UPDATED: Sultan announces Monday as first day of Ramadan

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has declared Monday as commencement of this year’s Ramadan fasting in Nigeria.

The President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) made the announcement on Sunday night in telecast.

“Today, Sunday, the 29th day of Sha’ban, 1445 after the Hijrah of our most noble Prophet, which is equivalent to 10th March 2024, marks the end of Sha’ban, 1445 after Hijrah. And the reports of positive moon sighting were received from Muslim leaders and organizations across the country, which we duly accepted.

“Consequently, tomorrow, Monday, the 11th day of March 2024, becomes the first day of Ramadan, 1445 after the hijrah. We therefore call on all Muslims in the country to commence fasting accordingly,” Sultan Abubakar said.

He appealed to all Muslims to use the glorious month of Ramadan for extra prayers for the leaders in the country.

“As always, we appeal to the wealthy individuals amongst us to assist the vulnerable and the poor with food and other stuff during this glorious month to cushion the effects of hardship being experienced in the country,” he said.
He prayed Allah to reward the act worship with paradise and prayed Allah to grant ‘Ramadan Kareem’ to all Muslims in Nigeria and the world over.

Sultan Abubakar had on Friday urged the Muslims across the country to look out this year’s Ramadan after sunset on Sunday March 10, which is equivalent to 29th Sha’aban 1445 AH.