Ramadan Countdown begins as Sultan of Sokoto announces Moon-Sighting date

The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has urged Muslims across Nigeria to begin searching for the Ramadan crescent moon on Friday, February 28, 2025

In a statement issued by the Sultanate Council of Sokoto, alongside Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu—Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Islamic Religious Affairs and Wazirin Sokoto—the significance of moon-sighting in determining the start of Ramadan was underscored.

Muslims who observe the crescent are urged to report their findings to their local district or village head, who will then communicate the information to the Sultan. This date corresponds with the 29th of Sha’aban 1446 AH in the Islamic calendar.

The monthly observation of the moon is pivotal within the Islamic lunar calendar, ensuring both accuracy and unity in declaring the commencement of Ramadan across the country. The official sighting will mark the beginning of the holy month, during which Muslims fast from dawn until dusk, engage in increased prayer, and carry out acts of charity.

As the spiritual leader of Nigerian Muslims, the Sultan has repeatedly encouraged the faithful to actively participate in the moon-sighting process and to report their observations promptly, ensuring a synchronised start to Ramadan.

has called upon Muslims throughout Nigeria to commence their search for the new moon heralding Ramadan on Friday, 28 February 2025.

In a statement issued by the Sultanate Council of Sokoto, alongside Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu—Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Islamic Religious Affairs and Wazirin Sokoto—the significance of moon-sighting in determining the start of Ramadan was underscored.

Muslims who observe the crescent are urged to report their findings to their local district or village head, who will then communicate the information to the Sultan. This date corresponds with the 29th of Sha’aban 1446 AH in the Islamic calendar.

The monthly observation of the moon is pivotal within the Islamic lunar calendar, ensuring both accuracy and unity in declaring the commencement of Ramadan across the country. The official sighting will mark the beginning of the holy month, during which Muslims fast from dawn until dusk, engage in increased prayer, and carry out acts of charity.

As the spiritual leader of Nigerian Muslims, the Sultan has repeatedly encouraged the faithful to actively participate in the moon-sighting process and to report their observations promptly, ensuring a synchronised start to Ramadan.