The Sultan of Sokoto and the President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, have enjoined Muslim faithful across the country to look out for the new moon of Shawwal, signifying the end of Ramadan, immediately after sunset today (Monday).
This is even as the NSCIA reminded the faithful to promptly give out Zakatul Fitr, which it stated was a compulsory food levy imposed on privileged Muslims to be given to the less privileged in society.
A release signed by the Secretary-General of the Council, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, made available to Newsmen in Abuja, stated that, according to scientific calculations, the expected time for the Shawwal moon conjunction in Nigeria was Monday, April 8, at 07:21 p.m.
Oloyede further stated that as Islamic tradition stipulated, Muslims were enjoined to search for the crescent of Shawwal on the 29th of Ramadan.
He added that if Muslims sight the crescent in accordance with the moon sighting and verification standards, then the Sultan would declare Tuesday, April 9, as the 1st of Shawwal and the day of Eid ul Fitr.
The NSCIA, however, stated that if the moon was not sighted tomorrow, then Wednesday, April 10, would become the day of Eid ul Fitr.
Consequent upon the advice of the National Moon-Sighting Committee (NMSC), the President-General enjoins the Nigerian Muslim Ummah to search for the crescent of Shawwal 1445 A.H. immediately after sunset on Monday, 29th Ramadan 1445 A.H. which is equivalent to 8th April 2024.
‘It must be noted that, according to scientific calculations, the expected time for the Shawwal moon conjunction in Nigeria is Monday, 8th April 2024, at 07:21 p.m.
“That notwithstanding, as Islamic tradition stipulates, Muslims are enjoined to search for the crescent of Shawwal on the 29th of Ramadan.
“If Muslims sight the crescent in accordance with the moon sighting and verification standards, then His Eminence would declare Tuesday, 9th April 2024, as the 1st of Shawwal and the day of ‘Idul Fitr.
“However, if the crescent is not sighted that day, then Wednesday, 10th April 2024, automatically becomes the day of ‘Idul Fitr,” Oloyede stated.
While felicitating with the Nigerian Muslim Ummah and their counterparts worldwide, the NSCIA appealed to Muslims to ensure that they not only comply with giving their Zakatul Fitr but also do so in good time.
According to the Council, the stipulated practice is to give out the prescribed measurement to beneficiaries in the last two days of Ramadan but before the ‘Id prayer.
“The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), under the leadership of His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alh. Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, felicitates the Nigerian Muslim ‘Ummah and the entire Muslim world on the auspicious occasion of the 1445 A.H. ‘Idul Fitr.
“We beseech Allah to grant everyone the opportunity to witness many more of it in good health and divine guidance.
In the spirit of Ramadan, Muslims are reminded that Zakatul Fitr is a compulsory food levy imposed on privileged Muslims, to be given to the less privileged in society.
“The Council, therefore, appeals to all concerned to ensure that they not only comply but also do so in good time. The stipulated practice is to give out the prescribed measurement to beneficiaries in the last two days of Ramadan but before the ‘Id prayer,” the release stated.
Meanwhile, the NSCIA encourages all Muslims to pray fervently to the Almighty Allah, especially during the concluding part of Ramadan, for peace, security, and development in Nigeria.
“While wishing us all happy ‘Idul Fitr, the Council enjoins Muslims all over the country to look out for the announcement to be made by His Eminence, the President-General of NSCIA, on the night of Monday, 8th of April 2024.
