Ramadan: Sultan directs Muslims to look out for new moon

The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Abubakar has directed Muslims in the country to look out for the new moon on Sunday, March 10, signalling the beginning of Ramadan. 

In a statement released by Salisu Shehu, deputy secretary general of the Nigerian Supreme Council For Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), it was stated that the fast will begin automatically on Tuesday, March 12, if the moon is not sighted on Sunday.

It read; 

“The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), under the leadership of its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alh. Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, felicitates the entire Muslim Ummah on the auspicious occasion of the forthcoming 1445 AH Ramadan Fast. The Council prays that Allah spare the lives of every Muslim to participate in the ibaadah exercise and to maximize the benefits therein.

“Consequent upon the advice of the National Moon Sighting Committee (NMSC), the President-General enjoins 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.

“If the crescent is sighted by Muslims of impeccable character on the said evening, then His Eminence would declare Monday, 11th March 2024, as the first day of Ramadan 1445 AH.

“If, however, the crescent is not sighted that day, then, Tuesday, 12th March 2024, automatically becomes the first of Ramadan, 1445AH.”