As Ramadan approaches, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, is calling on Muslims across Nigeria to look for the Ramadan moon on Friday, February 28, 2025.
In a statement released on Thursday, February 27, 2025, signed by NSCIA Secretary General Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, the Sultan encouraged Muslims to search for the crescent moon right after sunset on Friday.
“Following the guidance of the National Moon Sighting Committee (NMSC), the President-General asks Nigerian Muslims to look for the crescent of Ramadan 1446 AH immediately after sunset on Friday, 28th February 2025, which corresponds to 29th Sha’aban 1446 AH. If the crescent is seen by Muslims of good character, His Eminence will announce that Saturday, March 1, 2025, will be the first day of Ramadan 1446 AH. If it is not seen, Sunday, March 2, 2025, will automatically be declared as the first day of Ramadan,” said Sultan Abubakar.
The NSCIA also prayed that Allah would give every Muslim the chance to experience the blessings of Ramadan and take part in the special worship.
The council encouraged Muslims to reach out to their local Islamic leaders and even members of the NMSC to report any reliable sightings of the Ramadan crescent.
Due to the current tough economic times, the council urged wealthier Muslims to help those in need before, during, and after Ramadan.
“The council once again advises traders not to hoard food or raise prices too much during the fasting period,” the statement continued.
In conclusion, the council wished all Muslims in Nigeria and around the world a blessed Ramadan ahead of time.
