Muhammad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, has asked Muslims across the country to look out for the new moon signalling the beginning of Ramadan 1446 AH on the evening of February 28.

 

Ishaq Oloyede, the secretary-general of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), announced the Sultan’s directive in a statement issued on Thursday.

 

He said if the crescent is seen by “Muslims of impeccable character,” then Saturday, March 1, will be the first day of fasting.

 

However, the Sultan added that the fast will begin automatically on Sunday, March 2, if the moon is not sighted on Friday evening.

 

The Sultan also urged wealthy Muslims to extend charity to those in need before, during, and after the fasting period.

 

He admonished traders against hoarding or inflating prices of essential goods during Ramadan.

 

“We wish all Nigerian Muslims and their counterparts around the world a happy Ramadan in advance,” the Sultan added.

 

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is a period of reflection when Muslims around the world fast from dawn to dusk for 29 or 30 days.

 

The Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle, making Ramadan shifts by about 10 days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar.