Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), under the leadership of its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has urged Muslims across the country to look out for this year’s Ramadan after sunset on Wednesday.

Director of Administration of the council, Zubairu Haruna Usman-Ugwu, said this in a statement in Abuja.

“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 Ramadan 1444 A.H. immediately after sunset on Wednesday, 29th Sha’aban, 1444 A.H. which is equivalent to 22nd March, 2022.

“If the crescent is sighted by Muslims of impeccable character on the said evening, then His Eminence shall declare Thursday, 23rd March, 2023 as the first day of Ramadan 1444 A.H.

“If, however, the crescent is not sighted that day, then, Friday, 24th March, 2023 shall automatically become the first day of Ramadan,” Usman-Ugwu said.

He also urged Muslim to in addition to the established and traditional Islamic leaders in each locality, also reach out to members of the National Moon-Sighting Committee (NMSC) to report any credible and positive sighting of the crescent of Ramadan 1444 AH.

The council enjoins all Muslims to be more prayerful unto Allah, especially in the month of Ramadan; that He should grant the nation peace, stability, unity and progress in Nigeria.

He said, “Furthermore, council urges Muslim politicians to display the spirit of brotherhood and solidarity both of which represent some of the core lessons of Ramadan.

“Let those who emerged victorious in the just concluded elections remember that it is the Almighty Allah Who grants power to whom He wishes.

“Also, those who lost should accept same with faith and resist any act that may cause disaffection and disunity within the Ummah.

“Council also appeals to endowed Muslims in the country to extend their acts of charity to the less privileged within their neighbourhoods before, during and after the month of Ramadan. We also admonish traders not to hoard food products or unduly hike the prices of consumer goods during the period of fasting,” he added.

Daily Trust