Speaking at a press conference to commence the 11th Triennial Conference of Asar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria held in Abeokuta on Thursday.
Dr. Sanni emphasized the significance of leadership in Islam, stating that unity in decision-making is critical to the faith.
He noted that the Amir Hajj and the unanimously agreed leader of Nigerian Muslims remains the Sultan of Sokoto.
“In Islam, issue of leadership is very critical, we all know as a matter of fact that the Amir Hajj and the head of Muslims in Nigeria as at today and has unanimously agreed is the Sultan of Sokoto, consequently even the Quran says it that Almighty Allah hate those people who deviate from agreed terms and situations.
For Ansar ud deen Society of Nigeria and overseas, the authority to say this is the time that you’re going to to start, either the Ramadan or you’re going to observed the Eid el kabir is the Sultan of Sokoto and that as been our policies for years and it will remain so” Dr Sanni stated.
Meanwhile, the National Missioner of Ansar-ud-Deen, Sheikh Abdul Rahman Olanrewaju, also addressed the ongoing debate on moon sighting discrepancies, clarifying that Saudi Arabia does not impose its calendar observations on other countries.
“The situation in Saudi Arabia is that Saudi Arabia rely on its own sightings, it doesn’t accept any other sighting apart from own and doesn’t advocate that any other entity should follow its own moon sightings.
“Every country has its own sightings, and this is reasonable, scientific, imperical and logical. Though there’s one moon but it doesn’t appear in all part of the world at the same time .
He further elaborated on the Islamic principles governing the start and end of Ramadan, stating that the lunar calendar operates independently across different regions.
“Starting and ending the moon of Ramadan is based on two things either sighting of the new crescent or the calculation of the number of days to be 30.
“So if you do not sight the moon then when you count 30days of shaban, then you’ll begin Ramadan, you don’t need to look for the new crescent or you count 30days of Ramadan, you don’t need to look for the new crescent, you just go ahead, celebrate the Eid.
On Nigeria’s moon sighting process, Sheikh Olanrewaju highlighted that the country follows its own established criteria, separate from that of Saudi Arabia.
He lamented that moon sighting debates in Nigeria often reflect the country’s political situation and widespread ignorance of Islamic principles.
He also cautioned against unnecessary power struggles, urging Nigerian Muslims to embrace unity and knowledge-based religious practice.
“No part of the Muslim world is obliged to follow the sightings of Saudi Arabia, the highest body in Saudi Arabia has made it clear that sightings for Saudi Arabia is for Saudi Arabia is not applicable to other countries and this is well accepted in Islamic law.
“But our situation in Nigeria is reflective of the political situation of Nigeria, and the fact that there’s widespread ignorance about the principles of Islam, there’s needless struggle for power and supremacy which is not acceptable in Islam.
“The National moon sighting committee has members from all part of the country, the North, North West, Noth East, North Central, South West, South South, South East, there are members for all these zones and every month we go out to sight for the moon and we document, why is it that the announcement is not made immediately after Magrib, is not so because we have to collate the report from all part of the country and verify the sighting against our lay down criteria.”
Earlier in his speech, the National President disclosed that 843 delegates will be in attendance at the 11th Triennial conference, with an additional 858 observers.
However, he clarified that observers would neither be able to vote nor be voted for during proceedings adding that the voting process would be conducted via secret ballot to ensure a fair and intimidation-free election.
He stressed that the conference will begin with courtesy visits to key leaders and traditional rulers in Ogun State, including the Executive Governor, His Excellency Prince Dapo Abiodun; the Alake of Egbaland; and the Chief Imam of Egbaland.
According to him , On Friday, April 18, the official opening ceremony will take place, featuring a keynote address by former Lagos State Governor and former Minister of Works, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN. Themed “Islam and Muslims: Responsibilities and Relevance in a Pluralistic World,” the address is expected to provide deep insights into the role of Muslims in contemporary society.
“The day’s events will also include a Jumat service at the ADS Mosque, Adedotun, followed by syndicate group discussions on key issues affecting the Muslim Ummah.
“Saturday, April 19, will feature a merit awards ceremony recognizing individuals and organizations that have significantly contributed to the society’s mission. Delegates will also engage in crucial business sessions, including constitutional discussions and report presentations.
“The conference will conclude on Sunday, April 20, with the presentation of final reports by the National President, National Secretary, National Treasurer, and Auditor."
