The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, has declared that Ramadan will start today.
Speaking from his palace, Abubakar announced that the crescent moon was sighted evening of February 28, corresponding to the 29th day of Shaban.
The Sultan urged all Muslims to dedicate the holy month to prayers, seeking Allah’s blessings and guidance for the nation and its leaders.
He 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.
‘We must encourage acts of charity and the importance of supporting the less privileged so that they too can partake in the fasting period’, the sultan noted.
In his address to Muslims, President Bola Tinubu called on Nigerians to unite in prayer and action for the nation’s continued growth and development, seeking Allah’s guidance and protection.
The President also encouraged Muslims to strengthen their bonds with Allah and one another.
He said, ‘Ramadan is a time for deep reflection, renewed devotion to Allah, and acts of compassion and generosity toward humanity.
‘It is a season of spiritual rejuvenation, self-discipline, and empathy for the less fortunate. Let us use this period to strengthen our bonds with Allah and one another, fostering unity and peace in our communities’.
The President expressed hope that during the holy month, both words and actions would showcase a collective commitment to peace, unity, and progress.
Similarly, the President General of the Nasrul-Lahi-L-Fatih Society, Ayodeji AbdulRauf, urged Muslims to pray for an end to insecurity and suffering in the country.
He said, ‘We cannot forget the millions of lives that have been displaced by conflict and struggle across the world (Ukraine, Syria, Palestine, Pakistan and others) and in our backyards, the northern part of Nigeria.
‘Far too many Muslims may not be able to observe Ramadan from the comfort of their own homes this year or afford to celebrate Eid with their children. We must continue working together to alleviate the suffering of these individuals. This sacred time reminds us of our common obligations to uphold the dignity of every human being’.
AbdulRauf stated that Ramadan offered an opportunity for reflection and spiritual growth, fostering forgiveness, patience, resilience, compassion for the less fortunate, and unity across communities.
‘Each lesson is profound on its own, and taken together forms a harmonious whole. It’s also a time of year that brings some of the best dishes to the table across the world as families and neighbours gather for iftar’, he explained.
