The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III has declared Monday as the first day of the holy month of Ramadan 1445AH.
The announcement on Sunday night came after the sighting of the crescent moon, which heralds the start of Ramadan.
Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, who is also the President of the National Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), relayed the news in a post by the National Moon Sighting Committee Nigeria.
“We have received reports of the positive sighting of the moon from Muslim leaders and organizations across the country, which we have fully accepted. Therefore, Monday the 11th day of March 2024 will be the first day of Ramadan 1445 AH. Muslims across the country are called upon to commence fasting accordingly,” the statement said.
“We call on all Muslims to use this glorious month of Ramadan for extra prayers for our leaders and country, Nigeria.
“We appeal to the well-meaning individuals amongst us to assist the vulnerable and poor with food and other items during this glorious month to cushion the effect of hardship being experienced in the country,” the Sultan stated.
The moon’s appearance marks the conclusion of Sha’aban and the start of Ramadan, observed by fasting from dawn to sunset.
Ramadan is a time of fasting, prayer, and charity for Muslims worldwide, with its timing determined by the lunar Islamic calendar. The month lasts either 29 or 30 days, depending on the moon’s sighting, and is a period for Muslims to deepen their faith and commitment to charitable acts.
