. Moon sighted in Ajah Lagos, Kubwa Abuja, Kaduna and several parts of the North
The new moon of Ramadan has been sighted in Ajah, Lagos, and many parts of Nigeria, signifying the beginning of Muslim fasting across the country.
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), under the leadership of its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, Alh. Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar has earlier enjoined the Nigerian Muslim Ummah to search for the crescent of Ramadan 1444 A.H. immediately after sunset on Wednesday, 29th Sha’aban, 1444 A.H. which is equivalent to 22nd March 2022.
Sultan, in a statement to Platforms Africa, confirmed that the new moon has been sighted, asking Muslims to begin fasting on Thursday.
He has earlier said; “If the crescent is sighted by Muslims of impeccable character on the said evening, then His Eminence shall declare Thursday, 23rd March, 2023 as the first day of Ramadan 1444 A.H. If, however, the crescent is not sighted that day, then Friday, 24th March, 2023 shall automatically become the first day of Ramadan”.
Rasheed Adekunle and Ibrahim Abdullah, who reside in Lagos, confirmed that the crescent has been sighted in Lagos.
“I sighted crescent with my naked eyes after Mogrib Ajah just now,” Ibrahim said.
His view was corroborated by Abdul Semiu Akinyemi, a resident of Abuja.
Sultan has earlier urged “anyone with credible and positive sighting of the crescent of Ramadan 1444 AH to contact the National Moon-Sighting Committee (NMSC).”
Sultan enjoined all Muslims to be more prayerful unto Allah, especially in the month of Ramadan; that He should grant us peace, stability, unity, and progress in Nigeria.
He urged Muslim politicians to display the spirit of brotherhood and solidarity, both of which represent some of the core lessons of Ramadan.
“Let those who emerged victorious in the just concluded elections remember that it is the Almighty Allah Who grants power to whom He wishes.
“Also, those who lost should accept same with faith and resist any act that may cause disaffection and disunity within the Ummah,” he said.
Council also appeals to endowed Muslims in the country to extend their acts of charity to the less privileged within their neighbourhoods before, during, and after the month of Ramadan.
“We also admonish traders not to hoard food products or unduly hike the prices of consumer goods during the period of fasting,” he said.
The NSCIA enjoined Muslims all over the country to be on the lookout, on the night of Wednesday, 22nd of March 2023, for the announcement by His Eminence, the President-General of NSCIA, of the commencement of the year 1444 A.H. Ramadan fast.