The President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Abubakar, has enjoined Muslims in Nigeria to look out for the crescent of Sha’aban 1445AH after sunset on Saturday, 29th Rajab, 1445AH (February 10, 2024), ahead of this year’s Ramadan fasting.

Abubakar made the call in a statement by the Deputy Secretary-General of the NSCIA, Professor Salisu Shehu.

“Scientifically, the expected time for the conjunction of the moon is on Friday, February 9, 2024, by 11:59 pm. It is important to note that the moon appears and can be sighted usually long (even bearing other environmental factors) after the conjunction has taken place,” the statement read.

Sha’aban, the eighth lunar calendar month, indicates that this year’s Ramadan (9th lunar month) is expected to begin in early March.

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