The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), has asked Nigerian Muslim Umah to search for the crescent of Shawwal 1438 A.H. immediately after sunset on Saturday, 24th June, 2017 equivalent to 29th Ramadan 1438 A.H. and report to the appropriate quarters.
A statement by Ustaz Christian Isa Okonkwo, NSCIA’s Director of Administration, said the announcement followed the advice of the National Moon Sighting Committee, stressing that where the authorities are satisfied that the “crescent has been duly sighted, His Eminence, the President-General of NSCIA, Alh. Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto would announce the termination of Ramadan fast and the observance of ‘Idul-Fitr prayer the following day.”
If, however, the crescent of Shawwal is not sighted on the night of Saturday, 24th June, 2017, the Ramadan fast will therefore complete 30 days on Sunday, 25th June, 2017. Thus, Monday, 26th June, 2017 automatically becomes the first of Shawwal, 1438 A.H. and the day of ‘Idul-Fitr.
While reminding the Ummah of the necessity of paying Zakatul-Fitr with the intention of lifting the hearts of the indigent members of the community, the NSCIA felicitates with Nigerian Muslims on the completion of this year’s Ramadan Fast, wishing them abundant blessings from Almighty Allah.
It urged them to continue to pray for President Muhammadu Buhari’s health and for the peaceful co-existence of all Nigerians and keep the valued lessons and gains of the sacred month as spiritual guide. We must also pray for our dear Country.