Leader of Nigerian Muslims and the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, has enjoined traders to neither hoard food products, nor unduly hike the prices of consumer goods during the month of Ramadan fast.

Mr Abubakar, the President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) made the appeal in a statement by the Director of Administration, NSCIA, Zubairu Usman-Ugwu, on Thursday in Abuja.

The Sultan enjoined Muslims all over the country to be on the lookout for the announcement on the night of Friday (April 1) for the commencement of the 1443 AH Ramadan fast.

He also appealed to endowed Muslims in the country to extend acts of charity to the less privileged within their neighbourhoods before, during and after the month of Ramadan.

“The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), under the leadership of its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, felicitates with the entire Muslim Ummah on the auspicious occasion of the forthcoming 1443AH Ramadan Fast.

“The Council prays that Allah spares the lives of every Muslim to participate in the ibaadah (worship) exercise and to maximise the benefits therein.

“Consequent upon the advice of the National Moon Sighting Committee (NMSC), Sultan enjoins the Nigerian Muslim Ummah to search for the crescent of Ramadan 1443AH immediately after sunset on Friday, April 1, 2022, which is equivalent to Sha’aban 29, 1443AH.

“If the crescent is sighted by Muslims of impeccable character on the said evening, then the Sultan will declare Saturday, April 2, 2022, as the first day of Ramadan 1443AH.

“If, however, the crescent is not sighted that day, then, Sunday, April 3, 2022, automatically becomes the first of Ramadan, 1443AH,” the statement read in part.

Sultan, therefore, enjoined all Muslims to be more prayerful unto Allah, especially in the month of Ramadan to help the nation, the world in general and leaders in particular to overcome the current challenges confronting the nation and the world.

“Furthermore, the Council urges Muslims and non-Muslims alike to be vigilant and take extra security and health-measures to protect ourselves, loved ones and neighbours.

“Fasting brothers and sisters should ensure they have enough rest and consume sufficient fluid after each day’s fast,” it stated.

NAN