By Fatima Zahra Muhammad
The Sultan of Sokoto and president of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Mohammed Sa’ad Abubakar says the crescent moon for the commencement of the Ramadan fasting has been sighted.
The sultan, in a broadcast on Wednesday evening directed Muslims in Nigeria to commence fasting on Thursday, March 23.
“Today, Wednesday, the 29th Day of Shaaban 1444 AH of our beloved Prophet equivalent to the 22nd march, 2023 marks the end of Shaaba 1444 AH as the reports of moonsighting of the new moon were received from Muslim leaders and organizations across the length and breadth of our country which was duly authenticated and verified by the states and national moonsighting committees.
“Consequently, tomorrow, Thursday the 23rd day of March 2023 becomes the 1st day of Ramadan 1444 AH.
“We, therefore, call on all Muslims to commence fasting accordingly,”
The Sulta urged Muslims to intensify prayers for the successes of the leaders who were voted into power in the just concluded elections across Nigeria.
“As we just concluded, the 2023 general elections and leaders emerged at national and state levels by Allah’s will, we, therefore, call on all Muslims to use this holy month for extra prayers for their successes in stirring the affairs of our great country.
“As always, we appeal to the wealthy individuals amongst us to assist the vulnerable and the poor people with food during this month of Ramadan to cushion the hardship people are going through,” he said.
The sultan prayed to Allah to accept the fastings as an act of worship.
