The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) under the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Abubakar Saa’d III has called on the Nigerian Muslims to search for the new crescent of Shawwal immediately after sunset of today, Monday, June 3, 2019, equivalent to Ramadan 29, 1440 AH.
In a statement signed by the NSCIA Deputy Secretary-General, Salisu Shehu, a professor, Alhaji Abubakar also released the contact telephone and email addresses of 30 top Muslim leaders across the country that should be contacted by anyone who sights the new crescent.
“Following the advice of the National Moon Sighting Committee (NMSC), the President-General enjoins the Nigerian Muslim Ummah to search for the crescent of Shawwal 1440 AH immediately after sunset on Monday, June 3, 2019 equivalent to Ramadan 29, 1440 AH.
If the crescent is sighted by Muslims of impeccable character on the said evening, His Eminence would declare Tuesday, June 4, 2019 as the first day of Shawwal and the day of ‘eid-el fitr,” the statement said.
“If, however, the crescent is not sighted that day, then, Wednesday, June 5, 2019 automatically becomes the first day of Shawwal, 1440 AH and the day of ‘eid el fitr.
“Muslims all over the country are hereby enjoined to be on the lookout for the directive of His Eminence, the President-General of NSCIA, on the termination of this year’s Ramadan fast”, he added.
