The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has urged Muslims to take extra security and health-measures to protect themselves as they await the announcement for the commencement of the Ramadan fast.
Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, the President-General of the council and Sultan of Sokoto, gave the advice in a statement by Alhaji Zubairu Usman-Ugwu, the Director of Administration of NSCIA on Sunday in Abuja.
“The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), under the leadership of its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, felicitates with the entire Muslim Ummah on the auspicious occasion of the forthcoming Ramadan, 1442 after Hijrah.
“The Council prays that Allah spares our lives to this and many more Ramadan on the surface of the earth and give us the ability to carry out good deeds as much as possible because of the multiplicity of its virtues and the blessings of Allah in the month.
“In the same vein, the council enjoins all Muslims to be prayerful unto Allah, especially in this month (Ramadan), to help our nation, the world in general and our leaders in particular to be able to overcome the current COVID-19 pandemic and the various extant and palpable security challenges.”
The Sultan enjoined the Nigerian Muslim community to search for the crescent of Ramadan 1442 after Hijrah immediately after sunset on Monday, April 12, equivalent to 29th Sha’aban 1442 AH.
According to Sultan, if the crescent is sighted by Muslims of impeccable character on the said evening, then he will declare Tuesday, April 13 as the first day of Ramadan 1442 AH.
“If, however, the crescent is not sighted that day, then, Wednesday, April 14, 2021, automatically becomes the first of Ramadan, 1442 after hijrah.
“At the same time, Sultan also directs the Muslim Ummah to practice social distancing when looking out for the crescent.
“All COVID-19 protocols should be observed. I’tikaf should still be put on hold while strict observance of all COVID-19 protocols including avoiding lengthy or crowded sessions should be observed.
“The council enjoins the Muslims all over the country to be on the lookout for the announcement of by Sultan, the President-General of NSCIA, on the commencement of the 1442 after hijrah, Ramadan fast.” (NAN)