Sultan of Sokoto and president general of the National Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Sa’ad Abubakar, has instructed the Muslim Ummah to observe the crescent of Shawwal 1445AH starting Monday.
Sambo Janaidu, chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council Sokoto, conveyed the directive in a statement in Sokoto on Sunday.
According to the statement, if Muslims sight the crescent in accordance with the moon sighting and verification standards, then His Eminence would declare Tuesday, April 9, 2024 as the 1st of Shawwal and the day of ‘Idul Fitr.
However, if the crescent is not sighted that day, then Wednesday, April 10, 2024, automatically becomes the day of ‘Idul Fitr.
The apex Islamic body, while felicitating with the Nigerian Muslim ‘Ummah and the entire Muslim world on the auspicious occasion of the 1445 A.H. ‘Idul Fitr, prays to Allah to grant everyone the opportunity to witness many more of it in good health and divine guidance.
He reminded them that Zakatul Fitr is a compulsory food levy imposed on privileged Muslims, to be given to the less privileged in the society.
The Sultan prayed for Allah’s continued assistance in fulfilling Muslims’ religious duties.
Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar, immediately follows Ramadan, marking the commencement of the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.
The month symbolises a new beginning and spiritual rejuvenation after a month of purification, offering ample opportunities to sustain the positive habits cultivated during Ramadan.
