The Sultan of Sokoto, Alh. Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar has informed Muslim faithfuls to be observant of the new moon which symbolizes the conclusion of the 2023 Ramadan fast.
This was revealed on Tuesday April 18, 2023 in a statement released by the Director of Administration of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Arc. Zubairu Haruna Usman-Ugwu.
He told Muslim faithfuls to look out for the new moon of Shawwal 1444 A.H. shortly after sunset on Thursday, 29 Ramadan 1444 A.H — that is, April 20, 2023.
He stated that “based on the advice of the National Moon-Sighting Committee (NMSC), if the crescent is sighted by Muslims in accordance with the moon sighting and verification standards, then the Sultan would declare Friday, 21st April 2023 as the 1st of Shawwal and the day of ‘Idul Fitr. However, if the crescent is not sighted that day, then Saturday, 22nd April 2023, automatically becomes the day of ‘Idul Fitr.”
He also noted that Muslims can report any reliable and authentic sighting of the crescent of the moon to traditional, established Islamic leaders in each locality or members of the National Moon-Sighting Committee (NMSC).
The statement urged Muslim faithfuls to intensify their prayers to Almighty Allah, especially at the conclusion of the fast, for national development, security and peace.
The statement also urged Muslims across the federation to be observant and responsive to the declaration that would be made by His Eminence, the President-General of NSCIA on the night of Thursday April 20, 2023.