The long-awaited start of the Islamic fasting has commenced for Muslims in Nigeria, as the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Sa’ad Abubakar III, has declared today, March 11, as the first day of the holy month of Ramadan..
Abubakar announced the sighting of the new crescent in Sokoto yesterday, in a radio and television broadcast.
He said the new moon was sighted in different parts of the country, adding that report of the moon-sighting were received from Muslim leaders and Islamic organisations around the country.
“After due verification and authentication by the National Moon-sighting Committee and States committees’ confirmation, as well as routine scrutiny, I hereby announce the sighting of the new moon of Ramadan, which signifies the end of Sha’aban 1445 AH.
”In accordance with Islamic law, Muslim Ummah is to commence fasting on Monday, the 11th of March 2024 accordingly”, he stated..
He enjoined Muslim faithful to devote themselves fully to the worship of Allah throughout the holy month, while urging them to use the period to pray for peace, progress, and prosperity of the country.
“We call on all Nigerians to continue to live peacefully with one another irrespective of religious, ethnic or tribal difference”, he stressed.
The Sultan further urged wealthy individuals to assist the poor and stressed the need for increased religious tolerance and brotherhood among citizens.
Earlier yesterday, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced the sighting of the lunar month in the Kingdom.
The Kingdom, on its X account: @Haramaininfo, stated that: “Crescent of Ramadan 1445/2024 has been sighted in Saudi Arabia! Subsequently, Ramadan 1445/2024 begins tomorrow (today), 11 March 2024. Taraweeh prayers will begin in the Two Holy Mosques after Isha prayers”.
