The Sultan of Sokoto, HRH Muhammad Abubakar, has called on Muslims to watch for the new moon on Sunday, signifying the start of Ramadan.

In a statement issued by the Deputy Secretary General of the Nigerian Supreme Council For Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Salisu Shehu, the Sultan highlighted that Ramadan fasting would commence on Monday if the moon is sighted on Sunday. However, if the moon is not sighted, fasting will commence on Tuesday.

The statement also urged affluent Muslims to extend charity to the less privileged before, during, and after Ramadan.

The National Moon Sighting Committee (NMSC) advised Muslims to search for the crescent of Ramadan 1445 AH immediately after sunset on Sunday, March 10, 2024.

The Islamic calendar’s lunar cycle determines the start of Ramadan, which falls nearly 10 days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar.

The statement reads: “The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), under the leadership of its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alh. Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, felicitates the entire Muslim Ummah on the auspicious occasion of the forthcoming 1445 AH Ramadan Fast. The Council prays that Allah spare the lives of every Muslim to participate in the ibaadah exercise and to maximize the benefits therein.

“Consequent upon the advice of the National Moon Sighting Committee (NMSC), the President-General enjoins the Nigerian Muslim Ummah to search for the crescent of Ramadan 1445 AH immediately after sunset on Sunday, 10th March 2024, which is equivalent to 29th Sha’aban 1445 AH.

“If the crescent is sighted by Muslims of impeccable character on the said evening, then His Eminence would declare Monday, 11th March 2024, as the first day of Ramadan 1445 AH.

“If, however, the crescent is not sighted that day, then, Tuesday, 12th March 2024, automatically becomes the first of Ramadan, 1445AH.”