The President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammad Abubakar, who is also known as the Sultan of Sokoto, has issued an important message to Muslims across the country about Ramadan fasting this year. The Sultan urged Muslims in Nigeria to watch for the crescent of Sha’aban 1445AH after sunset on Saturday, 29th Rajab, 1445AH (February 10, 2024) before the start of this year’s Ramadan fasting. This call was made in a statement by the deputy secretary-general of the NSCIA, Professor Salisu Shehu.
According to the statement, the expected time for the conjunction of the moon is scientifically determined to be on Friday, February 9, 2024, at 11:59 pm. It is essential to note that the moon’s appearance and sighting usually occur long after the conjunction has taken place, except for other environmental factors.
Sha’aban is the eighth lunar calendar month, indicating that Ramadan (9th lunar month) is expected to begin in early March this year.