Ramadan: Muslims Look Out For New Moon Today

As Muslims across the world look forward for this year’s Ramadan fasting,

Muslim faithful in Nigeria have been urged to look out for the new crescent (moon) of Ramadan 1444AH from today.

Sultan of Sokoto and President of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, gave the directive in a statement that was signed by the director of administration of the council, Zubairu Haruna Usman-Ugwu.

He said the search for the new moon should commence immediately after sunset  today, 29 Sha’aban, 1444 AH, which is equivalent to March 22, 2023.

Usman-Ugwu stated that if the moon is sighted this evening, then the Sultan of Sokoto, will declare tomorrow, March 23, 2023 as the first day of Ramadan 1444 AH.

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He however added that if the crescent is not sighted today, then, Friday March 24 automatically becomes the first day of Ramadan.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar observed by Muslims worldwide as a month for fasting, prayer, reflection and assisting the needy.

“Consequent upon the advice of the National Moon-Sighting Committee (NMSC), the President-General enjoins the Nigerian Muslim Ummah to search for the crescent of Ramadan 1444 A.H. immediately after sunset on Wednesday, 29th Sha’aban, 1444 A.H. which is equivalent to 22nd March 2022.

“If the crescent is sighted by Muslims of impeccable character on the said evening, then His Eminence shall declare Thursday, 23rd March, 2023 as the first day of Ramadan 1444 A.H. If, however, the crescent is not sighted that day, then, Friday, 24th March 2023 shall automatically become the first day of Ramadan,” the statement read in part.

Sultan while felicitates with the entire Nigerian Muslims on the auspicious occasion of the spiritual month of Ramadan and prays that Allah spare the life of every Muslim to witness, participate fully in and benefit maximally from the noble act of worship (ibaadah), appealed to Muslims to also use the holy month of Ramadan period to pray for peace co-existence in the country.