Sultan directs Nigerian Muslims to search for new moon of Shawwah 1440 Monday

By KEMI KASUMU

The President-General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has directed that Islamic faithful in the country search for the crescent of Shawwal 1440AH immediately after the sunset of Monday June 3, 2019 equivalent to Ramadan 29, 1440 AH

This was conveyed in a statement by the NSCIA referenced: ADM/SGHQ/007/232/2/6/19, dated 28^th Ramadan, 1440AH equivalent to 2ndJune, 2019 and signed by its Deputy Secretary-General Professor Salisu Shehu, and sent to The DEFENDER on Sunday.

If the crescent is sighted by Muslims of impeccable character on the said evening, His Eminence would declare Tuesday, June 4, 2019 as the first day of Shawwal and the day of ‘idul fitr, the statement said.

If, however, the crescent is not sighted night of Monday Ramadan 29 that is June 3 then, Wednesday, June 5, 2019 automatically becomes the first day of Shawwal, 1440 AH and the day of ‘idul fitr, it clarified.

The NSCIA, which felicitated with the entire Muslim Ummah in Nigeria and all over the world on this year’s Ramadan Fast, noted that the directive by the Sultan on new moon search, ending Ramadan 1440AH, was informed by the advice of the National Moon Sighting Committee (NMSC).

Backing up its effort in ensuring proper management of the Ramadan Fast and lunar months declaration for Muslims, the NSCIA cited Qur’an references.

“They ask you, [O Muhammad], about the new moons. Say, “They are measurements of time for the people and for Hajj.” (Al-Baqarah 2: 189)

“It is He who made the sun a shining light and the moon a derived light and determined for it phases – that you may know the number of years and account [of time].” (Yunus 10:5)

“And of His signs are the night and day and the sun and moon. Do not prostrate to the sun or to the moon, but prostate to Allah, who created them, if it should be Him that you worship.” (Fusilat 41:37)

The Council prayed that the Almighty Allah accept the spiritual exercise from the Muslim faithful as an act of Ibadah (worship).

In the meantime, phone and email contacts of National Moon Sighting Committee members to called have been provided as listed in table below.

“Muslims all over the country are hereby enjoined to be on the lookout for the directive of His Eminence, the President-General of NSCIA, on the termination of this year’s Ramadan fast.

“In addition to established and traditional Islamic leaders in each locality, members of the National Moon Sighting Committee who can be contacted for information and clarification” have been listed out in the table below.

“While reminding the Ummah of the necessity of paying Zakatul-Fitri with the intention of lifting the hearts of the indigent members of the community, the Council urges all to ensure its delivery to the appropriate recipients (i.e. the poor) and guard against its diversion by any agent or intermediary.

“All media houses in the country are requested to kindly publicise the awaited announcement by His Eminence, the President-General of NSCIA and Sultan of Sokoto. ‘IdMubarak in advance!,” the NSCIA said.

Table of contacts for information and clarifications: