Sultan directs Muslims to start Ramadan fast Thursday

President of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has announced the sighting of the new moon signifying the start of the Ramadan fasting.

In a broadcast on Wednesday night, Abubakar who is also the Sultan of Sokoto, said Muslims in Nigeria should commence fasting on Thursday, March 23.

Ramadan is the period when Muslims observe fasting and prayers.

He said the announcement followed reports of the moonsighting received from Islamic scholars and organisations across the country.

He said the reports were duly “authenticated and verified” by the states and national moonsighting committees.

The Sultan said, “Consequently, tomorrow Thursday the 23rd day of March 2023 becomes the first day of Ramadan 1444 after Hijra.

“We, therefore, call on all Muslims to commence fasting accordingly. As we just concluded the 2023 general elections and leaders emerge at the national and state levels by Allah’s will, we, therefore, call on all Muslims to use this holy month to pray in guiding the affairs of our great country.

“We appeal to the well-meaning individuals amongst us to assist the vulnerable and the poor people with food during this holy month of Ramadan to ease the hardship people are going through.”