The Sultan of Sokoto and President General Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar the III, has declared Thursday, March 23, 2023 as the first day of Ramadan, 1444 AH.
Making the announcement in his palace in Sokoto, Sultan Sa’ad, 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.
Ramadan 1444 crescent sighting announcement by His Eminence the Sultan of Sokotothe President -General of @NSCIAng pic.twitter.com/HfqtX47ozs
— National Moonsighting Committee Nigeria (@moonsightingng) March 22, 2023
“In accordance with the Islamic injunctions, we announce today Wednesday 1444 AH which is equivalent to March 22, 2023 has marked the end of the month of Sha’aban 1444A.H.
‘‘It was 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 urged 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 Sa’ad further noted that as the country concluded 2023 general elections and leaders emerged at national and state levels, he urged Muslims to use the month of Ramadan to pray for them to stair the affairs of the country.
The Sultan of Sokoto however appealed to wealthy individual to assist the vulnerable and poor people by providing them with food to cushion the ongoing hardship.
