The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has announced the commencement of Ramadan fast in Nigeria, on Thursday, March 23, 2023.
This followed sighting of the new crescent, marking the beginning of Ramadan 1444AH.
Sultan made the announcement in a live broadcast Wednesday evening, urging Muslims to pray for the newly elected leaders from national to state levels, during the holy month.
His words: “Today Wednesday, the 29th day of Shaaban 1444 AH, which is equivalent to 22nd of March 2023, marks the end of the month of Shaaban.
“After receiving reports of moon sighting from Muslim leaders and organisations across the length and breadth of our great country, which were duly authenticated and verified by the state and National Moon Sighting Committees, consequently tomorrow Thursday 23rd day of March 2023, becomes the first day of Ramadan 1444 AH. We, therefore, call on all Muslims to commence fasting accordingly.
“As we just concluded the 2023 general elections, and leaders emerged at national and state levels by Allah’s will, we, therefore, call on all Muslims to use this Holy Month for extra prayers for their successes in steering the affairs of our great country.”
