Ramadan moon sighted in Saudi Arabia, fasting begins Saturday, as Nigerians await announcement from Sultan of Sokoto
The Ramadan 1443AH crescent has been sighted in Saudi Arabia, marking the official commencement of the holy month on Saturday, April 2, according to an official announcement from the Kingdom.
Therefore, today, April 1, is the last day of the month of Sha’ban and the holy month will begin tomorrow, Saturday, April 2.
Confirming the development, the Crescent Department of the Supreme Court said via the handle @haramain Sharifain, “Tomorrow, Saturday, the first of the blessed month of Ramadan for the year 1443 AH.”
BREAKING NEWS: The Crescent of #Ramadan 1443/ 2022 was SEEN in multiple Locations in Saudi Arabia, subsequently 1st Ramadan 1443 will be on Saturday, 2nd April 2022. pic.twitter.com/lqczGC59rF
— Haramain Sharifain (@hsharifain) April 1, 2022
Reports have it that the cresent was seen in several locations in the kingdom.
The news of moon sighting in Saudi Arabia excited many Nigerian Muslims who are already anxiously waiting for a possible positive announcement from their spiritual head, His Eminence, Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Sa’ad III later tonight.
Muslim News findings revealed that Alhaji Abubakar Sa’ad, who is equally the President of Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, had earlier today called on Muslims across the country to look out for this year’s Ramadan moon after sunset today.
The Director of Administration of the council, Zubairu Haruna Usman-Ugwu, said this in a statement in Abuja.
“Consequent upon the advice of the National Moon Sighting Committee (NMSC), the President-General enjoins the Nigerian Muslim Ummah to search for the crescent of Ramadan 1443 AH immediately after sunset on Friday, April 1st, which is equivalent to 29th Sha’aban 1443 AH.
FELICITATION AND MOONSIGHTING FOR RAMADAN 1443 A.H.
The month of Ramadan (is that) in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). pic.twitter.com/UfcrjZT54z
— National Moonsighting Committee Nigeria (@moonsightingng) March 31, 2022
If the crescent is sighted by Muslims of impeccable character on the said evening, then His Eminence would declare Saturday, 2nd April as the first day of Ramadan 1443 AH.
As Islamic days run from sunset to sunset, Ramadan is technically starting tonight. But the first full day, with fasting, prayers and the two meals of suhoor and iftar, will be tomorrow, Saturday, April 2.
The council prays that Allah spares the lives of every Muslim to participate in the ibaadah (worship) exercise and to maximize the benefits therein.
It also urged Muslims to contact the established and traditional Islamic leaders in each locality, and also some members of the National Moon Sighting Committee (NMSC) to report a credible and positive sighting of the Crescent of Ramadan 1443 AH.
The council added that one of the special devotional activities in the month of Ramadan is Tafsir, which is meant to enlighten humanity, particularly Muslims, on the treasures and blessings of the Quranic messages.
The council enjoins all Muslims to be more prayerful unto Allah, especially in this month of (Ramadan), to help the country, the world in general and leaders in particular to overcome the current challenges confronting them.
“Furthermore, the council urges Muslims and non-Muslims alike to be vigilant and take extra security and health measures to protect ourselves, loved ones and neighbours.
“Fasting brothers and sisters should ensure they have enough rest and consume sufficient fluid after each day’s fast,” the statement read.
He listed established and traditional Islamic leaders in each locality, members of the NMSC who can be contacted for information and clarification to include Sheikh Dahir Bauchi (08036121311), Sheikh Karibullah Kabara (08035537382), Mallam Simwal Usman Jibrin (08033140010), Sheikh Salihu Yaaqub (07032558231), Mal. Jafar Abubakar (08020878075), Alhaji Abdullahi Umar (08037020607), Prof. J.M. Kaura (08067050641), Dr. Bashir Aliyu Umar (08036509363), and Sheikh Abdur Rasheed Mayaleke (08035050804).
Others are Dr. Ganiy I. Agbaje (08028327463), Gafar M. Kuforiji (08033545208), Prof. Usman El-Nafaty, (08062870892), Mallam Ibrahim Zubairu Salihu (08038522693), Prof. Z. I. Oboh Oseni (08033574431), Nurudeen Asunogie (08033533012), Sheikh Bala Lau (08037008805), Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir (08065687545), Sheikh AbdurRahman Ahmad (08023141752), Sheikh Sulaiman Gumi (08033139153), Alhaji Yusuf Nwoha (08030966956), Prof. Kamil K. Oloso (08023098661), and Malam Yahaya Boyi (08030413634), among others.
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