such is much more required in the country.
He urged Muslims, while observing their fasting, to remember to pray for Nigeria and the leaders of the country, while also urging prayers for peace, unity and peaceful co-existence among the people of various backgrounds in the country.
“Today Wednesday, the 29th day of Shaaban 1444 AH, which is equivalent to 22nd of March 2023 marks the end of the month of Sha’ban.
“After receiving reports of moon sighting from Muslim leaders and organisations across the length and breadth of our great country, which were duly authenticated and verified by the state and National Moon Sighting Committees, consequently tomorrow Thursday 23rd day of March 2023 becomes the first day of Ramadan 1444 AH.
“We therefore called on all Muslims to commence fasting accordingly.
“As we just concluded the 2023 general elections, and leaders emerged at national and state levels by Allah’s will. We therefore called on all Muslims to use this Holy Month for extra prayers for their successes in steering the affairs of our great country,” he said.
