Haramain, traditional Islamic appellation of two holiest cities of Islam, Mecca and Medina, has on Monday announced that the new moon of the month of Ramadan has been sighted in Saudi Arabia.
The sighting of the new moon was announced via Twitter post by the two holy mosques, saying;
The moon has been sighted in Tumair, Saudi Arabia. #Ramadan 1442 will begin tonight.
May Allāh accept our siyām, qiyām & acts of worship and may He grant us the ability to utilise every precious moment of this Blessed month to engage in that which pleases Him. Aameen.
NEWS | The moon has been sighted in Tumair, Saudi Arabia. #Ramadan 1442 will begin tonight.
May Allāh ﷻ accept our siyām, qiyām & acts of worship and may He grant us the ability to utilise every precious moment of this Blessed month to engage in that which pleases Him. Aameen
— (@HaramainInfo) April 12, 2021
It then shared a footage from where the moon was sighted from today, with some Muslim faithful gathered around.
Footage from where the moon was sighted from today. pic.twitter.com/tsqKdC9ulq
— (@HaramainInfo) April 12, 2021
Meanwhile, since the geographical location of countries are different, Muslims in Nigeria are expected to await the sighting of the moon in Nigeria before commencing Ramadan.
Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) under the leadership of Sultan of Sokoto earlier announced on Sunday that Muslims should look for the new moon in Nigeria today.
Sultan Abubakar, who is the president of (NSCIA), gave the directive on Sunday in a statement issued by Prof. Sambo Junaidu, Chairman, Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sokoto state.
It stated;
This is to inform the Muslim Ummah that Monday, April 12, which is equivalent to the 29th day of Sha’aban 1442AH shall be the day to look for the new moon of Ramadan 1442AH.
Muslim are, therefore, requested to start looking for the crescent moon on Monday and report its sighting to the nearest District or Village Head for onward communication to the Sultan.
The Sultan prayed Allah to assist Muslims in the discharge of their religious duty.
However, speculations are that since it has been sighted in Saudi Arabia, there are high possiblities that it will be sighted in Nigeria today, meaning tomorrow – Tuesday April 13, 2021 will be Ramdan day 1.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar observed by Muslims worldwide as a month for fasting, prayer, reflection and assisting the needy.
