Moon not sighted, fasting continues in Saudi Arabia

This year’s Shawwal moon has not been sighted in Saudi Arabia, meaning that fasting will continue on Sunday.

By this development, Ramadan fasting will continue in the holy kingdom on Sunday while Monday will be the day of Eid-ul-Fitr.

Muslims in Nigeria are still awaiting directive of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), under the leadership of its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III.

Sultan of Sokoto had urged Muslims across the country to look out for this year’s Shawwal moon on Saturday.

“Consequent upon the advice of the National Moon Sighting Committee (NMSC), the Sultan enjoined the Nigerian Muslim Ummah to search for the crescent of Shawwal 1443 AH immediately after sunset on Saturday, April 30th, 2022, which is equivalent to 29th Ramadan, 1443 AH.

“If the crescent is sighted by Muslims of impeccable character, then His Eminence (Sultan) would declare Sunday, May 1st 2022, as the 1st of Shawwal and the day of ‘Idul Fitr. However, if the crescent is not sighted that day, then Monday, May 2nd 2022, automatically becomes the day of ‘Idul Fitr.”

“In addition to the established and traditional Islamic leaders in each locality, members of the NMSC can be contacted to report credible and positive sighting of the Crescent of Shawwal 1443 AH,” the council had said in statement.

Sultan of Sokoto also urged Muslims to in the spirit of Ramadan, remember that Zakatul Fitr (special Ramadan charity) is a compulsory food-levy imposed on privileged Muslims, to be given to the less privileged in the society.

He, therefore, urged all concerned to ensure that they complied on time.

The moon is yet to be sighted in Nigeria.