TheNewsGuru

Tag: Ramadan

  • Muslims end Ramadan fast, celebrate Eid-el-fitr today

    The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has declared Tuesday June 4, as the Eid-el-Fitr day marking the end of Ramadan fast.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Sultan announced the sighting of the new moon of Shawwal in a radio and television broadcast in Sokoto on Monday.

    Abubakar said that the new moon was sighted in Kaduna, Kebbi, Yobe, Borno, Jigawa and Sokoto State among others.

    He said: ”In accordance with Islamic law, we have the honour and pleasure to announce that today, Monday, the 29th day of Ramadan,1440 AH, which is equivalent of June 3, 2019 marks the end of Ramadan and the beginning of the new month of Shawwal.

    ”Reliable reports of moon sighting were received from Muslim leaders and religious organisations across the country, which were duly verified and authenticated by us, states and the National Moon Sighting Committee.

    ”Consequent upon this, tomorrow, Tuesday June 4, 2019 becomes the first day of Shawwal,1440 AH and is therefore declared the Sallah day for 2019 Eid-el-Fitr, ” he said.

    The Sultan urged the Muslim Ummah to sustain fervent prayers for the nation’s leaders
    for sustainable peace and unity in the country and beyond.

    The Sultan also urged Nigerians to continue to live in peace irrespective of religious, ethnic and cultural differences.

  • Ramadan: I’m dedicated to eating three meals a day – Pres. Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday said he is “dedicated to eating three meals a day”.

    The President made this known while breaking the Ramadan fast with cabinet members and security chiefs on Tuesday evening.

    “I’m dedicated to eating three meals a day. It may not show, but those close to me know it, that I don’t miss any meals. But when Ramadan comes, I don’t have a choice,” he said.

    Earlier, Buhari, in his Ramadan message, had challenged Muslim ummah to use the opportunity offered by Ramadan to increase their love for humanity, acts of charity, kindness, generosity and gratitude.

    According to him, fasting is not just merely meant to stay hungry or thirsty, but an opportunity to strive for inner purification and self-accountability.

    “It is meant to inculcate righteousness and discipline,” he said.

    He stated that the Holy Prophet Muhammad used to spend very generously on the poor and the needy during this period.

    The President, therefore, urged Muslims in the country and all over the world to copy the good example.

    He called on all Nigerians to always remember “men and women who are less fortunate than themselves and to help the government in confronting the challenges facing the nation”.

    The President prayed Allah to grant all Muslims the strength to successfully complete the fasting period.

     

  • Sultan announces Thursday beginning of Ramadan fasting

    Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto has declared Thursday as the first day for the beginning of the Ramadan fasting in Nigeria.

    Sultan Abubakar announced the sighting of the new crescent in Sokoto on Wednesday in a broadcast.

    He said the new moon was sighted in various places across the country that includeed Sokoto, Niger, Yobe, Port Harcourt, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa and other areas.

    The Sultan said reports of the moon sighting were received from Muslim leaders and organizations across the country.

    “Opun due verification and authentication by the national moon sighting committee and states committees’ confirmation, as well as routine scrutiny, the sighting of the new moon of Ramadan signifies the end of Sha’aban 1439 AH.

    ”In accordance with Islamic alaw, Muslim Ummah are to commence fasting on Thursday accordingly.”

    He enjoined all Muslims to devote themselves fully to the worship of Allah throughout the holy month, and use the period to pray for the progress, peace and prosperity of the nation.

    “We further called on Nigerians to continue to live peacefully with one another irrespective of religious and tribal difference,” he said.

    Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar in which Muslims observe one month fasting.

    Fasting in the month of Ramadan, one of the five pillars of Islam, is a compulsory religious obligation on all adult Muslims.

  • Eid-el-Fitri: Sustain virtues beyond Ramadan, Ambode urges Muslims

    The Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Sunday congratulated Muslims for the successful completion of Ramadan, just as he urged them to sustain the Godly virtues exhibited during the fasting period.

