Essential Ndubuisi
The Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, has directed Muslims across Nigeria to look out for the crescent moon of Shawwal 1444 AH from Wednesday, April 20. The announcement signifies the end of one month compulsory fasting by Muslims across the country.
According to a statement signed by Prof. Sambo Junaidu, the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sokoto, Muslims are expected to report the sighting of the moon to the nearest District or Village Head for onward communication to the Sultan.
The sighting of the new moon will mark the beginning of the 10th month in the Islamic calendar, Shawwal, in which Muslims across the world celebrate the Eid-el-Fitr.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has declared Friday, April 21 and Monday, April 24, as public holidays to mark this year’s Eid-el-Fitr celebration. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr Shuaib Belgore, urged Muslims to imbibe the virtues of kindness, love, tolerance, self-denial, and sacrifice, as exemplified by the Holy Prophet Muhammad.
