The Sultan of Sokoto and President of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, announced on Sunday that the crescent for the commencement of the Ramadan fasting had been sighted. In a broadcast Sunday night, the Sultan declared that Muslims in Nigeria should commence fasting on Monday, March 11.
The announcement followed reports of moon sighting received from Islamic scholars and organizations across the country. The Sultan emphasized that the reports were duly authenticated and verified by the states and national moon sighting committees.
In his message, the Sultan called on all Muslims to use the holy month of Ramadan to pray for Allah’s guidance in the affairs of Nigeria. He urged well-meaning individuals to assist the vulnerable and the poor with food during this period to alleviate hardship.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a month for fasting, prayer, reflection, and assisting the needy. Political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, extended their best wishes to the Muslim Ummah on the commencement of Ramadan.
Atiku encouraged Muslims to seek Allah’s mercy and forgiveness during the holy month, emphasizing the importance of supplication. Makinde congratulated the Muslim Ummah and called for increased prayers for Nigeria, particularly amid economic hardships.
In Katsina State, Governor Dikko Umar Radda, in collaboration with the state’s local governments, allocated N10 billion for the purchase of grains to be distributed to vulnerable residents during Ramadan. The initiative aims to provide food assistance to approximately 2.1 million residents throughout the month, with subsidized prices for maize, millet, and guinea corn. Governor Radda urged equitable access and directed committees to ensure accountability in the distribution process.
