NIGERIA: Sultan directs Muslims to search for new moon of Ramadan
*Prays for peace of Nigeria, peaceful coexistence
By BASHIR ADEFAKA
The Sultan of Sokoto and President General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has directed adherents of Islamic faith across the country to search for new moon of Ramadan this year from Wednesday March 22, 2023 equivalent to Sha’ban 29, 1444 A.H.
The Sultan, under whose watch activities preparatory to the annual event of new moon sighting ahead of nationwide broadcast of same (if sighted Wednesday night) have commenced, gave the directive for search of the all-important crescent at a Ramadan Symposium organised by the Sultanate Council, Sokoto in the Seat of the Caliphate on Tuesday March 21 equivalent to Sha’ban 28.
The Sarkin Musulumi of Nigeria urged citizens of Africa’s most populous country to embrace peace and ensure peaceful coexistence after the general elections.
The DEFENDER reports that that Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar had in the buildup to the general elections assented to congregational recitation of the Holy Qur’an and prayers, led Sarkin Malami of Sokoto, Mallam Muhammad Yahaya Boyi, and Chief Imam of Sheikh Usman Dan Fodiyo Mosque, held inside the Mosalacin Shehu near Ubare, the tomb of the Shehu, for the peace and unity of Nigeria amidst the built up tensions at the time.
The symposium, on Tuesday, with the theme: “Ramadan the Month of Blessings”, was organised in collaboration with the Jama’atul Nasril Islam (JNI), Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Islamic Education Trust (IET).
At the event, the Amir-ul Mu’mineen said that Wednesday March 22, which is the 29th day of Sha’ban 1444 A.H. should be the day for Muslim to look out for the new moon of Ramadan 1444 A.H.
“Muslim Ummah should look out for the moon and report its sighting in order for us to inform the society to commence fasting,” Sultan Abubakar, who is also Co-President World’s Religions for Peace, said.
The Sultan further advised Nigerians to eschew differences and shun violent tendencies as the elections were over and God had chosen leaders for the country.
“We should embrace peace with our brothers and sisters, not to allow politics to destroy our relationships. Any politician, who feels aggrieved should seek redress in court.
“Politics and elections are all over and the blessed month of Ramadan is approaching, we should then seek forgiveness from one another.
”This is in order to be among the ones Allah will bless with multiple rewards in the sacred month,” Abubakar added.
The Sultan prayed for peace, unity and progress of Sokoto State and Nigeria at large.
