Moonsighting: Sultan declares Monday as first day of Ramadan in Nigeria

Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto and President of the National Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has declared Monday, March 11, 2024, as the first day of the Ramadan fast in Nigeria.

Abubakar announced the sighting of the new crescent in Sokoto on Sunday in a radio and television broadcast.

This marks the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan 1445AH.

He said the new moon was sighted in different parts of the country and that report of the moon sighting were received from Muslim leaders and Islamic Organisations around the country.

“After due verification and authentication by the national moon sighting committee and states committees’ confirmation, as well as routine scrutiny, I hereby announce the sighting of the new moon of Ramadan which signifies the end of Sha’aban 1445 AH.

”In accordance with Islamic law, Muslim Ummah is to commence fasting on Monday the 11th of March 2024 accordingly,” he stated.

He enjoined Muslim faithful to devote themselves fully to the worship of Allah throughout the holy month while urging them to use the period to pray for peace, progress, and prosperity of the country.

“We call on all Nigerians to continue to live peacefully with one another irrespective of religious, ethenic or tribal difference,” he said.

The Sultan further urged wealthy individuals to assist the poor and stressed the need for increased religious tolerance and brotherhood among citizens.

The Sultan, in a post shared by the National Moonsighting Committee Nigeria on its X handle on Sunday, called on Muslims across the country to commence fasting on Monday, March 11, 2024.

“Today, Monday 29th day Sha’aban 1445AH which is equivalent to 10th March 2024, marks the end of Sha’aban 1445 AH. The reports of positive moon were received from muslim leaders and organisations across the country which we fully accepted.

“Consequently, Monday the 11th day of March 2024 will count as the first day of Ramadan 1445 AH. We therefore, call on muslims across the country to commence fast accordingly. We call on all muslims to use the 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. May Allah SWT reward our Ibadat with Al-Jannah firdaus. Ramadan Kareem to all muslims in Nigeria and the world over,” he said.