President-General of the National Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has announced Tuesday as the first of Ramadan.
In a live broadcast on Monday, the Sultan said the crescent (moon) of Ramadan 1442AH had been sighted.
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He called on Muslims to start fasting, urging them to dedicate themselves to the worship of Allah throughout the fasting period.
He also urged them to seek Allah’s intervention in the security situation of the country and COVID-19 pandemic.
The Sultan prayed Allah to assist Muslims in the discharge of their religious duty and urged Muslims to observe COVID-19 protocols during sermons.
He had earlier asked Muslims to be on the lookout for the moon.
“This is to inform the Muslim Ummah that Monday, April 12, which is equivalent to the 29th day of Sha’aban 1442AH shall be the day to look for the new moon of Ramadan 1442AH.
“Muslim are, therefore, requested to start looking for the crescent moon on Monday and report its sighting to the nearest District or Village Head for onward communication to the Sultan,’’ he had said in a statement.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar observed by Muslims worldwide as a month for fasting, prayer, reflection and assisting the needy.