TheNewsGuru

Tag: Ramadan

  • Just in: Saudi Arabia sights Ramadan crescent moon fasting begins Saturday

    Just in: Saudi Arabia sights Ramadan crescent moon fasting begins Saturday

    Saudi Arabia has announced sighting the crescent of the new lunar month marking the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan in the kingdom.

    People in Saudi Arabia will observe their first fast tomorrow (Saturday).

    This was confirmed in post on Friday, February 28, 2024, by the Inside The Haramain, a publication that focused on the Two Holy Mosques in Islam.

    The post reads; “#Ramadan1446 Crescent has been SEEN in Saudi Arabia.

    “Subsequently, Saturday, 1st March 2025 is the beginning of the month of Ramadan.”

    Meanwhile, Muslims in Nigeria await the proclamation of the sighting of the Ramadan moon or otherwise by the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III.

    The Sultan earlier urged Muslims across Nigeria to begin searching for the new moon of Ramadan on Friday, February 28, 2025.

    The Sultan made the call in a statement signed by NSCIA Secretary-General Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, on Thursday.

    “Consequent upon the advice of the National Moon Sighting Committee (NMSC), the President-General enjoins the Nigerian Muslim Ummah to search for the crescent of Ramadan 1446 AH immediately after sunset on Friday, 28th February 2025 which is equivalent to 29th Sha’aban 1446 AH.

    “If the crescent is sighted by Muslims of impeccable character on the said evening, then His Eminence would declare Saturday, 1st March 2025 as the first day of Ramadan 1446 AH. If, however, the crescent is not sighted that day, then, Sunday, 2nd March 2025, automatically becomes the first of Ramadan, 1446 AH,” Sultan Abubakar said.

    Ramadan falls on the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, which consists of 12 months in a year of 354 or 355 days.

    Over a billion Muslims usually will during the month to practice patience and self-control while also promoting charity and welfare.

    The Ramadan fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam and is considered mandatory for all healthy Muslims. However, young children, sick individuals, travelers, and women who are pregnant, nursing or menstruating are exempt.

  • Sokoto govt to spend N998m to feed Muslims during Ramadan

    Sokoto govt to spend N998m to feed Muslims during Ramadan

    The Sokoto State Government has earmarked N998 million for the 2025 Ramadan feeding programme to feed Muslims during the Islamic fasting period.

    It was gathered that the feeding programme will take place at 155 designated feeding centres across the State.

    Speaking at the distribution of food items for the feeding centre managers on Tuesday in Sokoto, Gov. Ahmad Aliyu said each centre would be provided with assorted foodstuff and cooking utensils.

    According to him, 1,400 persons were engaged for the exercise including 610 women as cooks.

    He said that no fewer than 20,000 persons were expected to be fed in each centre on a daily basis until the end of Ramadan fasting.

    Aliyu, who tasked managers of the centres on transparency also  urged residents’ to ensure orderliness during the exercise.

    The governor announced that 990 bags of maize were also distributed to 2,400 religious leaders in another segment of the Ramadan fasting support scheme.

    He said each Mosque Imam received five bags of maize and N100,000, the Deputy Imams got three bags of maize and N50,000 each, while the Mu’adhins were given two bags of maize and N50,000 each.

    Aliyu added that 300 Islamic scholars selected from wards were also provided with N200,000 each, while another 100 scholars were given N100,000 each.

    The governor further said 10 Quranic scholars (Malaman Zaure) from each ward across the 23 local government areas have been selected to receive N50,000 each.

    He said the gesture was aimed at empowering them so as to continue rendering religious obligations at the grassroots.

    ”This support is intended to assist them and their families, with a view to enable them to focus on their vital religious responsibilities during the sacred period.

    ”The gesture is in appreciation of the numerous spiritual contributions these scholars give to people of the state in order to ensure that Islamic activities especially at the grassroots level are being run unhindered,” Aliyu said.

    In his remark, the Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Dr Jabir Maihula, said the exercise was expanded from the previous years, noting that it started during the administration of former Gov. Aliyu Wammako.

    Maihula said that the Ramadan feeding programme had provided Job opportunities to many people and enhanced commercial activities in the state.

  • Sultan announces Eid el-Fitr for Nigeria

    Sultan announces Eid el-Fitr for Nigeria

    Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the National Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), has declared Tuesday as the 30th day of Ramadan and Eid-El-Fitr to be celebrated on Wednesday.

