The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), which is led by Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto and NSCIA’s President-General, has instructed Muslims all over the nation to keep an eye out for the Ramadan moon on March 22 after sunset.
Director of Administration for the council, Arc. If Muslims see the crescent on the specified evening, according to Zubairu Haruna Usman-Ugwu, the Sultan will proclaim Thursday, March 23, 2023, as the first day of Ramadan 1444 A. H.
The declaration said:-.
“In response to the National Moon-Sighting Committee’s (NMSC) recommendation, the President-General urges the Nigerian Muslim Ummah to look for the Ramadan 1444 A crescent. H. On Wednesday, 29 Sha’aban 1444 A, just after sunset. H. which is the same as March 22, 2022.
“If Muslims of impeccable character see the crescent on the specified evening, His Eminence shall proclaim Thursday, March 23, 2023, as the first day of Ramadan 1444 A. H.
The first day of Ramadan in 2023 will automatically be Friday, March 24, 2023, if the crescent is not seen that day.
“In addition, the council calls on Muslim leaders to exhibit the brotherhood and unity that are among the most important lessons of Ramadan.
“Let those who won the recently held elections keep in mind that the All-Powerful Allah bestows power on whomever He pleases.
“Those who lost should accept their loss with faith and refrain from doing anything that could stoke discord and division within the Ummah.
The council also exhorts wealthy Muslims in the nation to continue their charitable deeds toward underprivileged people in their neighborhoods before, during, and after the month of Ramadan. Additionally, we caution business owners against stockpiling food items or unnecessarily raising the cost of consumer goods during the fast. “.