NSCIA explains how Nigerian Muslims are portrayed in bad light, media failure in upholding the principles of truth, and encourages the Ummah for the forthcoming Ramadan.

By Sadiq Abdulfatah

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), led by its President-General and Amirul Mumineen, His Eminence, Alh. Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, commemorate the entire Muslim Ummah on the forthcoming month of fasting.

Disclosed in a released signed by Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, CON, FNAL (Kuliyan Sokoto)Secretary-General, NSCIA Draws reference from the Glorious Qur’an, (Qur’an 2:185) which explains that “whoever among you witnesses the month, let the person fast in it….” NSCIA announced that the crescent of the holy month should be searched for immediately after sunset on Tuesday, 17th February 2026 which is equivalent to 29th Sha’aban 1447 A.H. The National Moon Sighting Committee (NMSC) has put facilities in place to officially observe the process, in consultation with the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), and advise the leadership of the Nigerian Ummah.

Following the past year’s Islamophobic acts and insecurities, NSCIA said, Nigerian Muslims have found themselves in rising attacks and false claims that try to blame them for the country’s insecurities while some groups push the narratives of Christian genocide to attract foreign support, with the aim of creating conflict and turning Nigeria into a war zone where Muslims could greatly suffer.

In this current anti-Islamic obsession, Muslims are being pressured to reject actions they never supported, while the victims of Islamophobic act are being portrayed as aggressors.Muslims in Nigeria are now Double victims “suffering from Boko Haram and bandits, including the killing of about 200 Muslims in Kwara state and also facing situations that doesn’t make their pain visible. Many now see this unfair treatment is growing, as christains are seen to have foreign supporters while Muslims have none.

In all this, the media have consistently failed to uphold the principles of truth, fairness and objectivity in matters concerning Muslims. These assertions can be illustrated with the deliberate attempt to demonise Islam and Muslims by the media in the case of Yunusa (a Muslim) versus Eze Oruru (a Christian) in 2015, with the incident sensationalised as Muslim jihad to forcefully convert a Christian minor into Islam. Then, a media mob trial of Muslims in general preceded the eventual trial and conviction of Yunusa. Conversely, in 2026, it is now public that for years, one Christian, Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi had abducted a Muslim minor, Walida Abdullahi, and allegedly forced her both into marriage and conversion to Christianity. Yet, no one has condemned Christianity or Christians for this individual act. No faith community is accused of complicity.

Similarly, Muslims in Nigeria are now portrayed in bad light because a mob with a Muslim identity took law into their hands and murdered Deborah for an alleged blasphemy. In contrast, pastor Dio Idon of ECWA, Kasuwan Magani, Southern Kaduna, was on 4th January 2026, killed and totally burnt by a Christian mob that accused him of witchcraft. However, the media have been silent on the religion of the mob in the Christian dominated community. The recent attempt to Christianise the victimhood of Muslim worshippers in Maiduguri by Channels television and the hasty Christianisation of the unfortunate abducted girls in Kebbi are also still fresh in our memory.

In particular, the Council appreciates the avalanche of complaints lodged at its secretariat, following the announcement by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that not only will the presidential election hold during Ramadan, but also the gubernatorial election is slated for a probable Eidul Fitr day. While to the Council this audacious announcement by INEC was not unexpected, it is quite interesting that INEC has shown Muslims early what to expect. We are watching very closely and expecting an immediate review. The Council is also hopeful that the unprecedented Islamic awareness and vigilance generated by recent events in and about Nigeria will not be made to fade among the Ummah.

“Inna ma’al ‘usri yusra.”

Despite all the piled up challenges and attacks against Islam, the Council uses this occasion of Ramadan to encourage Muslims to remain resolute in their belief in Allah as demonstrated by the early Muslims when they also faced existential challenges posed by the hegemons of their day. With sincerity of purpose, calmness, commitment to virtues and power of prayers, Allah will improve on any situation and grant Muslims succour.

The Council prays that Allah continue to protect our country and nation. Amin.

Ramadan is the month in which the Qur’an was revealed as a guide for humanity with clear proofs of guidance and the decisive authority. So, whoever among you witnesses the month, let the person fast in it. But, whoever is ill or on a journey, then let the person fast an equal number of days after Ramadan. Allah intends ease for you, not hardship, so that you may complete the prescribed period and proclaim the greatness of Allah for guiding you, and perhaps you will be grateful. (Q. Al-Baqarah 2:185)

Also take heed that:

Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes – from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly. (Q. 60:8)

We pray Allah to enable us reach, observe and outlive 1447 A.H. Ramadan in sound health and tranquility. May He generate in us the ability to spend the days of Ramadan in sober reflection, the nights in sincere devotion and repentance, seal our eyes from what is foul, our mouths from what is vile, our ears from evil and our hearts from the vicious. Amin.

Source: NSCIA