Sultan of Sokoto Sa’ad Abubakar has declared Monday, March 11 as the first day of Ramadan.
He said the declaration was based on the sighting of the moon in almost every part of the country earlier on Sunday, which is the 29th day of the Month of Shaban and thereby signifies March 11 as the first day of Ramadan 1445.
Abubakar called on the entire Muslim community in the country to start the Ramadan fast on Monday following the teachings of Islam.
He urged Muslims to use the month of Ramadan to pray against the spread of insecurity in the country.
The Sultan, in a post shared by the National Moonsighting Committee Nigeria on its X handle, said: “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.”
The crescent, which signals the beginning of the Holy month of Ramadan, was earlier sighted in Saudi Arabia on Sunday.
The moon signals the end of Sha’aban, the eight month of the Hijri Calendar, and the beginning of the Holy month of Ramadan which is equivalent to Monday, March 11.
