As Ramadan approaches its conclusion, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) urges the Muslim community to eagerly anticipate the sighting of the crescent moon, signaling the end of the holy month and the beginning of Shawwal 1445 A.H. In a statement by Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, the Secretary-General of NSCIA, the President-General encourages all Nigerian Muslims to seek out the crescent moon of Shawwal immediately after sunset on Monday, 29th Ramadan 1445 A.H., corresponding to April 8, 2024.
Despite scientific calculations pointing to the expected time for the Shawwal moon conjunction in Nigeria, Muslims are enjoined to adhere to Islamic tradition by searching for the crescent of Shawwal on the 29th of Ramadan. If the crescent is sighted according to moon sighting standards, Tuesday, April 9, 2024, will be declared as the 1st of Shawwal and the day of Eid Al-Fitr. Otherwise, Wednesday, April 10, 2024, will be observed as Eid Al-Fitr.
Additionally, the council emphasizes the importance of Zakat Al-Fitr, a compulsory food levy imposed on privileged Muslims, to be given to the less fortunate. Muslims are reminded to fulfill this obligation in a timely manner, distributing the prescribed measurement to beneficiaries in the last two days of Ramadan but before the Eid prayer.
As Muslims pray fervently during the concluding days of Ramadan, the NSCIA calls for divine guidance, peace, security, and development in Nigeria. All await the announcement to be made by His Eminence, the President-General of the NSCIA, on the night of Monday, April 8, 2024.