- The League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland clarifies that its announcement of the Ramadan fast date is not a challenge to the Sultan of Sokoto’s leadership
- The declaration was based on precise astronomical data, confirming that the new moon would appear on February 28, 2025
- The League reaffirms its recognition of the Sultan of Sokoto as the spiritual leader of Nigerian Muslims
The League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland has clarified that its decision to announce the commencement of the Ramadan fast was not an attempt to challenge the authority of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III.
The Sultan, traditionally recognised as the spiritual leader of Muslims in Nigeria, has often been the one to declare the beginning of the holy month.
In a statement released by the Office of the Grand Mufti, AbdulAzeez Ishola, on Thursday, February 13, the League announced that Ramadan fasting for Muslims in Yorubaland would begin on Saturday, March 1, 2025.
According to the communiqué, scientific calculations based on precise lunar observations determined that the astronomical new moon (conjunction) would occur at 12:45 a.m. Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) on Friday, February 28, 2025.
In Nigeria’s local time, this translates to 1:45 a.m. on the same day, marking the 29th of Sha’ban 1446 AH.
The statement explained that the crescent moon would be visible after sunset on February 28, making it possible to confirm the start of Ramadan.
As a result, the first day of fasting is set for Saturday, March 1, 2025, with the special night prayers (Taraweeh) beginning on the night of Friday, February 28.
No political or religious division
Following widespread reactions on social media suggesting that the League’s announcement was an attempt to undermine the Sultan’s role, Grand Mufti Ishola clarified that the move was in line with long-standing tradition and had no political motives.
“This is not a new practice. Our forefathers have been making these announcements for over 50 years. The only difference now is the role of social media in amplifying the discussion,” Ishola stated in an interview with Sunday PUNCH.
When asked whether the League typically waits for the Sultan’s declaration before making its announcement, Ishola reiterated that their practice is rooted in Islamic scholarship and is not a deviation from Islamic teachings.
“Our declaration is purely based on scientific calculations and Islamic knowledge. The League of Imams and Alfas collaborates with expert Muslim astronomers who monitor the movements of the moon and the sun.
“These same astronomers accurately predicted past solar and lunar eclipses, which have been confirmed. Therefore, our statement is scholarly, not political,” he added.
Ishola reaffirmed that the League of Imams respects the Sultan’s leadership and has no intention of creating division among Muslims in Nigeria.
“The Sultan of Sokoto remains the leader of Muslims in Nigeria, and we are not in opposition to him in any way,” he concluded.
The League maintains that its declaration aligns with Islamic tradition and scientific accuracy.
Afenifere, CAN, other groups reject push for Sharia law in Southwest
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Christian and Muslim leaders in the Southwest rejected the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs' push for a Sharia arbitration panel, citing concerns over its implications.
Governments and traditional rulers, including in Ekiti, objected to the panel, asserting that existing legal frameworks were sufficient for resolving disputes within the Muslim community.