From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has confirmed that the crescent of Shawwal (moon) was not sighted on Monday as expected, an indication that the Ramadan fasting will continue on Tuesday.
It explained that sighting of the moon on Monday would have signaled the end of the holy month of Ramadan, but otherwise which was the case indicated that the fasting will last for one more day.
Prof. Salisu Shehu, Deputy Secretary-General, NSCIA, in a statement, yesterday said Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, confirmed to Nigerian Muslim Ummah that there was no positive report of the sighting of the crescent of Shawwal 1445 AH on the 29th of Ramadan 1445 AH.
The statement added: “As a result, Ramadan fast will continue on Tuesday, 9th April, 2024, being the 30th day of Ramadan. Therefore, Wednesday, 10th April, 2024, is hereby declared as the 1st day of Shawwal 1445 AH and the day of Eid-il-fitr.”
The Council prayed that Almighty Allah accept the fasting and other virtuous acts of the Ramadan and grant all Muslim Ummah peaceful and blissful Eid celebrations.