Yorubaland starts Ramadan on March 1, dumps Sultan’s tradition

The League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland has declared that Ramadan 1446 AH (2025) will begin on Saturday, March 1, breaking from the long-standing practice of waiting for the Sultan of Sokoto’s official announcement.

In a communiqué issued by the Office of the Grand Mufti, the group stated that its decision was based on astronomical calculations and resolutions from international Islamic conferences.

“The crescent moon marking the beginning of Ramadan will be visible after sunset on Friday, February 28, 2025, making March 1 the first day of fasting,” the statement read.

The communiqué referenced conclusions from Islamic jurisprudential councils, astronomical experts, and conferences held in Istanbul, Paris, and within the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). It also cited a hadith of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): “Fast when you see the crescent and break your fast when you see it.”

This decision marks a shift where the Sultan of Sokoto, as the recognized spiritual leader of the country’s Muslims, traditionally announces the start and end of Ramadan.

The move could further discussions about religious autonomy among Yoruba Muslims, who have, in the past, questioned the central authority of the Sultan in religious matters.

The Yoruba Nation Self-Determination Movement previously criticized the Sultan’s call for Sharia law in Yorubaland, stating that no Islamic provision mandates Yoruba Muslims to accept his leadership.

The communiqué also cited the resolutions of the Unified Hijri Calendar Committee and the International Fiqh Council, confirming that the astronomical new moon will occur at 12:45 AM UTC on February 28.

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The crescent moon will be visible after sunset in multiple locations worldwide, either with the naked eye or through observation devices.

There has been no official response from the Sultan of Sokoto or the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) regarding this independent declaration.