    Governor Ambode, who spoke at some of the twenty centres designated by the State Government to celebrate the Eid-el-Fitri, urged Muslims to sustain the spirit of love, brotherhood, tolerance and care which were dutifully demonstrated during the Ramadan, and also not forget the lessons which the season was meant to teach.

    He said: “As you celebrate this special day, I enjoin you all to sustain the spirit of love, brotherhood, tolerance and care which were dutifully demonstrated during the Ramadan. Let us not forget the lessons that Ramadan was meant to teach us which include the fear of Allah and care for the less-privileged in our society.”

    The Governor identified harmonious co-existence among all adherents of various religions in the country as a necessary impetus to bring about peace, progress and prosperity.

    He said every religion preaches peace and harmonious co-existence among all people, and that it was important for the people to continue to live by such principle to foster growth and economic prosperity.

    The Governor said he was highly appreciative of the support extended to his administration by religious leaders, as well as the religious tolerance and cooperation existing in the State, pledging never to take it for granted.

    While specifically thanking Islamic scholars and leaders in the State for their prayers and support, Governor Ambode assured that the State Government would continue to uphold and protect the right of all citizens to freedom of belief and freedom of worship.

    “Let me again use this opportunity to pledge our commitment to uphold and protect the right of all citizens to freedom of belief and freedom of worship. Every religion preaches peace and harmonious co-existence among all people.

    “We must continue to live by this principle so that our State and nation will continue to grow in peace, progress and prosperity,” he said.

    Besides, the Governor reiterated the commitment of his administration towards upholding and enhancing security of lives and property of residents, just as he urged the people to continue to support and cooperate with all security agencies including the recently inaugurated Neighborhood Safety Corps as they strive to keep the State safe.

    In his sermon at Evans Square, Ebute-Metta, Leader of Conference of Islamic Organizations of Nigeria, Imam Abdulahi Shuaib thanked God for the Governors He has blessed the State with, and the wisdom given to former Governor of the State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to identify the leadership qualities in Governor Ambode.

    He said in just two years, the State has witnessed massive transformation in all sectors and sections, saying that it was obvious that Governor Ambode was governing with the fear of God.

    “Look at the 114 roads that were constructed in all the Local Government areas and Local Council Development Areas; the traffic nightmare in Abule Egba has been solved with the construction of flyover and inner roads; over 365 streets have been light up courtesy of the Light Up Lagos Initiative; security has been enhanced with purchase of 3 helicopters, gun boats, patrol vehicles and Armored Personnel Carriers, among others; the healthcare system too has received massive boost with the purchase of Mobile Intensive Care Ambulances and upgrade of our health centres.

    “Governor Ambode has done a lot but like Oliver twist, there is room to do more but all I will say is to ask the people to continue to support him with prayers,” Shuaib said.

    Also, Chief Imam of Lagos Central Division, Sheik Sabiti Akani Owowunmi commended the Governor for his giant strides so far, and prayed for a successful tenure of office.

    The Governor was represented at some of the twenty centres by his wife, Mrs Bolanle Ambode and other State functionaries, while the celebration featured recitation of Quran, quiz and dance competitions, among others.

     

  • Eid-el-Fitr: Sultan declares today Sallah as Buhari speaks from London

    The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, said, the end of Ramadan fast is on Sunday after the new moon was sighted in parts of the country, including Borno, Yobe and Adamawa.

    The Sultan, therefore, asked Muslims all over Nigeria to cease to fast as it is not permitted to fast on Sallah day.

    Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has sent a Sallah message, last night,congratulating Nigerians while cautioning against reckless statements or actions.

    Senate President Bukola Saraki, several state governors, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, among others, sued for unity and peace on the occasion of the Sallah celebration.

    Buhari congratulated Muslims and Christians on the occasion of the Eid-el-Fitr, urging all citizens to resolve to live in peace and avoid making reckless statements.

    The President in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, urged Nigerians to live together in peace and unity so as to make the country a great one.

