The Sultan of Sokoto and president-general of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) yesterday declared the commencement of Ramadan, saying the crescent for the beginning of the fasting period has been sighted.
In a broadcast on Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) last night which was monitored by Africa Today News, New York, Sultan, directed Muslims in Nigeria to commence fasting today, March 23.
The announcement followed the sighting of the moon in different parts of the country as confirmed by the National Moon Sighting Committee.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar observed by Muslims worldwide as a month for fasting, prayer, reflection, and assisting the needy.
The Sultan also in palace yesterday declared today March 23, 2023 as the first day of Ramadan, 1444 AH.
Sultan Abubakar said the commencement of the fast followed reports of sighting of the moon from Muslim leaders and organisations across the federation which marked the end of the month of Sha’aban 1444 AH.
He said, ‘In accordance with the Islamic injunctions, we announce today Wednesday 1444 AH which is equivalent to March 22, 2023, marked the end of the month of Sha’aban 1444A.H.’
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‘It also followed reliable reports duly verified and certified by states and national moon sighting committees. Tomorrow, Thursday, March 23, 2023 is the first day of Ramadan.
‘I urge all Muslim to commence fasting according to Shari’a,’ the Sultan said.
The Sultan urged all Muslims to live in peace with one another irrespective of religion and ethnic backgrounds for sustainable unity in the country.
Sultan Abubakar further noted that as the country concluded the 2023 general election, with leaders emerging at national and state levels, Muslims should use the month of Ramadan to pray for the leaders to steer the affairs of the country.
He, however, appealed to wealthy individual to assist the vulnerable and poor people by providing them with food to cushion the ongoing hardship.
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari, has sent greetings and best wishes to Muslims as they commence 30 days of Ramadan fasting today.
He used the opportunity to urge them to use the season ‘to project the best and finest virtues of Islam by personal conduct, and not precept.’