Watch Out For Shawwal Moon On Saturday— Islamic Council

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has instructed Nigerian Muslims to start looking for the new moon of Shawwal on Saturday.

In a statement signed by the NSCIA Director of Administration, Architect Zubairu Haruna Usman-Ugwu on behalf of the Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar III, the council noted that the National Moon Sighting (NMSC) on the search for the crescent of Shawwal 1443 AH should begin immediately after sunset on Saturday, April 30, 2022, which is equivalent to 29th Ramadan, 1443 AH.

“If the crescent is sighted by Muslims of impeccable character, then His Eminence (Sultan) would declare Sunday, May 1st, 2022, as the 1st of Shawwal and the day of ‘Idul Fitr.

"However, if the crescent is not sighted that day, then Monday, May 2nd, 2022, automatically becomes the day of ‘Idul Fitr, ‘’the statement said.

“In addition to the established and traditional Islamic leaders in each locality, members of the NMSC can be contacted to report a credible and positive sighting of the Crescent of Shawwal 1443 AH.’’

It also urged Muslims to in the spirit of Ramadan, remember that Zakatul Fitr (special Ramadan charity) is a compulsory food levy imposed on every Muslim, (Unless those who are absolutely poor) to be given to the less privileged in the society.

The statement, therefore, urged all concerned to ensure that they do not only comply but comply on time.

“The general practice is to give out the standard measurement to beneficiaries in the last two days of Ramadan and not later than before the eid prayer.”

The Sultan who in the statement felicitated the Nigerian Muslims on Idil Fitr celebrations in advance, also expressed worry over the always skyrocketing prices of food and consumables in the country.

The leader appealed to the government to stem the tide of inflation while urging traders too to desist from the habit of arbitrarily increasing the price of food items.