Nigerian Muslims will join their counterparts across the world to commence the Ramadan fast today (Thursday).
This was confirmed by the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs which announced the sighting of the crescent moon marking the start of the Islamic month.
Saudi Arabia had announced that the Ramadan should commenceย on Thursday.
During Ramadan, Muslims are expected to fast from dawn to sunset, abstaining from food and water.
Already, President Muhammadu Buhari has sent his greetings and best wishes to Muslims in the country as they commence the 30-day Ramadan fast.
In his message to the nation on the beginning of the Ramadan, the president says fasting is not just merely meant to stay hungry or thirsty, but an opportunity to strive for inner purification and self-accountability.
โIt is meant to inculcate righteousness and discipline,โ he said.
He enjoined fasting Muslims to increase their love for humanity, acts of charity, kindness, generosity and gratitude. He said the Holy Prophet Muhammad used to spend very generously on the poor and the needy during this period, and urged Muslims in the country and all over the world to copy the good example.
He called on Muslims and all Nigerians to always remember men and women who are less fortunate than themselves and to help the government in confronting the challenges facing the nation.
The president prays Allah to grant all Muslims the strength to successfully complete the fasting period.
Similarly, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman Kwara State Traditional Council, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, in a statement issuedย Tuesdayย night by the National Secretary of Shehu Alimi foundation for peace and development, Mallam Abdulazeez Arowona, declaredย Thursdayย as the date for commencement of this yearโs Ramadan fasting.
The Emir urged Nigerians to use the month to pray fervently for the restoration of peace and harmony in the nation. He however warned Islamic clerics to desist from sermon that are capable of causing rancour in the society stressing that hate speech, immorality and other social vices should be guarded against.
The monarch however urged wealthy individuals to assist the poor during the sacred month as enjoined by prophet Muhammad even as he wished the entire Muslim Ummah a successful commencement and completion of the spiritual exercise with health and acceptance by Allah.