    Abubakar’s declaration came through a statement signed by Prof. Sambo Janaidu, Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs of the Sultanate Council Sokoto.

    The statement reads: ”The Sultanate Council’s Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, in conjunction with the National Moon Sighting Committee did not receive any reports across the country confirming sighting of the new moon of Shawwal 1445AH on Monday.

    “Therefore, Tuesday, April 9, is declared as the 30th day of the month of Ramadan 1445AH.

    “The Sultan has accepted the report and accordingly,  declared Wednesday, April 10, as the first day of Shawwal 1445AH, the day of Eid-El-Fitr,” it said.

    The statement said Abubakar extended his felicitations to the Nigerian Muslim Ummah and wished them Allah’s guidance and blessings.

    The Sultan, while urging Muslims to continue praying for peace, pprogres and development in the country, also wished them a happy Eid-El-Fitr.

    Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar, immediately follows Ramadan, marking the commencement of Eid-El-Fitr.

    The month symbolises new beginnings and spiritual rejuvenation after a month of purification, offering ample opportunities to sustain the positive habits cultivated during Ramadan.

  • FG declares Tuesday, Wednesday public holidays to mark Eid-el-Fitr

    FG declares Tuesday, Wednesday public holidays to mark Eid-el-Fitr

    The federal government has declared Tuesday, 9th and Wednesday, 10th April, 2024 as public holidays to mark Eid-el-Fitr celebration.

    The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the federal government congratulated all Muslim Ummah for the successful completion of the fasting in the holy month of Ramadan.

    Dr. Tunji-Ojo called on Muslim Ummmah to imbibe and practice the virtues that entails kindness, love, tolerance, peace, good neighbourliness, compassion as exemplified by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him).

    In a statement signed by the ministry’s permanent secretary, Aishetu Gogo Ndayako, urged Nigerians to continue in the spirit of unity in order to improve and achieve peace and oneness in the country.

    The Minister wished all Muslim Ummah a happy Eid-el-Fitr celebration and prays that the peace, blessings and favour of Allah be with everyone.

  • Akpabio breaks fast with Muslim colleagues, says “religion cannot divide us”

    Akpabio breaks fast with Muslim colleagues, says “religion cannot divide us”

    Nigerian Senate President Godswill Akpabio has called on Nigerians to continue to work together as brothers and sisters irrespective of their religious divide.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Senator Akpabio made the call while having Iftar with his Muslim colleagues on Monday in Abuja.

    In his remarks at the occasion which was also attended by some Senators who are of the Christian faith, Akpabio declared that “religion cannot divide us”.

    He stressed that it was not a mere coincidence that the Christian Lenten and Muslim Ramadan periods came up again at the same time.

    He said it was to show that even though Muslims and Christians have different religions, they both have only one God, the Supreme God.

    “I want to congratulate all of us for breaking fast today and thank Almighty Allah for keeping us alive to see this day and pray that He will continue to protect us and continue to look after our health, look after our families through this Ramadan period and also use this opportunity to congratulate you on the Easter celebration.

    “It is not a coincidence that God is merging the fasting of the Muslims and that of Christians together. This is about the second or third time it is happening.

    “The intention is to show that we may have different religions, but we have only one God and that God is the Supreme God that looks after all of us.

    “So to the glory of God, the invitation was for those of us who are still around. Those who have not yet gone to Saudi Arabia particularly for these last 10 days of Ramadan, that we should meet and break the fast together.

    “And of course, we also invited the Christian Senators to come. For them, it’s a celebration of the Easter period. Coming together is all that we need. We need to continue to work together as brothers and sisters of the one Almighty God, for the benefit of our dear country. Religion cannot divide us.

    “No matter the turmoil, no matter the political disagreement, even families do disagree. But we must bear one thing in mind, that we are serving humanity and we are serving humanity through Almighty God and that one day, we shall leave this world to go and account for our deeds while we were on earth. I think that is the guiding principle.

    “For every human being, there is a time to be born. There is a time to go. And this period of Ramadan, this period of Easter, reconnects us with God so that we know that we are not in this world for nothing.

    “He sends us here for a purpose and that purpose is to live in peace with one another,  love one another, pray together, work for one another to ensure progress for humanity.

