Moon Sighted, Ramadan Begins Today

The Sultan of Sokoto and president- general, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, (NSCIA), Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has declared today, March 1, 2025 as the first day of the Ramadan 1446 AH in Nigeria.

Abubakar announced the sighting of the new crescent in Sokoto yesterday on a radio and television broadcast.

He said the new moon was sighted in different parts of the country and reports of the moon sighting were received from Muslim leaders and organisations from across the country.

“After due verification and authentication by the national moon sighting committee and state committees’ confirmation, as well as routine scrutiny, I hereby announce the sighting of the new moon of Ramadan signifying the end of Sha’aban 1446 AH.

”In accordance with Islamic law, Muslims are to commence fasting on Saturday accordingly,” he declared.

The sultan urged the Muslim faithful to devote themselves fully to the worship of Allah throughout the holy month, urging them to use the period to pray for the progress, peace and prosperity of the nation.

Abubakar also called on wealthy individuals to assist the vulnerable, and underprivileged and stressed the need for increased religious tolerance and brotherhood in Nigeria.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar in which Muslim faithful observe a one month fast.

Fasting in the month of Ramadan is a compulsory religious obligation for all adult Muslims.

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Muslims in Nigeria and across the world as they commence the 2025 Ramadan fast, urging them to embrace the core values of piety, humility and selflessness that define the holy month.

In a statement yesterday, the president expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for granting the faithful the opportunity to witness another Ramadan, describing it as a period of deep reflection, devotion, and generosity toward humanity.

“Ramadan is a time for spiritual rejuvenation, self-discipline, and empathy for the less fortunate,” Tinubu said, “Let us use this period to strengthen our bonds with Allah and one another, fostering unity and peace in our communities.”

The president also linked this year’s Ramadan to what he described as a season of “renewed hope and progress” for Nigeria, citing economic improvements under his administration’s policies.

He highlighted recent gains, including a stabilizing exchange rate, declining fuel prices, and a drop in the cost of essential food items—relief he said would benefit those observing the fast and all Nigerians.

“Our administration’s bold and transformative policies are beginning to yield positive results,” he stated. “The GDP for the last quarter of 2024 showed a marked improvement over the same period in 2023.”

Looking ahead, Tinubu reaffirmed his government’s commitment to agricultural productivity and food security, pledging continued investment in mechanization, input support, and innovative farming techniques as the wet season approaches.

As the nation embarks on the sacred month, the president called on Nigerians to unite in prayer and action for the country’s continued progress. He urged citizens to let their words and deeds reflect a shared commitment to peace, unity, and national development.

“May the blessings of this holy month illuminate our hearts and homes, and may we emerge from it as better individuals and a stronger nation,” he concluded.

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is observed by Muslims worldwide as a period of fasting, prayer, and reflection. The month-long fast is expected to continue until late March, culminating in the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.