TERMINATION OF RAMADAN 1438 A.H. FAST AND ‘IDUL-FITR CELEBRATION

Whenever you sight the new moon (of the month of Ramadan) observe fast, and when you sight it (the new moon of Shawwal) break it, and if the sky is cloudy for you, then observe fast for thirty days. (Sahih Muslim)

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), under the leadership of its President General, Alh. Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, the Sultan of Sokoto, felicitates with the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria and all over the world on the successful completion of Ramadan, 1438 A.H. fast. The Council prays that the Almighty Allah spare our lives to witness many happy returns of Ramadan on earth.

Following the advice of the National Moon Sighting Committee (NMSC) of NSCIA, the President-General enjoins the Nigerian Muslim Ummah to search for the crescent of Shawwal 1438 A.H. immediately after sunset on Saturday, 24^th June, 2017 equivalent to 29^th Ramadan 1438 A.H. and report to the appropriate quarters. Where the authorities are satisfied that the crescent has been duly sighted, His Eminence, the President-General of NSCIA, 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, 24^th June, 2017, the Ramadan fast will therefore complete 30 days on Sunday, 25^th June, 2017. Thus, Monday, 26^th June, 2017 automatically becomes the first of Shawwal, 1438 A.H. and the day of ‘Idul-Fitr.

In addition to established and traditional Islamic leaders in each locality, members of the National Moon Sighting Committee who can be contacted for information and clarification are:

The Council hereby enjoins the Muslims all over the country to be on the lookout for the directive of His Eminence, the President-General of NSCIA, on the termination of 1438 A.H. Ramadan fast.

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 urges 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.

All media houses in the country are kindly requested to promptly publicise any announcement by His Eminence the President-General of the NSCIA and the Sultan of Sokoto.

‘Id Mubarak!

Signed

Ustaz Christian Isa Okonkwo,

Director of Administration (DA),

NSCIA.