Date: 2016-07-04

NSCIA to Muslims: Look for New Moon Today- By Hammed Shittu in Ilorin July 3, 2016 0 762 0 As Muslims all over the world look towards the end of the Ramadan fast, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs under the leadership of its President General and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar, has directed muslims to search for the crescent (new moon) of Shawwal on Monday,July 4th. The sighting of the new moon will mark the end of the Ramadan fast and hence commemorate the celebration of Eid-el Fitr.

?A statement issued in Ilorin on Sunday by the Secretary General of the NSCIA, Professor Is-shaq Oloyede, said if the crescent is sighted by experts on Monday night, the Sultan would declare Tuesday as the first day of Shawwal, and eid-el-fitri day.?

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The statement however enjoined muslims all over the country to be on the lookout for the directive of the sultan on the completion of this year's Ramadan fast.

"As soon as the national moon sighting committee,based on verified information, confirms the sighting of the crescent,the committee will advise the President -General of the NSCIA,who will announced the completion of Ramadan and the observance of 'Idul-Fitri prayer. Muslims are strongly advised to for six days between the 2nd and end of Shawwal",the statement stated.

It clarified further that if the crescent is not sighted on Monday night, Wednesday automatically becomes the first of Shawwal and eid-el-fitri day.

?The council reminded the Muslim Ummah of the necessity of paying zakatul-fitri with the intention of lifting the hearts of the indigent members of the society, and urged them to give alms.

"While reminding the Ummah of the necessity of paying Zktul-fitri with the intention of lifting the hearts of the indigent members of the community,the council urges all to ensure its delivery to the appropriate recipients (I.e.the poor) and guard against its diversion by any agent or intermidiary",the statement added.