"Look out for the new moon of Shawwal" - Sultan of Sokoto urges Muslims

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July 16, 2015 12:17 PM

Alhaji Abubakar III in the statement said that July 16, 2015, would be the equivalent of the 29th day of Ramadan, 1436 AH, and it should be the day to look for the new moon of Shawwal

The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III has urged Muslim faithfuls currently observing the annual Ramadan fast to look out for the new moon of Shawwal on July 16.

This appeal was contained in a statement signed by the chairman, Sultanate Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs to the Sultanate Council, Sambo Wali and made available to newsmen in Sokoto on Wednesday.

Alhaji Abubakar III in the statement said that July 16, 2015, would be the equivalent of the 29th day of Ramadan, 1436 AH, and it should be the day to look for the new moon of Shawwal.

“Muslims are, therefore, requested to start looking for the new moon of Shawwal on Thursday and report its sighting to the nearest district or village head for onward communication to the Sultan,’’ it said.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN), if the new moon of Shawwal is sighted on July 16, the Eid-el-Fitr would be celebrated on Friday, July 17.

NAN also reports that if the new Moon of Shawwal is not sighted on Thursday, the Muslims will have to fast on Friday, while the Sallah will , automatically, be celebrated on Saturday, July 18.

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