The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has directed Muslims across Nigeria to begin observing the sky for the sighting of the new moon of Sha’aban from today.
In a statement issued by the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs of the Sultanate Council, Professor Sambo Junaidu, the Sultan urged anyone who sights the crescent to promptly report it to the nearest district or village head for onward transmission to the Sultanate Council.
The statement explained that the moon sighting process is a critical requirement for determining the Islamic calendar and ensuring broad acceptance of official religious announcements, particularly in preparation for the commencement of the Ramadan fast.
Sha’aban is the eighth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and precedes the holy month of Ramadan, during which Muslims observe fasting, prayers, and other religious obligations.
Written by Gladys Haruna