Nigerian Muslims have been charged to fully carry out all acts associated with the Eid-el-Fitr, which they are expected to celebrate today (August 7) after only 28 days of fasting as against the traditional 29 or 30 days of fasting in the holy month of Ramadan.

The Jama’atul Nasril Islam (JNI) in a statement issued yesterday in Kaduna and signed by its Secretary General, Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, sent out important reminders to Muslims following indications that they might follow their counterparts in Saudi Arabia to celebrate the Eid-el-Fitr today.

This year’s Ramadan fasting has generated some inconsistences resulting from states like Kebbi, Sokoto defying the Sultan’s directives to commence fasting a day later based on the non-sighting of the moon.

The JNI statement, a copy of which is in the possession of News Express, reads: “Taking into cognizance, that by the will of Allah, the Most High, Ramadan Fast shall be coming to an end tomorrow Wednesday, 7th August, 2013 or next tomorrow Thursday, 8th August, 2013, to mark Eid-el-Fitr, in-sha-Allah.

“Consequently, Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) under the leadership of His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto and the President-General, uses this medium to, once again thank Allah, the Most High for sparing our lives to have observed the act of worshiping Him, through fasting, Alhamdulillah. Indeed this is a pointer to us all to reflect on our actions and inactions, to which we shall all be held accountable!

“Once more, Nigerian Muslims are hereby called upon to always cast back their minds to the good virtues of the month of Ramadan and keep to its teachings all through. Above all, Muslims are reminded to keep to the ordinances of the Glorious Qur’an, for the dignity of the Ummah and humanity. As only in the ever-relevant messages contained in the sublime pages of the Qur’an lies the salvation of Muslims especially in the times we are in. And given the significance of Ramadan, they should sustain and increase the spirit beyond the month of Ramadan.

“More importantly, Muslims are also reminded of Zakatul-Fitr (Ordained Alms Giving at the end of Ramadan Fast, out of the common food eaten within Muslim Communities) which preferably should be given out to the needy two days before the Eid-el-Fitr day or before the commencement of the Eid prayer. This if done will assist the down trodden to celebrate the Sallah with the Muslim Ummah (community).

“We therefore urge Muslim brothers and sisters to continue praying fervently for the peaceful existence of Nigeria, and also pray against all manners of conspiracies and other destructive plots fashioned against the Muslims and Islamic values.

“JNI wishes all Muslim faithful an accepted Ramadan Fast and successful Eid-el-Fitr. In the same vein, Muslims are urged not to forget Sittah-Shawwal, i.e. the six-days fasting recommended by the Prophet (SAW), which follows after the Ramadan.

“We also like to remind all traveling for Sallah celebration to drive with caution, as this is rainy season to which motorists are prone to accidents, may Allah, the Most High continue His protection on us all, amin.”

•Photo shows JNI President-General, Sultan Abubakar.

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