As the 2023 ramadan fasting draws to an end, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), under the leadership of its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has felicitated the Nigerian Muslim ‘Ummah and the entire Muslim world on the auspicious occasion of the 1444 A.H. ‘Idul Fitr.
The Sultan also reminded Muslims that the observance of Zakatul Fitr is a compulsory food-levy imposed on privileged Muslims, to be given to the less privileged in the society.
The Sultan’s message is contained in a statement by Architect Zubairu Haruna Usman-Ugwu, Director of Administration of the NSCIA.
“We appeal to all concerned to ensure that they do not only comply but also comply on time. The stipulated practice is to give out the prescribed measurement to beneficiaries in the last two days of Ramadan and not later than before the ‘Id prayer,” the statement by the Sultan read.
Meanwhile, as advised by the National Moon-Sighting Committee (NMSC), the Sultan has enjoined the Nigerian Muslim Ummah to search for the crescent of Shawwal 1444 A.H. immediately after sunset on Thursday, 29th Ramadan 1444 A.H. which is equivalent to 20th April 2023.
“If the crescent is sighted by Muslims in accordance with the moon sighting and verification standards, then His Eminence would declare Friday, 21st April 2023 as the 1st of Shawwal and the day of ‘Idul Fitr. However, if the crescent is not sighted that day, then Saturday, 22nd April 2023, automatically becomes the day of ‘Idul Fitr.
“The Council encourages all Muslims to pray fervently to the Almighty Allah, especially during the concluding part of Ramadan, for the peace, security and development of Nigeria.
“While wishing us all happy ‘Idul Fitr, the Council enjoins Muslims all over the country to be on the lookout for the announcement to be made by His Eminence, the President-General of NSCIA on the night of Thursday 20th of April, 2023,” the statement added.
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