The President General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has officially declared Saturday, March 1, 2025, as the Ramadan 2025 start date in Nigeria.
The Sultan while speaking from his palace on Friday evening, announced that the crescent moon was sighted earlier in the day, Friday, February 28, corresponding to the 29th day of Shaban.
The President General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs said the widespread reports of the moon sightings from various regions of the country were verified and accepted by the council, confirming the commencement of Ramadan 1446.
Sultan urged all Muslims to dedicate the holy month to prayers, seeking Allah’s blessings and guidance for the nation and its leaders. He also encouraged acts of charity, emphasizing the importance of supporting the less privileged so that they too can partake in the fasting period.
According to him, reports from Islamic leaders across the country confirmed the moon’s appearance, marking the official beginning of Ramadan fasting on Saturday, March 1, 2025.
“Today, Friday, 28th February 2025, equivalent to 29th of Shaaban, 1446 of the Hijrah, the report of the positive sighting of the new crescent of Ramadan was reported to us across the country.
“We have verified and authenticated and accepted such reports. Therefore, tomorrow 1st of March will be the first day of Ramadan of 1446 Hijrah year,” the Sultan said.
Muslims across Nigeria are now set to begin the month-long period of fasting, prayers, and devotion.
Meanwhile, the announcement from the Sultan of Sokoto palace is coming hours after Saudi Arabia announced the sighting of the moon.
Ramadan is a holy month when Muslims worldwide observe fasting for 29 or 30 days. Ramadan fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam, and it is compulsory for all adult Muslims, except if an individual is sick, travelling, observing the menstrual cycle, pregnant, or elderly.
During this period, Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, and any form of sexual relationship from dawn till dusk.
