Sultan of Sokoto Urges Muslims to Search for New Moon on Tuesday
Sultan of Sokoto Urges Muslims to Search for New Moon on Tuesday
The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has urged Muslims across Nigeria to look out for the new crescent moon on Tuesday as part of preparations for the commencement of the holy month of Ramadan.
In a statement issued by the NSCIA, the Sultan called on Muslim faithful to observe the moon immediately after sunset on the specified date, corresponding to the 29th day of Sha’aban 1447 AH in the Islamic calendar. The moon sighting will determine the official beginning of Ramadan fasting for Muslims in Nigeria.
According to the council, if the new moon is sighted on Tuesday evening, Ramadan will begin on Wednesday. However, if the crescent is not sighted, fasting will commence the following day, in accordance with Islamic tradition and jurisprudence. The statement noted that moon sighting remains an important religious practice that guides the Islamic lunar calendar and key religious observances.
The NSCIA also revealed that the National Moon Sighting Committee, in collaboration with the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), will monitor and verify reports from across the country to ensure accuracy and consistency. Muslims who sight the moon were encouraged to report their observations to local religious leaders and designated authorities for proper verification.
The Sultan further called on Muslims to prepare spiritually for Ramadan, emphasizing the importance of prayer, fasting, charity, and moral discipline. He urged the faithful to use the holy month as a period for self-reflection, repentance, and strengthening of faith, while also promoting peace, unity, and compassion in society.
He also appealed to Nigerians to pray for the nation, its leaders, and its people, stressing that Ramadan should serve as a time for national unity and peaceful coexistence among all citizens regardless of religious or ethnic differences.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is observed by Muslims worldwide through fasting from dawn to sunset, increased prayers, and acts of charity. The beginning of the month is traditionally determined by the sighting of the new moon, making the Sultan’s announcement a significant event for millions of Muslims across Nigeria.
