The Sultan of Sokoto and president-general of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) yesterday declared the commencement of Ramadan, saying the crescent for the commencement of the fasting period has been sighted.
Sultan, in a broadcast on Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) last night, directed Muslims in Nigeria to commence fasting today, March 23.
The announcement followed the sighting of the moon in different parts of the country as confirmed by the National Moon Sighting Committee.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar observed by Muslims worldwide as a month for fasting, prayer, reflection and assisting the needy.
The Sultan also in palace yesterday declared today March 23, 2023 as the first day of Ramadan, 1444 AH.
Sultan Abubakar said the commencement of the fast followed reports of sighting of the moon from Muslim leaders and organisations across the federation which marked the end of the month of Sha’aban 1444 AH.
He said, “In accordance with the Islamic injunctions, we announce today Wednesday 1444 AH which is equivalent to March 22, 2023, marked the end of the month of Sha’aban 1444A.H.
“It also followed reliable reports duly verified and certified by states and national moon sighting committees. Consequent upon which tomorrow Thursday March 23, 2023 is first day of Ramadan.
“I urge all Muslim to commence fasting according to Shari’a,” the Sultan said.
The Sultan urged all Muslims to live in peace with one another irrespective of religion and ethnic backgrounds for sustainable unity in the country.
Sultan Abubakar further noted that as the country concluded the 2023 general election, with leaders emerging at national and state levels, Muslims should use the month of Ramadan to pray for the leaders to steer the affairs of the country.
He, however, appealed to wealthy individual to assist the vulnerable and poor people by providing them with food to cushion the ongoing hardship.
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari, has sent greetings and best wishes to Muslims as they commence 30 days of Ramadan fasting today.
He urged them to use the season “to project the best and finest virtues of Islam by personal conduct, and not precept.”
In a goodwill message to mark the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, President Buhari in a statement by his media aide, Garba Shehu, said, “Let us use this opportunity to put the best teachings of Islam into practice, such as kindness and the love of humanity.”
“This is an occasion for deep reflection and greater fear of Allah and avoidance of all evils that harm humanity.”
“The Ramadan is characterised by abstention from food and drinks from dawn to dusk, which brings both the rich and poor to share the experience of hunger together, thereby strengthening the bonds between haves and have-nots.
“As we begin these 30 days fasting season, let us not forget that Ramadan is not only about abstention from eating and drinking, but it is a reminder to refrain from all kinds of evil and transgressions that harm humanity.
“I am particularly aware of the activities of traders who artificially increase the prices of their goods, including food at the beginning of every month of Ramadan. This kind of exploitation is against the spirit of the Ramadan and the spirit of Islam,” the President said.
President Buhari added that while observing the important occasion in the spiritual life of Muslims, the faithful should share food and drinks with the less fortunate, because by sharing their blessings with others, Allah will multiply their rewards for good deeds.
