The Sultan of Sokoto and President of the National Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has called on Muslims to commence fasting today Monday March 11.
This follows the sighting of the moon marking the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan 1445AH.
The Sultan gave the directive in a post shared by the National Moonsighting Committee Nigeria on its X handle on Sunday
“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.
Ramadan Kareem to all muslims in Nigeria and the
world over,” he said.
Earlier, the crescent, which signals the beginning of the Holy month of Ramadan, was sighted in Saudi Arabia on Sunday
The moon, which was spotted on Sunday evening, 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.
Ramadan is the ninth month of Islamic calendar in which Muslims world over fast for either 29 or 30 days based on the sighting of the moon.
During this period, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset.
