By Time Nigeria
The Nigerian Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), the Apex Islamic body under the leadership of its President-General, the Sultan of Sokoto, His eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, CFR, mni has officially announced the commencement of the glorious month of Ramadan 1438AH starting from Saturday, 27th of May 2017.
According to the SCIA President-General, “there was a positive sighting of the crescent of Ramadan, 1438AH on the 29th of Shaban 1438AH, equivalent to 26th of May 2017. Therefore the 26th of May, 2017 marked the last day of Shaban as well as signifying the commencement of Ramadan on the 27th of May, 2017.”
The Council hereby enjoins the Nigerian Muslim faithful to use the sacred nature of the month of Ramadan to offer prayers for the country, to promote peaceful coexistence and unity among all citizens of the country.
It would be recalled that the Sultan had on Thursday urged Muslims in the country to be on the lookout for the new moon for the month of Ramadan.
Also, Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Islam, had also on Thursday announced that the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan would begin on Saturday.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting (Sawm). Ramadan is the Fourth Pillar of Islam.
According to numerous biographical accounts compiled in the hadiths, Ramadan lasts 29 to 30 days based on the visual sightings of the crescent moon. The beginning and end of Islamic months are determined by the sighting of the new moon.