Idul-Fitr: NSCIA Urges Muslims to Uphold Ramadan Virtues

As the holy month of Ramadan draws to a close, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), under the leadership of His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, has extended warm felicitations to the Nigerian Muslim Ummah and the global Muslim community on the occasion of 1446 A.H. ‘Idul Fitr.

The Council prays for Allah’s divine guidance and good health for all, hoping that believers will witness many more Ramadans in their lifetime.

In a statement signed by the Secretary-General, Prof. Is-haq O. Oloyede, CON, FNAL (Kuliyan Sokoto), the NSCIA reminded privileged Muslims of their obligation to fulfill Zakatul Fitr, a compulsory food levy aimed at supporting the less privileged.

“The Council, therefore, appeals to all concerned Muslims to ensure that they comply and do so in good time. The stipulated practice is to give out the prescribed measurement to beneficiaries in the last two days of Ramadan, but before the ‘Id prayer,” the statement emphasized.

Providing guidance on the official determination of ‘Idul Fitr, the Council urged Nigerian Muslims to search for the crescent of Shawwal 1446 A.H. immediately after sunset on Saturday, 29th Ramadan 1446 A.H., corresponding to 29th March 2025.

Scientific calculations indicate that the expected time for the conjunction of the Shawwal moon in Nigeria is at 11:58 a.m. on the same day. However, in accordance with Islamic tradition, Muslims are still encouraged to look for the new moon at sunset. “If Muslims sight the crescent in accordance with the moon sighting and verification standards, then His Eminence would declare Sunday, 30th March 2025 as the 1st of Shawwal and the day of ‘Idul Fitr. However, if the crescent is not sighted that day, then Monday, 31st March 2025, automatically becomes the day of ‘Idul Fitr,” the Council stated.

To ensure accurate and credible moon sighting reports, NSCIA has provided contact details of the National Moon-Sighting Committee (NMSC) members across various localities. Traditional and Islamic leaders in different regions have also been enlisted for verification and authentication of reports.

As the blessed month concludes, the NSCIA encouraged all Muslims to intensify their prayers, seeking Allah’s mercy for peace, security, and national development. It also urged them to pray for their leaders, quoting a Hadith narrated by Abu Umamah: “Do not curse your leaders; invoke Allah to make them righteous, for their righteousness brings about your well-being as well” (Sunan At-Tirmidhi, Book 49, Hadith 3299).

With anticipation of a joyous celebration, the NSCIA wished the Muslim community a blessed ‘Id, concluding with a heartfelt message: “‘Id Mubarak in advance!”