As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has called on Muslims across Nigeria to begin searching for the Ramadan crescent moon on the evening of Friday, February 28, 2025.
Significance of the Moon Sighting
In a statement released on Thursday by NSCIA Secretary-General, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, the council emphasized that the sighting of the new moon will determine the official start of Ramadan, marking the beginning of fasting for Muslims worldwide.
“Based on the guidance of the National Moon Sighting Committee (NMSC), the President-General urges the Nigerian Muslim Ummah to observe the sky for the crescent of Ramadan 1446 AH immediately after sunset on Friday, February 28, 2025, which corresponds to 29th Sha’aban 1446 AH,” the statement read.
When Will Ramadan Start?
According to Islamic tradition, if credible witnesses sight the crescent moon on Friday evening, Ramadan will officially begin on Saturday, March 1, 2025.
However, if the moon is not seen, fasting will automatically commence on Sunday, March 2, 2025.
Call for Kindness and Fairness During Ramadan
As Muslims prepare for this sacred period, the council encouraged charity and compassion, urging those who are financially stable to support the less privileged, especially given the current economic challenges.
The NSCIA also advised traders against exploiting the situation by hoarding essential goods or inflating food prices, emphasizing the importance of fairness and goodwill during Ramadan.
“The council once again advises traders to refrain from hoarding or increasing prices of essential commodities during the fasting period.
We urge all Muslims to actively search for the Ramadan crescent on Friday night and await the official announcement from the President-General of the NSCIA,” the statement added.
A Month of Spiritual Reflection
Ramadan is a time of fasting, reflection, and devotion for millions of Muslims worldwide.
It is a period marked by prayer, self-discipline, and acts of kindness, allowing believers to draw closer to Allah and seek His blessings.
As the countdown to Ramadan begins, the Muslim community eagerly awaits the moon sighting announcement, ushering in a month filled with spiritual renewal and divine mercy.
Stay connected with NIGPOST for the official declaration and more updates on Ramadan 1446 AH.
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