The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, yesterday reminded the Muslims to pay Zakatul Fitr in line with the practice of the Holy Prophet.

Sultan Abubakar said the stipulated practice is to give out the prescribed measurement to beneficiaries in the last two days of Ramadan and not later than before the Eid prayer

“In the spirit of Ramadan, Muslims are reminded that Zakatul Fitr is a compulsory food-levy imposed on privileged Muslims, to be given to the less privileged in the society. The Council, therefore, appeals to all concerned to ensure that they do not only comply but also comply on time,” he said.

The Sultan felicitates the Muslim ‘Ummah and indeed the entire Muslim world on the auspicious occasion of the 1444 A.H. Eid-ul-Fitr, praying to Allah to grant everyone the opportunity to witness many more of it.

He enjoined the ummah to look out for Shawwal moon after sunset on tomorrow (Thursday).

“If the crescent is sighted by Muslims in accordance with the moon sighting and verification standards, then Friday would be declared as the 1st of Shawwal and the day of ‘Idul Fitr. However, if the crescent is not sighted that day, then Saturday, 22nd April 2023, automatically becomes the day of ‘Idul Fitr.

“In addition to the established and traditional Islamic leaders in each locality, the members of the National Moon-Sighting Committee (NMSC) can be contacted to report any credible and positive sighting of the crescent of Shawwal 1444 AH. The Council encourages all Muslims to pray fervently to Allah, especially during the concluding part of Ramadan, for the peace, security and development of Nigeria,” he said.