    “So, on departing, we would have left legacies, an imprint that yes, we were here and others will take over from us. My prayer tonight is that God should enable us to leave a better future for all Nigerians,” Akpabio said.

    Responding on behalf of other Senators present, the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, thanked the Senate President for inviting them to have Iftar with him.

    “We are really grateful. This invitation is a demonstration of the care that you have for all Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We all know you as a very caring leader, someone who cares about the welfare of all Senators.

    “This invitation has reinforced what we know about you. There is an adage in Hausa language that says: Inviting you to come is more delicious than the food.

    “So when we heard about the invitation, we were very happy that you have us in mind and that you are very caring. So we thank you very much.

    “May the Almighty Allah continue to be our guide, continue to support us as we work with the Executive arm of government to face the challenges we have and by the grace of God, we are going to change our challenges to prosperity.

    “Within a short time by the grace of God, this country will become a land of eldorado,” Senator Jibrin said.

  • SAD! Bandits k!ll politician during Ramadan prayers, abduct wife, daughters

    SAD! Bandits k!ll politician during Ramadan prayers, abduct wife, daughters

    A terrible incident happened in Mairuwa village, within the Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State, where bandits attacked worshippers during Ramadan prayers on Saturday night.

    The assault resulted in the death of at least two individuals, with another person sustaining injuries.

    One of the victims was a well-known figure, Alhaji Lado, who was believed to be the main target of the attackers.

    Lado, characterized as a businessman, politician, and prominent farmer, was reportedly killed for defying the demands of the assailants.

    A source who spoke with the platform on the development said, “They opened fire on him when they attempted to kidnap him but he refused to follow them.”

    One of the survivors of the mosque attack told the platform that the attackers kidnapped the wife and two daughters of Alhaji Lado.

    An eyewitness claimed that the other victim of the attack was a health worker he simply identified as Sani.

    “He worked at the Mairuwa Health Facility,” the witness said.

  • Ramadan: Muslim women can delay menstrual cycle to fast – Cleric

    Ramadan: Muslim women can delay menstrual cycle to fast – Cleric

    Malam Salaudeen Abdulkadir, the Chief Missioner of Igbomina-Ekiti Muslim Forum, says Muslim women who don’t want to miss their fasting,  can medically delay the menstrual cycle.

    Abdulkadir made the statement in Ilorin while delivering the Annual Ramadan Lecture,  organised by the Igbomina-Ekiti Muslim Forum, National Headquarters.

    The chief missioner emphasised that as long as the process did not endanger the lives of the women, they could alter their cycle to fast the complete month of Ramadan.

    He explained that Islam was applicable in every era or situation, adding that experts on Islamic Jurisprudence had researched and reached the conclusion that a woman could delay her cycle if she so desired to do so.

    He stated that Allah had mandated Ramadan fasting on believing Muslims, adding that this was for health and spiritual rejuvenation.

    Abdulkadir,  who is also the Chief Imam of Olanrewaju Mosque, reminded that Allah did not overburden man beyond his capacity.

    The cleric warned Muslims against following cultures against the practices of Islam, adding that screaming, shouting or calling Almighty Allah’s name in vain is totally prohibited.

    “You do not shout the name of Allah or call his name in vain. Allah has taught us ways on calling on him and getting nearer to him.

    “When you obey Allah, He will hold you in high regards. You must folow his injunctions to become nearer to Allah,” he advised.

    Similarly, Abdulkadir emphasised the importance of reading the Holy Quran, adding that “Ramadan is the month of the Quran”.

    He pointed out that Ramadan was not prescribed for the very sick, and that if life was threatened due to fasting, then they were excused from the obligation.

    He added that though other culutres came with their own form of fasting, Ramadan fasting was unique as it was prescribed by Allah, who instructed Muslims on its process.

    Also, Alhaji Nasuredeen Ibrahim, the National President of the Association, enjoined Muslims on the remembrance of Allah and being grateful to him at all times and circumstances.

    “Our gratefulness to Allah must be deep, because He is bountiful,” he said.

    According to him, “Ramadan fasting is like taking a car for repair to the mechanic, as we need Annual renewal of spiritual rejuvenation and vigour.”

    Commenting on the economic situation in the country, he asvised that this was the best time to get closer to Allah for all challenges.

