The Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar has urged Muslims across the country to look for the new moon of Ramadan Wednesday.

TheDeputy Secretary-General of the NSCIA, Prof. Salisu Shehuin a statement yesterday quoted the Sultan as felicitating with the Muslims on the occasion of this year’s Ramadan fasting andpray that Allah grants the Ummah the opportunity to maximize the benefits and blessings of the Holy Month.

Following the advice of the National Moon Sighting Committee (NMSC), the President-General enjoins the Nigerian Muslim Ummah to search for the crescent of Ramadan 1439 AH immediately after sunset on Wednesday 16th May, 2018 equivalent to 29th Sha’aban 1439 AH. If the crescent is sighted by Muslims of impeccable character on the said evening, His Eminence would declare Thursday, 17th May, 20187 as the first day of Ramadan.

“If, however, the crescent is not sighted that day, then, Friday, 18th May, 2018 automatically becomes the first of Ramadan, 1439 AH. The council hereby enjoins the Muslims all over the Country to be on the lookout for the announcement of His Eminence, the President-General of NSCIA, on the commencement of the 1439 AH Ramadan fast,” Shehu said.

He added that in addition to the established and traditional Islamic leaders in each locality, members of the NMSC can be contacted for information and clarification.

Text (excluding headline) sourced from Daily Trust