Updated: Ramadan starts on Saturday — Sultan

Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, has declared Saturday, March 1, 2025 as the first day of Ramadan 1446 AH in Nigeria.

The head of the Muslim community in Nigeria made the announcement in a nationwide radio and television broadcast on Friday.

The Sultan confirmed the sighting of the new crescent of Ramadan in various parts of the country.

He stated that reports of the moon sighting were received from Muslim leaders and organisations across Nigeria.

He said: “After due verification and authentication by the National Moon Sighting Committee, as well as confirmations from state committees, the new moon of Ramadan was officially recognised, marking the end of Sha’aban 1446 AH.

• Updated: Ramadan starts on Saturday — Sultan
• Intimate Affairs: When his side chick has extra powers, by Funke Egbemode
• Mustapha empowers 2,500 constituents, hailed by Barau, Minister
• Breaking: Ramadan begins on Saturday — Sultan
• PSC appoints Sulieman Yusuf, Adetutu Olofu as DIG

“In accordance with Islamic law, Muslims are to commence fasting on Saturday, March 1.”

Abubakar urged Muslim faithful to dedicate themselves to the worship of Allah (SWT) throughout the holy month and to use this period to pray for prevailing peace across the country and also pray for the leaders.

Additionally, the Sultan encouraged wealthy individuals to assist the less privileged, emphasising the importance of religious tolerance and unity among Nigerians.

He prayed to the Almighty to strengthen the leaders in their commitment to leading the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Fasting, one of the five pillars of Islam, refers to abstinent from eating, drinking, smoking, and sexual intercourse from dawn to sunset with the intention of worshiping Almighty Allah.

NAN also reports that Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is a sacred period during which adult Muslims observe compulsory fasting from dawn to sunset for a complete month.