    “We should do the little we can. Allah has not overburdened us and He will accept. But you cannot reduce the mandated Ibadah,” he said.

    Ibrahim explained that the Igbomina-Ekiti Muslim Association started 30 years ago with the mandate to create unity and togetherness among people of the area.

    He added that though there were challenges, the association was reaching out to youths and other well meaning Muslims association for development and propagation of Islam.

  • General public advised not to eat around Muslims observing Ramadan fast

    General public advised not to eat around Muslims observing Ramadan fast

    The Chief Imam of Falomo Lagos Central Mosque, Dr Tajudeen Adebayo, has advised the public to respect the sensibility of fasting Muslim faithful by avoiding eating in their presence.

    Adebayo said that eating in the public during the hours of fasting, debased the sensibility of those fasting and could discourage people from the self-denial ritual.

    The Cleric spoke in Lagos on Thursday, against the backdrop of some Muslims that were caught eating when they should be fasting.

    Recall Hisbah, the Islamic Police, on Wednesday in Kano arrested 10 men and a female groundnut vendor for allegedly eating in the public during the hours of fasting.

    The Hisbah spokesperson, Mr Lawal Fagge, who confirmed the arrest, said that the men were arrested near a Kano market while the female vendor was caught eating from her wares.

    Fagge said that the arrest was facilitated by a tip-off from onlookers.

    Commenting on the incident, the Lagos cleric said that in an ideal Islamic setting, fasting during Ramadan is sacred and should be respected by all.

    “Fasting is mandatory on every mature healthy Muslim who is not on a journey.

    “Exempted from fasting are sick people, travellers, the elderly, pregnant and breastfeeding women who cannot bear it.

    “Women who are experiencing their monthly flow or childbirth bloods are exempted too.

    “However, those who have excuses valid enough to be exempted from fasting,  either permanently or tentatively, are expected.

    “It is courteous for others to respect the sensibility of those who are fasting by not eating publicly.

    According to him, it is on that ground of insensitivity to the feelings of the general public that they were arrested.

  • Ramadan: Hisbah operatives arrest 12 adults for eating during fasting hours

    Ramadan: Hisbah operatives arrest 12 adults for eating during fasting hours

     

    The Operatives of Kano State Hisbah Board on Wednesday arrested 12 adults caught eating in broad daylight while fasting is ongoing.

    The arrest was effected following a raid carried out by the board at several places including areas around Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, Kofar Wambai, France road, Igbo road, Bata, Yankaba and Mallam Kato market.

     

    The arrested persons are accused of shunning fasting despite announcement across radio stations and other media platforms about the sighting of the moon.

    However, the accused persons said they are among those who won’t fast until they see the moon with their two eyes and were not aware of the announcement because they neither have radio nor mobile phones.

    While the other confessed to eating cassava inside the market, another said he had an ulcer attack, hence the reason for eating.

    The Deputy Commandant General of the board, Dr. Mujahidin Aminuddin Abubakar, said the raid would continue across all nooks and crannies of the state until everyone join the fasting in accordance with Islamic dictates

  • 11 arrested for eating while observing Ramadan fast

    11 arrested for eating while observing Ramadan fast

    The religious police force in Kano State known as the Hisbah Corps has arrested and detained 11 individuals in the State for eating food while observing fast during Ramadan.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Lawal Fagge, Hisbah Spokesperson made this known while noting those who were arrested included ten men and one woman.

    Hisbah Corps is responsible for the enforcement of Sharia to Muslims in Kano State and other parts of northern Nigeria.

    During its yearly Ramadan enforcement activities, Hisbah conducted arrests as part of searches at restaurants and markets.

    Fagge disclosed that the woman arrested was caught eating food from her groundnut-selling stall.

    He mentioned that the arrests happened all over the city, especially close to the markets.

    Fagge also explained that non-Muslims don’t have to follow these rules, but if they sell food to Muslims during fasting hours, it might be considered a violation.

    “We got 11 persons on Tuesday, including a lady selling groundnuts who was seen eating from her wares, and some persons alerted us.

    “The other 10 were men and were arrested across the city especially close to markets where a lot of activities happen.

    “We don’t arrest non-Muslims because this doesn’t concern them, and the only time they could be guilty of a crime is when we find out they cook food to sell to Muslims that are supposed to be fasting,” Fagge said.