By Abba Gwale
The President-General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, (NSCIA), the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has urged Muslims to look out for the crescent (moon) of Shawwal, 1442 AH tonight.
In a statement issued by NSCIA Deputy Secretary-General, Prof. Salisu Shehu, the Sultan said if the crescent is actually sighted by informed persons on Tuesday night and His Eminence is so advised by the experts, he would address the press to declare Wednesday, May 12, as the first day of Shawwal (Eid day).
He said, “If, however, the crescent is not sighted on Tuesday night, Thursday, May 13, automatically becomes the first of Shawwal, 1442 AH (Eid day).”
According to Islamic tradition, the sighting of the moon of Shawwal ends Ramadan and ushers in Eid-al-Fitr.
The Sultan further encouraged the Muslim faithful to keep praying for peaceful co-existence in the country.
