Press Statement from the NSCIA on sighting the moon

When an informed Muslim sights a new moon, therefore, (s)he should call any member of the Committee close to him/her who will ask him/her a series pertinent questions These may include i). time the moon was sighted, ii). Position of the crescent relative to where the Sun sets iii) Altitude of the crescent above the horizon, iv) Orientation of the crescent, v) Conditioon of the sky at the time of the sighting (e,g, clear, cloudy, rainy). Our brothers and sisters in Islam are urged to direct their observations, notices and enquiries on the crescent to members of the National Moonsighting Committee who are officially equipped to verify claims.

It is on the backdrop of the foregoing that the NSCIA announces that in line with the Qur'anic verse and the tradition of the Prophet (SAW) cited above, as Ramadan draws to its close, any information on sighting the crescent (of Shawwal) should be conveyed to the National Moonsighting Committee so that the President-General of the NSCIA, His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, may pronounce the end of fasting.

IT HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED THAT THE OLD (Ramadan) moon will set just before sunset in Nigeria on Saturday, 26 th of July 2014. The new astronomic moon would be born few minutes before midnight of that Saturday. CONSEQUENTLY, THE SEARCH FOR SHAWWAL MOON ON SATURDAY THE 26th of July is as traditionally done. The crescent can be sighted in Nigeria on SUNDAY with optical instruments (or with some difficulties) with naked eyes. Any claim of sighting a moon that is yet to be born is not only false

or mistaken but also incorrect.A ppropriate announcement will be made by the President-General ON THE ADVICE OF THE NATIONAL MOON -SIGHTING COMMITTEE.

Once again, the NSCIA congratulates the Muslim Ummah on the auspicious period of Ramadan and wishes all Nigerians happy 'Idul Fitr in advance. Many happy returns of the holy month! Let us PRAY and WORK for restoration of peace, security and brotherhood in our potentially great Country.

“Our Lord! Condemn us not if we forget or fall into error; our Lord! Lay not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear. Blot out our sins and grant us forgiveness. Have mercy on us. You are our Protector, help us against those who stand against faith” (Q. Al-Baqarah, 2:286).

Signed

Prof. Is-haq O. Oloyede

Secretary-General, NSCIA

For and on behalf of the NSCIA