Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has announced Monday, March 11, 2024, as 1st Ramadan 1445AH and thus declared the commencement of fasting in the holy month.
Gatekeepers News reports that the Leader of the Muslim Ummah of Nigeria made this declaration while announcing the sighting of the new moon of Ramadan at his Usmaniyyah Palace of the Caliphate in Sokoto, Sokoto State Sunday night, which was equivalent to 29th Sha’aban, 1445AH.
The Sultan said that he had received reports of sighting of the new moon from Muslim leaders and organisations across the country, which were duly verified and authenticated by the state and National Moon Sighting Committee.
He said tomorrow (Monday) would be the 1st day of Ramadan 1445AH.
Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar called on members of the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria to, therefore, commence fasting accordingly same day.
He said, “Today the 29th day of Sha’aban 1445AH which is equivalent to 10th of March 2024 marks the end of Sha’aban 1445AH.
“The reports of monthly moonsighting were received from Muslim leaders across the country, which we really accepted.
“Consequently, tomorrow Monday 11th day of March, 2024 becomes the 1st day of Ramadan 1445AH. We, therefore, call on all Muslims across the country to commence fasting, accordingly.
“We call on Muslims to use the month of Ramadan for extral prayers for our leaders and Nigeria and for more dedication in the worship of Almighty Allah.”
He appealed to wealthy individuals to assist the vulnerable and poor people with food during the holy month to cushion the hardship that people are going through.
