The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) this evening declared that the Hijrah 1438 (2017) Ramadan begins tomorrow Saturday. Secretary General of the council Professor Is-haq Oloyede told Daily Trust in an interview that the crescent of the moon has been sighted in many places across the country and has been approved by the […]
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) this evening declared that the Hijrah 1438 (2017) Ramadan begins tomorrowSaturday.
Secretary General of the council Professor Is-haq Oloyede told Daily Trust in an interview that the crescent of the moon has been sighted in many places across the country and has been approved by the Sultan of Sokoto and President of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III.
He also said a formal announcement would be made by the Sultan later in the night.
The Sultan had Thursday urged Muslims in the country to lookout for the new moon for the commencement of the Ramadan fast.
“We wish Muslims in Nigeria and world over Ramadan Mubaraq,” Oloyede said.
The crescent of the moon was reportedly sighted in places in Sokoto, Zamfara, Kano, Jigawa and Lagos states among others.
The development was also confirmed in a separate statement by the Director of Administration of the NSCIA Ustaz Christian Isa Okonkwo.
He said council has received the directive of the Sultan to Nigerian Muslims that there was positive sighting of the crescent of Ramadan 1438AH on the 29th of Sha’ban 1438AH, equivalent to 26th May, 2017.
“Therefore, Friday, 26th May, 2017 is the last day of Sha’ban, 1438AH. In line with the above, His Eminence, the President-General of NSCIA and Sultan of Sokoto, has approved Saturday, 27th May, 2017 as the 1st day of Ramadan, 1438AH. The council hereby enjoins the Nigerian Muslim Ummah to continue to promote peaceful coexistence and unity among all the citizens of the country,” Okonkwo said.
