Ramadan: NSCIA Urges Muslims To Search For New Moon Sunday
By Abimbola Abdullah
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), under the leadership of its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, Alh. Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has enjoined the Muslims to search for the crescent of Ramadan 1445 AH immediately after sunset on Sunday, 10th March 2024 which is equivalent to 29th Sha’aban 1445 AH.
Sultan, in a statement signed by the Deputy Secretary-General, NSCIA, Prof. Salisu Shehu, felicitates the entire Muslim Ummah on the auspicious occasion of the forthcoming 1445 AH Ramadan Fast.
He prays that Allah spare the lives of every Muslim to participate in the ibaadah exercise and to maximize the benefits therein.
Consequent upon the advice of the National Moon Sighting Committee (NMSC), Sultan said: “If the crescent is sighted by Muslims of impeccable character on the said evening, then His Eminence would declare Monday, 11th March 2024 as the first day of Ramadan 1445 AH. If, however, the crescent is not sighted that day, then, Tuesday, 12th March 2024, automatically becomes the first of Ramadan, 1445 AH.
“In addition to the established and traditional Islamic leaders in each locality, the following members of the National Moon Sighting Committee (NMSC) can be contacted to report credible and positive sighting of the Crescent of Ramadan 1445 AH” he stated.
In the face of the current economic hardship, Sultan appealed to endowed Muslims in the country to extend acts of charity to the less privileged within their neighbourhoods before, during and after the month of Ramadan.
He also admonishes traders to neither hoard food products, nor unduly hike the prices of consumer goods during the period of the fast.
“We urge the Muslims to take advantage of the holy month of Ramadan to pray that Allah grant the Palestinians His divine support and liberate them from their oppressors,” he stated.
