Ramadan: Sultan of Sokoto Directs Muslims to Look Out for Ramadan Crescent

On Tuesday, the 21st of March, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, directed the Muslim Ummah to be on the lookout for the crescent of Ramadan 1444 AH, starting from Wednesday, March 22. This directive was given during a Ramadan Symposium organized by the Sultanate Council in Sokoto.

The symposium, which had the theme “Ramadan the Month of Blessings”, was organized in collaboration with the Jama’atul Nasril Islam (JNI), Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), and the Islamic Education Trust (IET). During the event, the Sultan urged Nigerians to embrace peace and ensure peaceful coexistence following the general elections.

He stated that Wednesday, March 22, which marked the 29th day of Sha’aban 1444 AH, should be the day for Muslims to look out for the new moon of Ramadan 1444 AH. He further urged the Muslim Ummah to report its sighting in order to inform society to commence fasting.

The sultan also advised Nigerians to eschew their differences and shun violent tendencies as the elections were over and God had chosen leaders for the country. He urged the people to embrace peace with their brothers and sisters and not allow politics to destroy their relationships. Any politician who feels aggrieved, he said, should seek redress in court.

The sultan also reminded the audience that politics and elections were all over and the blessed month of Ramadan was approaching. He therefore implored Muslims to seek forgiveness from one another in order to be among those that Allah will bless with multiple rewards in the sacred month.

Finally, the sultan prayed for peace, unity, and progress of Sokoto State and Nigeria as a whole. With this directive, Muslims in Nigeria are now expected to commence fasting for the holy month of Ramadan, a period of self-reflection, increased devotion, and spiritual growth.