By Correspondent.
Muslims in Nigeria have been directed to commence the 2022 Ramadan fast on Saturday.
The President-General,the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, gave the directive on Friday evening in a broadcast.
According to him, the new moon of Ramadan was sighted in different parts of the country, adding that reports of the moon sighting were received from Muslim leaders and organisations across the country.
“After due verification and authentication by the national moon sighting committee and states committees’ confirmation, as well as routine scrutiny, I hereby announce the sighting of the new moon of Ramadan signifies the end of Sha’aban 1443 AH.
”In accordance with Islamic law, Muslim ummah is to commence fasting on Saturday accordingly,” he said.
The Sultan enjoined Muslim faithful to devote themselves,fully, to the worship of Allah throughout the holy month, with an urge on them to use the period to pray for the progress, peace and prosperity of the nation.
He called for sustained prayers for leaders to enable them lead the country to prosperity.
The Sultan also called on the leaders to fear Allah in their dealing with the led.
The Reporters recalls that Saudi Arabia had earlier announced the sighting of the moon.
Our Correspondent in Lokoja reports that shortly after the Sultan’s broadcast,the hostile atmosphere, characteristic of Lokoja heat changed to a cool atmospheric condition, followed by light rain,the second of it kind in the area in 2022 that sent relief to the people.
Some muslims, such as Alhaji Yahaha Bello, Muhammad Ahmed among others who spoke with The Reporters in separate interview, described the beginning of this fasting as an indication of good things to happen to lokoja, kogi state and the country at large.
“We have been having it rough with heat in Lokoja for some months now but shortly after the the Sultan announced the commencement of Ramadan fast, almighty Allah,in His infinite mercy caused the atmosphere to smile at us with this little rain, to ease the effect of heat on us, we cannot thank Him adequate enough,”Bello said.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
