The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), led by its President General and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has called on Muslims across the country to search for the Ramadan moon on Friday (today), February 28, 2025.
The Sultan made this request in a statement issued on Thursday and signed by NSCIA Secretary General, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede.
“Following the guidance of the National Moon Sighting Committee (NMSC), the President-General urges Nigerian Muslims to look for the crescent of Ramadan 1446 AH immediately after sunset on Friday, 28th February 2025, corresponding to 29th Sha’aban 1446 AH. If the crescent is sighted by Muslims of good character, His Eminence will declare Saturday, 1st March 2025, as the first day of Ramadan 1446 AH. If the crescent is not sighted, Sunday, 2nd March 2025, will automatically be declared as the first day of Ramadan 1446 AH,” Sultan Abubakar said.
The council prayed that Allah grants every Muslim the opportunity to participate in the ibadah (worship) of Ramadan and benefit from its blessings.
The council also encouraged Muslims to contact not only their local Islamic leaders but also some members of the NMSC to report any credible and verified sightings of the Ramadan crescent.
In light of the current economic challenges, the council urged wealthy Muslims to extend charity to the less fortunate in their communities before, during, and after Ramadan.
“The council once again advises traders not to hoard food products or excessively raise prices during the fasting period,” the statement added.
The council wished all Nigerian Muslims and Muslims worldwide a blessed Ramadan in advance.