In preparation for this year’s Eid-el-fitri celebration, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the National Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, has directed the Muslim Ummah to observe the crescent of Shawwal 1445AH starting from Monday.
The Informant247 reports that the Federal Government, on Sunday, declared Tuesday, 9 and Wednesday, April 10, 2024, as public holidays to celebrate the Eid-el-Fitr festival.
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, while making the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Aishetu Ndayako, congratulated all Muslims for the successful completion of the fasting in the holy month of Ramadan.
Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council Sokoto, Prof. Sambo Janaidu, conveyed the directive in a statement issued in Sokoto on Sunday.
The statement reads: ”This is to inform the Muslim Ummah that Monday, April 8, equivalent to the 29th day of Ramadan 1445AH, will be the day to look for the new moon of Shawwal 1445AH.
“Muslims are therefore requested to start looking for the new moon of Shawwal 1445AH on Monday and report its sighting to the nearest District or Village Head for onward communication to the Sultan.
“Furthermore, the public can report sightings of the new moon through the following telephone numbers: 08037157100, 07067416900, 08066303077, 08036149757, 08035965322, and 08099945903,” it stated.
The Sultan prayed for Allah’s continued assistance to Muslims in fulfilling their religious duties.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 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.
NAN
