The holy month of Ramadan is here and is being celebrated across the globe. Also known as ‘Ramathan’ or ‘Ramzan’, it is widely celebrated by Islamic preachers by observing day-long Roza (fast) for 30 days. It is said this practice helps in detoxifying the soul and brings closer to Allah. However, like 2020, this year too it will be difficult to celebrate Ramadan due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Staying indoors is the new normal to curb the outspread of coronavirus, therefore, it gets very important to stay connected through calls and messages and social media.
Following the moon sighting, this year’s Ramadan started Tuesday 13 April, the Sultan of Sokoto, Saad Abubakar, had announced Monday. The sighting of this new moon marks the beginning of another month, Shawwal, and the celebration of the Islamic festival, Eid-l-Fitr.
Mr Abubakar, who is the President of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), pronounced in an announcement on NTA live broadcast.
He urged all Muslims to use the occasion of the holy month to pray fervently for the country, Nigeria and indulge in acts of charity so as to reap largely this month.
The NSCIA on Monday had given a guideline enjoining the Ummah to practice the global social distancing mandate during the 1442AH Ramadan.
“All COVID-19 protocols should be observed. I’tikaf should still be put on hold while strict observance of all COVID19 protocols including avoiding lengthy or crowded sessions should be observed,” it stated.
