By MUHAMMAD NASIR

Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), has declared Wednesday, Feb. 18, as the first day of Ramadan 1447 AH in Nigeria.

Abubakar announced the sighting of the new crescent of Ramadan 1447 AH in a statement issued by Alhaji Sambo Junaidu, the Chairman Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sokoto on Tuesday.

He said: “The Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs in conjunction with the National Moonsighting Committee received reports from various Moonsighting Committees across the country confirming the sighting of the new moon of Ramadan 1447AH, on Tuesday.

“The Sultan has accepted the reports and accordingly declared Wednesday, Feb. 18, as the first day of Ramadan 1447AH.”

Abubakar urged Muslims to dedicate themselves fully to acts of worship and devotion during the holy month.

He encouraged Nigerians to use the Ramadan period to pray for the progress, peace and prosperity of the country, adding that prayer for the nation’s leaders too was equally important to national growth.

The Sultan emphasised the importance of peaceful coexistence among Muslims and called on wealthy individuals to support the needy and less privileged, making it easier for them to observe the fast.

He prayed for God’s guidance and wisdom for the country’s leaders as they navigate the affairs of the nation.

The Sultan felicitated with the Nigeria Muslim Ummah and wished them Allah’s guidance and blessings.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a period of fasting, communal prayer, reflection and charity.

Fasting during Ramadan, which lasts for 29 or 30 days, is one of the five pillars of Islam and a compulsory religious obligation for all adult Muslims. (NAN)

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