The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, (NSCIA), has enjoined the Muslims in Nigeria to look out for the crescent of Sha’aban 1445AH after sunset on Saturday, 29th Rajab, 1445AH (February 10, 2024) ahead of this year’s Ramadan fasting.
Giving the directive on behalf of the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, Prof Salisu Shehu, the Deputy Secretary-General of the (NSCIA), in a statement said scientifically, the expected time for the conjunction of the moon is on Friday, February 9, 2024, by 11:59pm.
He said it is important to note that the moon appears and can be sighted usually long (even bearing other environmental factors) after the conjunction has taken place.
NewsClick Nigeria reports that Sha’aban, being the eighth lunar calendar month, indicates that this year’s Ramadan (9th lunar month) is about a month away.