In a significant announcement, the Sultanate Council of Sokoto has called on Muslims across Nigeria to look out for the new moon of Ramadan on Friday, February 28, 2025.
The directive, which was shared via the official X handle of Nigerian Stories, underscores the importance of moon sighting in determining the commencement of the sacred Islamic month of fasting. The sighting of the crescent marks the beginning of Ramadan, a month of intense devotion, fasting, and spiritual reflection observed by millions of Muslims worldwide.
The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, who serves as the spiritual leader of Nigerian Muslims, has consistently played a central role in the moon-sighting process. As the President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), his pronouncements on Ramadan, Eid, and other Islamic occasions hold significant religious weight.
Traditionally, committees comprising Islamic scholars, astronomers, and local moon-sighting teams are deployed across the country to confirm the sighting of the crescent. Once verified, an official announcement is made, signaling the start of Ramadan and the obligation for Muslims to begin fasting from dawn to dusk.
This annual practice aligns with Islamic tradition, which mandates that the new month begins only upon the physical sighting of the moon. However, technological advancements, including astronomical calculations, have also been incorporated to enhance accuracy in moon-sighting procedures.
Muslims across Nigeria are eagerly awaiting the confirmation of the new moon, as Ramadan is a period of spiritual rejuvenation, increased worship, and communal solidarity. The holy month also emphasizes charity, with many faithful engaging in acts of kindness, feeding the needy, and seeking divine mercy through prayers and supplications.
As the nation anticipates the sighting, Islamic authorities urge Muslims to engage in supplications and remain vigilant for further announcements from the Sultanate Council.
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