The Sultan of Sokoto and Leader of the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, declared on Friday, February 28, 2025, that the holy month of Ramadan will begin on Saturday, March 1, 2025. This announcement marks the start of the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, a period observed by Muslims worldwide through fasting, prayer, and reflection.

The Sultan stated that the decision was based on verified and authenticated reports of the sighting of the new crescent moon from various Muslim leaders across Nigeria. He confirmed that these reports had been thoroughly reviewed and accepted.

“Today, Friday, February 28, 2025, concludes the month of Sha’ban. We have received confirmed reports of the sighting of the Ramadan crescent from leaders across the country. After verification and authentication, we have accepted these reports,” the Sultan said.

“Consequently, tomorrow, March 1, 2025, will be the first day of Ramadan 1446 After Hijrah,” he added.

The Sultan urged Nigerian Muslims to begin fasting and to use the holy month as an opportunity to pray for the nation’s leaders, asking for divine guidance to enable them to govern effectively. He also encouraged affluent Muslims to extend acts of charity and support to the less privileged during this sacred period.

Ramadan is a time of spiritual renewal, self-discipline, and communal solidarity, and the Sultan’s announcement sets the stage for millions of Nigerian Muslims to observe this significant religious obligation.