Muhammad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, has issued a call to Muslims nationwide to observe the new moon that will mark the start of Ramadan for the year 1446 AH.
Gatekeepers News reports that this observation is set for the evening of Friday, February 28.
The directive was communicated by Ishaq Oloyede, the secretary-general of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), in a statement released on Thursday.
He said if the crescent is seen by “Muslims of impeccable character,” then Saturday, March 1, will be the first day of fasting.
However, the Sultan added that the fast will begin automatically on Sunday, March 2, if the moon is not sighted on Friday evening.
The Sultan also urged wealthy Muslims to extend charity to those in need before, during, and after the fasting period.
He admonished traders against hoarding or inflating prices of essential goods during Ramadan.
“We wish all Nigerian Muslims and their counterparts around the world a happy Ramadan in advance,” the Sultan added.
