Muslims End Fasting As Sultan Confirms Moon Sighting

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, News Friday, July 17th, 2015

By Mustapha Abdul Salaam – Muslims in Nigeria join fellow faithful in some parts of the world today to mark the end of this year’s Ramadan fasting.

This follows confirmation and announcement Thursday, by Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, of sighting of moon in some Northern states, including Borno, Kano and Sokoto.

The Sultan late Thursday announced that various Muslim leaders and organizations from across the country have reported sightings of the new moon – the tenth month – Shawwal, 1436 AH.

He confirmed that the sighting was duly verified and authenticated by the National Moon Sighting Committee and the Sultanate Council.

In view of this, Sultan Abubakar declared that today is Shawwal 1, and Eid el Fitr day.

The Nigerian Muslim leader urged the faithful to pray for peace and unity of the country as well as live in harmony with one another.

Fasting is the fourth pillar of Islam, observed in the ninth Lunar month (Ramadan) for 29 or 30 by every matured Muslim.

Already, the Federal Government has declared today and Monday, July 20 as public holidays to allow the Muslims mark the Salaah.