The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has confirmed the sighting of the new crescent which marks the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan.
The announcement was made by the President-General of the NSCIA, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, during a broadcast on Wednesday night.
According to the Sultan of Sokoto, the reports of moonsighting from Islamic scholars and organizations across the country were duly authenticated and verified by the states and national moonsighting committees.
As a result, the first day of Ramadan 1444 after Hijra will be observed on Thursday, March 23.
“We, therefore, call on all Muslims to commence fasting accordingly. As we just concluded the 2023 general elections and leaders emerge at the national and state levels by Allah’s will, we, therefore, call on all Muslims to use this holy month to pray in guiding the affairs of our great country,” said Sultan Abubakar.
“Consequently, tomorrow Thursday the 23rd day of March 2023 becomes the first day of Ramadan 1444 after Hijra,” Sultan said.
He urged all Muslims in the country to commence fasting accordingly, adding that the holy month of Ramadan presents an opportunity for Muslims to pray for the guidance of the country’s leaders.
“As we just concluded the 2023 general elections and leaders emerge at the national and state levels by Allah’s will, we, therefore, call on all Muslims to use this holy month to pray in guiding the affairs of our great country,” Sultan said.
Furthermore, he appealed to well-meaning individuals to provide assistance to vulnerable and poor people with food during the holy month of Ramadan, to ease the hardship people are going through.
“May Allah reward us for our ibadah with Jannatul Firdaus, Ameen,” the Sultan concluded.
This announcement comes as a relief to Muslims in Nigeria, who have been eagerly anticipating the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan. It is expected that the faithful will take advantage of the opportunity to seek Allah’s blessings, forgiveness, and guidance in their daily lives.
