The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has directed Muslims in the country to watch out for the moon after sundown tomorrow to commence this year’s Ramadan fast.
The Sultan has advised all Muslims to pray for the country and maximize the benefits and blessings of the holy month.
A statement signed by Prof. Salisu Shehu, Deputy Secretary-General of the Muslim apex body, said: If the moon (crescent) is spotted by Muslims of unimpeachable character on the said evening, the Sultan would declare Thursday, May 17, as the first day of fasting in the month of Ramadan.
If there is no sighting on Thursday, Friday, May 18, 2018, automatically becomes the first of the month of Ramadan, 1439 AH.
Fasting in the month of Ramadan is one of the pillars of Islam and is binding upon every Muslim as it is set down in the Holy Quran (Al-Baqarah 2:183-185).
Photo Credit: whenisthenewmoon.com