  • BREAKING: Nigeria,Saudi Arabia, 16 other countries announce end of Ramadan, Sunday is Eid-el-Fitr

    Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Malaysia, Indonesia the United Arab Emirates and 15 other countries have announced an end to this year’s Ramadan Fast.

    President-General of the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs and Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, announced this evening that the crescent moon of Shawwal has been sighted in Borno, Adamawa and other places.

    Nigeria and the countries where the moon has been sighted to mark the end of the fasting period have, therefore fixed Sunday as the first day of Eid-el-Fitr 1438.

    Eid al-Fitr is usually commemorated to mark the end of the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan.

    According to Al jazeera television, “Turkey and Muslim communities in North America, Europe and Australia had previously announced they would celebrate Eid al-Fitr from Sunday June 25 based on astronomical calculations.

    “Oman, however, has not sighted the moon, and thus declared Monday June 26 as the first day of Eid al-Fitr.

    “Bangladesh, Pakistan, India will be sighting the moon on Sunday. These countries started Ramadan on May 28 and so Sunday will be the 29th of Ramadan for them.”

    All the countries who have confirmed Sunday as Eid-el-Fitr are Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Iraq (Sunnis), Indonesia, Jordan, Kuwait, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Lebanon, Malaysia, UAE, UK, United States and Yemen.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that Nigeria is yet to announce the sighting of the moon.

    However, the TheNewsGuru.com reports that the Federal Government on Thursday declared Monday and Tuesday (June 26 and 27) next week public holidays to mark the 2017 Eid-El-Fitr celebrations.

  • 2017 Ramadan: Fasting ends on Saturday – NASRDA

    2017 Ramadan: Fasting ends on Saturday – NASRDA

    The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) has said this year’s Ramadan fast will come to an end on Saturday.

    NASRDA explained that the appearance of the first astronomical lunar crescent for the month of June 2017, which signifies the end of Ramadan fast will be recorded in Nigeria on 25th June, 2017 between the hours of 6.29pm and 8.40pm.

    The Head of Media and Corporate Communications of the Agency, Dr. Felix Ale, in a statement on Monday said that the first appearance of the moon can only be sighted with the eyes given a very cloudless sky without any atmospheric disturbance.

    The first lunar crescent can be best sighted with the aid of charged couple device imaging, astronomical telescope or any optical astronomy instrument.

    Ale stated that the proper sighting of the crescent with the eyes, will bring to an end the on-going Ramadan fast, as would be officially announced by His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto to all Muslim faithfuls in line with Islamic tradition.

  • Ramadan: Church shares food to 500 fasting Muslims in Kaduna

    Ramadan: Church shares food to 500 fasting Muslims in Kaduna

    The Christ Evangelical Intercessory Fellowship Ministry, Sabon Tasha, Kaduna has doled out over 500 food packages to Muslims, since the beginning of the Ramadan.

    Pastor Yohanna Buru,the Church General Overseer, told the News Agency of Nigeria [NAN] in Kaduna on Monday that the food packages and drinks were shared out to destitutes and the poor.

    He said that the Church was in the forefront of promoting religious tolerance in Kaduna State, adding that the gesture was to deepen peaceful co-existence between Muslims and Christians.

    “We must support our brothers and sisters with what to eat in these 30 days, in view of the high cost of food items in local markets.

    “This gesture will strengthen good relationship with Muslims and promote religious tolerance and better understanding among different faiths.”

    According to him, it is not the first time the church is distributing foodstuffs to needy Muslims during the Ramadan.

    Buru recalled that the Church had distributed over 1,000 packaged food and drinks to Internally Displaced Persons, destitutes and prison inmates in 2016.

    The cleric stressed that Islam and Christianity have many things in common as contained in the Bible and Qur’an, adding, “we are all brothers and sisters and must support each other to live in peace and harmony.”

    He decried the negative attitude of traders who usually take advantage of the Ramadan to hike prices of goods, saying that the action negates every tenet of religion.

    Buru appealed to wealthy Muslims and Christians nationwide to support the poor, including widows and orphans to ease their pains.

