Ramadan: Sultan announces sighting of moon, fasting begins Monday

Sultan of Sokoto, and Presiden-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, (NSCIA), Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar has announced the beginning of Ramadan, the Muslim fasting period.

In a nationwide broadcast on the Nigerian Television Authority, (NTA), the Sultan urged all Muslim faithful to use the Ramadan Period to pray for the peace and stability of Nigeria.

“Today, Sunday, the 29th day of Sha’aban 1445 after the hijra which is equivalent to 10th March 2024, marks the end of Sha’aban 1445 after hijrah, with the reports of moon sightings that we have received from Muslim leaders and organisations across the country which we duly accepted,” he said.

“Consequently, tomorrow, Monday, 11th of March, 2024, becomes the first day of Ramadan 1445 after hijra.

“We, therefore, call on Muslims in the country to commence fasting accordingly. We call on all Muslims to use the glorious month of Ramadan to pray for the country.”

On Friday, the Sultan asked Muslims to look out for the new moon in preparation for the beginning of Ramadan.

Prof. Salisu Shehu, the Deputy Secretary General of NSCIA, in a statement enjoined the Nigerian Muslim Ummah to search for the crescent of Ramadan 1445 AH immediately after sunset on Sunday, 10th March 2024 which is equivalent to 29th Sha’aban 1445 AH.