Muslims across the country are expected to join other faithful across the world to begin this year's Ramadan fasting tomorrow if the new moon is sighted tonight.
The President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), the Amirul Muslim and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa'ad Abubakar, urged Muslims who sight the new moon, to communicate to relevant authorities immediately for the commencement of the fast.
Muslims are mandated to fast in the month of Ramadan for either 29 or 30 days, depending on the sighting of the moon.
In a statement made available to National Mirror, the Sultan urged Muslims to look out for the moon from today, July 8, being the 29th day of Sha'aban 1434AH for the commencement of Ramadan fasting.
However, if the crescent cannot be sighted due to cloudy sky among other factors, the month of Sha'aban will be 30 days on Tuesday and Muslims will then start fasting from Wednesday.
The statement reads: "In accordance with the Prophetic tradition, Monday July 8, being the 29th day of Sha'aban 1434AH, members of the national and state Moon- Sighting Committees as well as other Nigerian Muslims should look out for the new Crescent of Ramadan month.
"If the moon is sighted on that day, the under- listed leaders should be communicated immediately: the Sultan, the Secretary General of the Council, Emir of Kano, Emir of Bauchi, Lamido of Adamawa, Olukare of Ikare, Timi of Ede, Emir of Katsina, Emir of Zazzau, Emir of Ilorin.
Others are the Oba of Lagos, Oba of Agbede in Edo State, Emir of Wase, Chief Imam of Ibadan, Chief Imam of Osogbo, Chief Imam of Egba and Emir of Kazaure, among others."
National Mirror
I pray every prayer prayed by the muslims would be answered by God.
Happy fasting.