Muslims May Begin Ramadan Fast Saturday
There are indications that Muslim faithful in Nigeria will begin observance of the holy month of Ramadan fast on Saturday.
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) in a statement issued by its Director of Administration Ustaz Isa Christian Okonkwo, said the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), under the leadership of its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alh. Muhammad Sa’adAbubakar, has enjoined the Nigerian Muslim Ummah to search for the crescent of Ramadan 1438 AH on the night of Friday, 26th May, 2017.
The council said, “If the crescent is actually sighted by Muslims of impeccable characters on the said night and communicated to the appropriate quarters, His Eminence would declare Saturday, 27th May, 2017 as the first day of Ramadan. If, however, the crescent is not sighted on that day, then, Sunday, 28th May, 2017 automatically becomes the first of Ramadan, 1438 AH.
“The Council hereby enjoins the Muslims all over the Country to be on the lookout for the directive of His Eminence, the President-General of NSCIA, on the commencement of the 1438 AH Ramadan fast.”
In addition to the established and traditional Islamic leaders in each locality, names of members of the National Moon Sighting Committee (NMSC) who can be contacted for information and clarification have been made available to Muslim.
“As we wish all Nigerian Muslims happy Ramadan in advance, we enjoin each and every Muslim to use the spirit of Ramadan to seek the face of God towards our national development,”. It said.
The council also urged all Muslims to seize the opportunity of Ramadan to pray to Allah to grant President, MuhammaduBuhari a speedy recovery and the wherewithal to pilot the affairs of Nigeria to greatness.