The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs has announced that the Ramadan fast will start on Thursday, March 23.
The NSCIA President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, announced this on Wednesday in a broadcast.
“Today, Wednesday, 29th day of Sha’aban 1444 AH, reports of moon sightings of the new moon were received from Muslims across the length and breadth of our great country. The reports were duly authenticated and verified by the states and national moon-sighting committees. Tomorrow, Thursday, March 23,2023, marks the beginning of Ramadan. We, therefore, call on all Muslims to comply accordingly,” the Sultan said in the broadcast aired by the Nigerian Television Authority.
He enjoined Muslim faithful to devote themselves fully to the worship of Allah throughout the holy month, urging them to use the period to pray for the progress, peace and prosperity of the nation.
Meanwhile, the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), on Wednesday, urged Muslims to show kindness and love for humanity as this captures the essence of the season.
He also warned grocery sellers to refrain from exploiting other Muslims by charging exorbitant prices for food items.
Buhari made the appeal in his yearly Ramadan message to Nigerian Muslims at home and in the diaspora titled ‘President Buhari wishes Muslims happy Ramadan.’
This is contained in a statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, late Wednesday.
Buhari said, “Let us use this opportunity to put the best teachings of Islam into practice, such as kindness and the love of humanity.
“This is an occasion for deep reflection and greater fear of Allah and avoidance of all evils that harm humanity.”
Buhari added that, “I am particularly aware of the activities of traders who artificially increase the prices of their goods, including food at the beginning of every month of Ramadan.
“This kind of exploitation is against the spirit of the Ramadan and the spirit of Islam.”
