NSCIA Urges Moon Sighting for Ramadan 1446, Calls for Charity Amid Economic Challenges

A As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has extended warm felicitations to the Muslim Ummah, praying for Allah’s blessings and the opportunity for every Muslim to partake in the spiritual exercise.

Under the leadership of its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, the Council has announced that the search for the Ramadan 1446 AH crescent should begin immediately after sunset on Friday, 28th February 2025, corresponding to 29th Sha’aban 1446 AH.

“If the crescent is sighted by Muslims of impeccable character on the said evening, then His Eminence would declare Saturday, 1st March 2025, as the first day of Ramadan 1446 AH. If, however, the crescent is not sighted that day, then, Sunday, 2nd March 2025, automatically becomes the first of Ramadan, 1446 AH,” the statement read.

The Council also provided contact details for members of the National Moon Sighting Committee (NMSC), urging Muslims to report credible and positive sightings of the crescent.

In light of the prevailing economic difficulties in Nigeria, NSCIA has appealed to wealthy Muslims to extend acts of charity to the less privileged before, during, and after Ramadan. The Council also urged traders to refrain from hoarding food items or inflating prices during the fasting period. “We admonish traders to neither hoard food products nor unduly hike the prices of consumer goods during the period of the fast,” the Council stated.

The statement concluded by urging Muslims across the country to be vigilant in sighting the Ramadan crescent on Friday, 28th February 2025, and to await the official announcement from His Eminence regarding the commencement of the fast. “Allahuma Baligna Ramadan. Amin.”