Abuja/Sokoto — The President of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and the Sultan of Sokoto, AlhajI Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar III, yesterday called on Muslims in the country to start looking for the crescent moon of Shawwal from today.
He made the call in a statement signed by the Chairman, Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs of the Sultanate Council, Professor Sambo Junaidu.
According to the statement, "Today 17th August 2012 is equivalent to 29th day of Ramadan, thereby making it the first day to start looking for the new moon.
Also in another statement yesterday by the council's Secretary General, Dr. Abdul Lateef Adegbite, titled "Termination of the Ramadan Fast of 1433 AH," he quoted Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as saying, "Do not fast unless you see the Crescent (of the month of Ramadan) and do not give up fasting till you see the Crescent (of the month of Shawwal). But if the sky is overcast, count 30 days of Sha'aban or of Ramadan as the case may be."
"Therefore, in accordance with this Prophetic Tradition, Friday August 17 (today), being the 29th day of Ramadan 1433AH, members of the national and state Moon-Sighting committees and other Nigerian Muslims should look for the new Crescent of Shawwal month."
He also enjoined Muslims to contact the Sultan of Sokoto on phone number :08036470422, Shehu of Borno (08037855555, 08023549558), Dr. Abdullateef Adegbite (08034020350), Emir of Gwandu, Kebbi (08036154369), Emir of Kano (064-631114, 633769), Olukare of Ikare, Ondo (08058014860), Etsu Nupe, Niger (08039668707), Dr. Khalid Abubakar (Sec-Gen., JNI) Kaduna (08034531742) and NSCIA Secretariat Abuja (08036231533 / 0803540120), among others.
"In the event of the moon not being sighted on Friday, August 17, the fasting would continue on Saturday while the Eid el-Fitr prayer shall be observed on Sunday, August 19. Radio and television stations throughout the Federation are kindly requested to cooperate fully and broadcast any announcement made by the Sultan to the Muslims," he said.
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