    One of the beneficiaries, Malam Wambai Isa, who is the leader of visually impaired persons in the state, commended Buru for his relentless efforts to bring succour to less privileged persons.

     

     

    NAN

  • Nighttime, early morning IS bombings kill 31 in Baghdad

    A massive bombing by the Islamic State group outside a popular ice cream shop in central Baghdad and a rush hour car bomb in another downtown area killed at least 31 people on Tuesday, Iraqi officials said.

    AP reports that the attacks come as IS militants are steadily losing more territory to US-backed Iraqi forces in the battle for Mosul, the country’s second-largest city. The Sunni extremists are increasingly turning to insurgency-style terror attacks to detract from their losses.

    The nighttime attack outside the ice cream parlor in the bustling Karrada neighborhood killed 17 people and also wounded 32, police and health officials said.

    A closed-circuit camera captured the moment of the explosion, the video showing a busy downtown avenue, with cars driving down the street when the blast strikes. A huge fireball then engulfs a building, forcing the cars to scramble to get away. Other videos of the attack posted on social media show wounded and bloodied people crying for help on the sidewalk outside the ice cream parlor.

    In the second attack, an explosives-laden car went off during rush hour near the state-run Public Pension Office in Baghdad’s busy Shawaka area, killing 14, a police officer said. At least 37 people were wounded in that attack, he added.

    All officials spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations.

    In separate online statements, IS claimed responsibility for the two attacks, saying its suicide bombers targeted gatherings of Shiites. The Associated Press could not verify the authenticity of the statements but they were posted on a militant website commonly used by extremists.

    The attacks came just days into the holy month of Ramadan when Muslims fast during daylight hours. After sundown, families break their fast and Baghdad’s restaurants and cafes quickly fill up with people staying up long into the night.

    During Ramadan last year, another section of Karrada was hit by massive suicide bombing that killed almost 300 people, the deadliest single attack in the Iraqi capital in 13 years of war. The attack was also claimed by IS.

    Details of how the militants managed to stage Tuesday’s attacks were not immediately clear. After last year’s attack, Iraqi authorities stepped up security in Karrada, especially in the area of the bombing.

    In the northern city of Mosul, Iraqi troops are pushing IS fighters out of their last strongholds. Iraqi commanders say the offensive, which recently entered its eight month, will mark the end of the IS caliphate in Iraq, but concede the group will likely increase insurgent attacks in the wake of military defeats.

     

     

    AP

  • Fasting: Sultan declares Saturday 1st Ramadan

    Fasting: Sultan declares Saturday 1st Ramadan

    The Sultan of Sokoto,Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has declared Saturday, May 27, as 1st Ramadan, 1438 AH, signifying the commencement of the annual long-month fast by Muslims.

    The News Agency of Nigeria( NAN) reports that Abubakar announced the sighting of the new moon in Sokoto, on Friday, in a broadcast.

    Abubakar said that the new moon was sighted in various states of the country including Kebbi, Lagos, Adamawa, Bauchi, Delta, Cross River and Benue.

    The Sultan stated that the reports of the sighting of the new moon were received from Muslim leaders and organizations across the nation.

    Abubakar further said that the reports were duly verified and authenticated by the National Moon Sighting Committee.

    He said that the sighting of the new moon of Ramadan also signified the end of Sha’aban, 1438AH.

    The Sultan, therefore, called on the Muslim ummah to commence fasting accordingly.

    Abubakar implored the Muslim Ummah to devote themselves fully to worship throughout the Holy month.

    ” We should also pray fervently for the blessings of Allah for President Muhammadu Buhari and others in leadership positions in Nigeria.

    ”This is to enable them to succeed in steering the affairs of our dear country, as well as sustenance of peace and stability in Nigeria and the world,” he urged.

    He further called on Nigerians to continue to live peacefully with one another, irrespective of religious and tribal differences.

    Ramadhan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and the month in which the Quran was revealed.

    Fasting during the month of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam.