– Nigerians begin Ramadan on June 6 as Sultan of Sokoto announces its commencement
– He also condemned the beheading of woman in Kano for alleged blasphemy
Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has announced the beginning of the Ramadan on Monday, June 6, after the sighting of the new moon in different places.
The Sultan said that the moon was sighted in many places across Nigeria and as such Muslims are awaited to start a month-long fasting as recommended by the Almighty Allah in the Holy Quran.
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He said: “I have the greatest pleasure to announce to you that today June 5, 2016 marked the end of Shaaban and therefore Monday June 6, 2016 marks the beginning of Ramadan 1437 AH.
“Reliable reports from Muslim leaders across the country show that the new moon of Ramadan has been sighted in various parts of the country. I urge you all to use the opportunity to offer prayers for peace and development of this country.”
Abubakar advised all Muslims to use the period to pray for the success of the leadership of Nigeria as well as peace and stability.
The Sultan further advised them to keep a harmonious relationship with one another irrespective of religion and tribal differences.
In the related development, he has condemned recent killings of Christians in Kano and Niger states for supposed blasphemy. He defined the killings and inhuman and unislamic and called on Nigerians to avoid actions that could cause to the breach of law and order.
READ ALSO: Why everybody wants to be a part of Ramadan
At the same time, President Muhammadu Buhari has said that the month of Ramadan is a period of spiritual re-awakening which demands not only abstention from food and drinks, but also from all wrongdoings.
