Observe social distancing while seeking Ramadan moon, NSCIA advises Muslims

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has called on Muslims to observe social distancing when searching for the moon in respect of this year’s Ramadan.

It specifically advised faithful to remain indoors and shun crowds.

The council’s Deputy Secretary-General, Professor Salisu Shehu, in a statement quoted the President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, as urging Muslim Ummah to look out for the crescent of Ramadan 1441 AH immediately after sunset today.

The statement read in part: “Consequent upon the advice of the National Moon Sighting Committee, the President-General enjoins the Nigerian Muslim Ummah to search for the crescent of Ramadan 1441 AH immediately after sunset on Thursday, April 23, 2020, which is equivalent to 29th Sha’aban 1441 AH.

“If the crescent is sighted by Muslims of impeccable character on the said evening, then His Eminence would declare Friday, April 24, 2020 as the first day of Ramadan 1441 AH. If, however, the crescent is not sighted that day, then, Saturday, April 25, 2020 automatically becomes the first of Ramadan, 1441 AH.

“At the same time, His Eminence also directs Muslim Ummah to practise social distancing when looking out for the crescent and specifically advises that people should look for the crescent at their residences without going out in groups.”