By Seyi Babalola
Christians all over the world today and their Muslims counterpart begin this year’s fasting season today, Wednesday, February 22, 2023.
For the Christians it is Ash Wednesday, which is usually celebrated by the Catholic and Protestants faith. It signaled the beginning of the 40 days fasting known as the Lenten period, a tradition which took after the Lord Jesus Christ and Apostolic fathers, during which Christians fast until the Easter period which signifies Jesus’ passion, death and resurrection from the dead as taught in the Bible.
The day features the marking of the forehead with ash as a reminder of the human mortality and the need for reconciliation with God.
The day also coincides with the beginning of the month long Sha’aban for the Muslims.
The Sultan of Sokoto and the President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Abubakar Sa’ad III as the fisrt day of Sha’ban 1444AH.
Secretary of the moon sighting committee Yahaya Boyi announced the development in a statement on Tuesday.
The statement read: “Assalamu Alaikum. The Sultanate Council Sokoto has declared tomorrow Wednesday 22/2/2023 as the first day of Sha’ban 1444AH.
Sha’ban is the eighth month of the Islamic calendar that comes before the month of Ramadan, during which Muslims fast for a period of 29 or 30 days.