The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has proclaimed Monday, March 11, 2024, as the official start of the Ramadan fast in Nigeria.
Abubakar made the announcement on Sunday on radio and television that the new crescent had been sighted in Sokoto.
He claimed that reports of sightings of the new moon had come from Islamic organizations and Muslim leaders across the nation, as well as from other locations throughout the nation.
The sighting of the new moon in Ramadan, which marks the end of Sha’aban 1445 AH, is announced hereafter, subject to normal scrutiny, verification, and certification by the national moon sighting committee and state committees.
"Muslim Ummah is to start fasting on Monday the 11th of March 2024 in accordance with Islamic law,” he declared.
Throughout the holy month, he urged Muslims to fully dedicate themselves to worshiping Allah and encouraged them to use this time to pray for the nation’s peace, progress, and prosperity.
He declared, “We call on all Nigerians to continue living in peace with one another, regardless of differences in religion, ethnicity, or tribe.”
The Sultan also emphasized the need for more religious tolerance and fraternity among the populace, and he urged wealthier people to help the impoverished.
The Islamic calendar’s ninth month, Ramadan, is when Muslims observe a one-month fast.
All Muslims have a religious duty to fast during the month of Ramadan.