The Ramadan fasting will begin on Thursday, the Sultan of Sokoto and President of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has said.
He explained in a broadcast tonight that the new moon for Ramadan was sighted in many parts of the country and that he received reports of the moon sighting from Muslim leaders and organisations across the country.
The sultan said: “After due verification and authentication by the national moon sighting committee and states committees’ confirmation, as well as routine scrutiny, I hereby announce the sighting of the new moon of Ramadan signifies the end of Sha’aban 1444 A.H.
”In accordance with Islamic law, Muslim ummah is to commence fasting on Thurday accordingly.”
Abubakar enjoined the Muslim faithful to devote themselves fully to the worship of Allah throughout the holy month, urging them to use the period to pray for the progress, peace and prosperity of the nation.
He called for sustained prayers for the new-elected leaders to enable them to lead the country to prosperity.
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has sent a goodwill message to the Muslim faithful over the Ramadan fasting, asking them to use the 30-day period of the fasting “to project the best and finest virtues of Islam by personal conduct, and not precept.”
He said: “Let us use this opportunity to put the best teachings of Islam into practice, such as kindness and the love of humanity.
“This is an occasion for deep reflection and greater fear of Allah and avoidance of all evils that harm humanity.
“Ramadan is characterised by abstention from food and drinks from dawn to dusk, which brings both the rich and poor to share the experience of hunger together, thereby strengthening the bonds between haves and have-nots.”
The president added: “As we begin these 30 days fasting season, let us not forget that Ramadan is not only about abstention from eating and drinking, but it is a reminder to refrain from all kinds of evil and transgressions that harm humanity.
“I am particularly aware of the activities of traders who artificially increase the prices of their goods, including food at the beginning of every month of Ramadan. This kind of exploitation is against the spirit of the Ramadan and the spirit of Islam.”
Buhari also said: “While we are observing this important occasion in the spiritual life of Muslims, let us share food and drinks with the less fortunate, because by sharing our blessings with others, Allah will multiply our rewards for good deeds.”
