The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Sa’ad Abubakar, has announced the sighting of the crescent moon, marking the commencement of Ramadan fasting for Muslims in Nigeria.

According to the Sultan, who is also the President of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Ramadan fasting will begin on Saturday, March 23, 2025.

The announcement was made on Friday evening, after the Sultan confirmed the sighting of the crescent moon, which is a traditional method used to determine the start of Ramadan.

With this announcement, Muslims across Nigeria will begin their 30-day fasting period, which is one of the five pillars of Islam.

Ramadan is a sacred month for Muslims, during which they abstain from food and drink from dawn to sunset, while also engaging in increased acts of charity, prayer, and recitation of the Quran.

The Sultan’s announcement was widely expected, as the National Moon Sighting Committee had earlier confirmed the sighting of the crescent moon.

The NSCIA has urged Muslims to use the opportunity of Ramadan to pray for peace, stability, and prosperity in Nigeria.