Nigerians to start Ramadan fast on Wednesday

The Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, has announced that the Ramadan fast is to start on Wednesday.

The Secretary General of the Council, Ishaq Oloyede, said this in a statement.

The statement, broadcast on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) said the crescent had not been sighted, adding that tarawih supererogatory prayers would now be held Tuesday, with Ramadan fasting commencing Wednesday.

The holy month during which Muslims fast from dawn to dusk and strive to be more pious and charitable, begins with the sighting of the new moon, which varies from country to country.

Other Arab countries including Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar and Yemen, will also observe the start of Ramadan on Wednesday.

During Ramadan, Muslims are also required to abstain from drinking liquids, smoking and having sex from dawn until dusk. The fasting is one of the five main religious obligations under Islam.

The month is sacred to Muslims because tradition says it is the month in which the Koran was revealed by Allah to the Prophet Mohammed.