The Periscope Reporter
Following the announcement of the the sighting of the new moon, marking the beginning of month Ramadhan, President Muhammadu Buhari has joined the world leaders in welcoming the month of Ramadan, the month of fasting and intense devotion for Muslims.
In a message to Nigerians and Muslims all over the world through his spokesman Garba Shehu, the President said the period offers a unique opportunity to ”feel the hunger experienced by the poor so as to feel what it is like to be deprived and marginalized.”
“Muslims,” the President emphasized “should seek greater personal discipline, which is necessary for the realization of a great nation.”
He advised Muslim elite against food waste and extravagant spending while others face hunger and destitution, urging that they should care for their neighbours, the poor and the marginalized.
He also called for prayers for peace in the country and beyond, and for healing and harmony throughout the world.
He wished all Muslims a successful completion of the 30-day fasting period.
Earlier, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs has announced that Ramadan will start in the country on Saturday, April 2.
The NSCIA President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, announced this on Friday in a broadcast.
He said the new moon was sighted in different parts of Nigeria and that reports of the crescent sighting were received from Muslim leaders and organisations across the country and beyond.
The Muslim fasting month of Ramadan starts on Saturday the whole world as Saudi Arabia was earlier reported to have sighted the moon marking the month Ramadhan.
During Ramadan, Muslims have to abstain from eating, drinking, and smoking from dawn to sunset.