The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Abubakar, has issued a directive urging Muslims across the country to watch for the new moon on Sunday, March 10, marking the potential beginning of Ramadan.
According to a statement released by Salisu Shehu, the deputy secretary-general of the Nigerian Supreme Council For Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), if the moon is not sighted on Sunday, the fasting month will commence automatically on Tuesday, March 12.
The statement reads:
“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, extends warm greetings to the entire Muslim Ummah on the auspicious occasion of the forthcoming 1445 AH Ramadan Fast. The Council prays that Allah grants long life to every Muslim to participate in the ibaadah exercise and to fully benefit from its blessings.
“Following the recommendation of the National Moon Sighting Committee (NMSC), the President-General urges the Nigerian Muslim Ummah to watch for the crescent of Ramadan 1445 AH immediately after sunset on Sunday, March 10, 2024, which corresponds to the 29th of Sha’aban 1445 AH.
“If the crescent is sighted by trustworthy Muslims on the said evening, then His Eminence will declare Monday, March 11, 2024, as the first day of Ramadan 1445 AH. However, if the crescent is not sighted, then Tuesday, March 12, 2024, will automatically become the first day of Ramadan, 1445 AH.”
