Sighting of moon in Sokoto, Kebbi as Ramadan Fasting begins…Cleric tasks Muslims on charity

Sultan of Sokoto

It was with joy and prayers that the mandatory fasting in Islam, Ramadan kick started today, June 28, 2014 with the sighting of the moon in Sokoto and Kebbi States, respectively.
Professor Junaid Sokoto, spokesman of the Sultan of Sokoto and Chairman of the Moon Sighting Committee, made this announcement.
Meanwhile, an Ilorin cleric and imam, Alhaji Abdul-Hammed Abdullahi, has urged Nigerian Muslims to intensify their charity giving, spiritual purification and prayers for the country during Ramadan.
Abdullahi made the call while speaking with journalists on Friday in Ilorin on preparation for the 2014 Ramadan fast.

He explained that the holy Muslim month is a time for human beings to come together to renew their good deeds.
The imam advised Nigerians to engage in more spiritual activities, ask for forgiveness of sins and strive to attain righteousness and piety.
Abdullahi said fasting in the month of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam.
He noted that it is compulsory for all genuine Muslims to fast except for those exempted by the holy Quran.
The imam advised Muslims to wait for the sighting of the moon by leaders with proven integrity before commencing the fast.
He warned that Muslims who commences fasting before the announcement of sighting of the moon would be doing so against Allah’s injunction.
Abdullahi implored husbands to always appreciate the efforts of their spouses during the period.
According to him, Islamic injunction does not make it compulsory for women to do certain house chores during the Ramadan aside from the upbringing of their children.
Abdullahi called on all Nigerians to make concerted efforts to solve the insecurity challenges bedeviling the country.