ASHENEWS reports that the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar has declared Monday 11th March 2024 as the first day of Ramadan.
The sultan, in his address to Muslims on Sunday night confirmed verification of positive moon sighting in some parts of Nigeria.
The sultan in his address said “Today Sunday 29th day of Shaaban 1445 AH which is equivalent to 10th March 2024, marks the end of Sha’aban 1445 AH.
“Reports of positive moon sightings were received from Muslim leaders and organizations across the country which we duly accepted.
“Consequently, tomorrow, Monday 11th March 2024 becomes the first day of Ramadan 1445 AH
“We therefore call on all Muslims in the country to commence fasting accordingly.”
The Sultan called on Muslims to use the month for extra prayers for the country and its leaders.
He stressed the need for Muslims to be dedicated to the worship of Allah during the month of Ramadan.
“As always, we call on all well-to-do individuals among us to assist the vulnerable and poor with food and other stuff during this period to cushion the hardship faced in the country,” he said.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting (sawm), prayer (salah), reflection, and community. A commemoration of Muhammad’s first revelation, the annual observance of Ramadan is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam and lasts twenty-nine to thirty days, from one sighting of the crescent moon to the next.