Moon sighting is a subject that encapsulates the unity and if otherwise, the disunity of a Ummah. According to reports, some group of Muslims have already fixed a date for the commencement of Ramadan without regard to the rules and practice of the Prophet which we profess to follow. Fasting in the month of Ramadan is an act of worship and not in origin, a political matter or one directly related to the practical systems of Islam.

But certain developments within the nation’s Muslim community in the last three decades show a clear gulf indicating that the religious leaders have apparent irreconciliable views on certain fundamental matters concerning Islam. In 1981, the Maitatsine uprising, reportedly traced to religious extremism, virtually overran Kano and some other parts of the north while disagreements relating to the adoption of the Muslim Shariah legal system resulted in bloodbath in Kaduna in 2000.

The need for a change in our society, cannot be overemphasized. That is why the feeling and expectations of Nigerians are high today as President Muhammad Buhari takes over the baton of leadership. Nigeria, as we all know is currently mired in great challenges. The challenge of indiscipline, the challenge of corruption, terrorism, kidnapping and other form of insecurity; of favoritism, of ostentatiousness, of get-rich-quick of various kinds of impunity to mention a few.

What is certain is that by next Friday we will be in the month of Ramadan. It is another opportunity for spiritual rebirth, rejuvenation and nearness to Allah. How are we preparing for that rare and unusual month? How do we want to make a difference in our ways of worship, our supplication, our charity, love and kindness to others? How do we want to make the best out this heavenly grace for spiritual cleansing?

The National Council of Muslim Youth Organizations (NACOMYO) has commended Nigerians over the perseverance and understanding showed during the hardship caused by the fuel scarcity in the country. The group through its National President, Kamal’ddin Akintunde said that such perseverance symbolizes patriotism, asking them to sustain such endurance and remain committed towards national goal.