We will follow Sultan’s directives on Ramadan commencement, says MUSWEN president
The Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN) has expressed concern over reports of purported announcements by some individuals and groups regarding the commencement date of Ramadan. The announcement was
The Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN) has expressed concern over reports of purported announcements by some individuals and groups regarding the commencement date of Ramadan.
The announcement was made ahead of and in disregard for the established and recognised process of moon sighting under the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.
MUSWEN, in a statement by its President, Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, disassociated the Muslims of the South West from such “premature and unauthorised declarations.”
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The body reiterated that the Sultan of Sokoto/President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and Amir-al-Mu'minin of Nigerian Muslims remains the sole and legitimate authority vested with the responsibility of announcing the official commencement of Ramadan in Nigeria, following the verified sighting of the new moon on the last day of Sha’aban.
Alhaji Oladejo, who is the NSCIA Deputy President-General (South), said: “For decades, this time-honoured process has ensured unity, order, and adherence to Islamic principles across the country. Any announcement made outside this framework not only undermines constituted Islamic authority but also risks creating unnecessary confusion and disunity within the Ummah.
“In this regard, MUSWEN respectfully appeals to the scholars and groups involved to refrain from actions or pronouncements capable of further polarising the Muslim community. The organisation urges them to join hands with the Amir-ul-Mu’minin in the collective effort to promote unity, harmony, and cohesion among Muslims across Nigeria.
“We call on all Muslims in the South West and beyond to disregard such announcements and to continue to look towards the official declaration by the Sultan of Sokoto for guidance on the commencement of the Ramadan fast.
“We reaffirm our unflinching confidence in the leadership, wisdom, and commitment of the Amir-al-Mu'minin to the unity and well-being of the Nigerian Muslim community, and urge all adherents to remain calm, law-abiding, and united in anticipation of the official announcement.”
