The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, yesterday affirmed that the new moon had been sighted and urged all Muslim ummah in Nigeria to commence fasting today, June 6.
The Sultan, while speaking in his palace in Sokoto, noted that the new Moon of Ramadan, 1437 AH, was sighted in many states of the federation as confirmed by the National Moon Sighting Committee
‘’Today, 29th Day of Shaaban, 1437 AH, equivalent to June 5, 2016, therefore marks the end of Shaaban. Therefore, tomorrow, June 6, 2016, is equivalent to the 1st of Ramadan,1437 AH,’’ he said.
The Sultan, who appealed for understanding, tolerance and love among people of belief, admonished the Muslim ummah to seek the face of Almighty Allah in the fasting period.
He called on all Muslims to faithfully pray for sustained peace, unity as well as inter-religious harmony in the country. He also called for prayers and support for the national’s leadership at all levels.
In a related development, Sokoto State governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has assured that free feeding as well as other forms of assistance would be readily available for the less privileged despite the present harsh economic realities in Nigeria.
Tambuwal noted that the Ramadan period should be used as an avenue for re-dedication to the Almighty Allah.
A statement by Tambuwal’s spokesperson, Imam Imam, read in part,
“Agreed we are all feeling the effect of the economic crunch, but government will partner with rich individuals and charity organisations willing to step in to help extremely vulnerable persons and groups to ease the burden on them during Ramadan.
“The intervention is part of our social contract with the people, and adequate machinery has been put in place to ensure that it reaches those in need at the appropriate time.
“As Muslims, we must re¬double our commitment to God’s work and increase our prayers for the nation. We must ensure that the aim of this holy month, which is spiritual cleansing, promotion of brotherhood and assistance to the needy, is realised.
“Our businessmen and women should please note that this is not a period of exploiting innocent customers by increasing prices of goods in the market. It is a period of compassion and we urge them to be compassionate to all members of the public.”
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