- The Sultan of Sokoto has declared Saturday, March 1, 2025, as the first day of Ramadan in Nigeria
- Saudi Arabia also announced that Ramadan will start on Saturday, March 1, aligning with the global Muslim community
- The crescent moon was sighted on Friday, February 28, marking the beginning of Ramadan 1446
The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar III, has officially declared Saturday, March 1, 2025, as the first day of the Holy Month of Ramadan in Nigeria.
The announcement was made on Friday evening after the crescent moon was sighted earlier in the day, marking the end of the month of Shaban.
The Sultan stated that widespread moon sightings were verified and accepted by the council, confirming the commencement of Ramadan 1446.
He urged Muslims across the country to dedicate the month to prayers, seeking Allah’s blessings and guidance for the nation and its leaders.
He also emphasised the importance of charity, encouraging the faithful to support the less privileged so they, too, can partake in the fasting period.
Similarly, Saudi Arabia confirmed that Ramadan will begin on Saturday, March 1, following the sighting of the crescent moon in the Kingdom.
With this confirmation, more than 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide will observe the sacred month, fasting daily from dawn to sunset.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, consists of 12 months in a 354- or 355-day year.
Fasting during this period is one of the five pillars of Islam and is considered obligatory for all healthy adult Muslims.
However, exemptions are granted to young children, individuals who are ill, travellers, and women who are pregnant, nursing, or menstruating.
For centuries, Muslims have relied on moon sightings to determine the beginning of Ramadan, as well as the Islamic celebrations of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
In many countries, including Saudi Arabia, work and school hours are adjusted during the holy month to accommodate fasting schedules.
With the official declaration in both Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, Muslims worldwide are now set to embark on a month of fasting, prayers, and devotion.
Southwestern Muslim leaders set Ramadan start date independently, dumps Sultan’s tradition
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the League of Imams and Alfas in the South West declared that Ramadan 1446 AH (2025) will commence on Saturday, March 1.
According to a communiqué issued by the Grand Mufti’s Office, the decision is based on precise astronomical calculations and resolutions from leading Islamic councils and international conferences, including those held in Istanbul, Paris, and within the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).