Nigeria joins 13 Arab countries and other African nations to begin the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
Islamic authorities in Tunisia, Sudan, Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Yemen, Iraq, Bahrain, Oman, Palestine and Lebanon announced Wednesday as the last day of the month of Shaaban and that today marks the beginning of Ramadan.
In Africa, Islamic authorities in Nigeria, Uganda, Chad, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Togo and Ethiopia also announced that Ramadan starts today.
During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. It is a time of self-examination and increased religious devotion.
Throughout the fasting month, Muslims are urged to perform extra prayers, recite the Quran, give to the poor and refrain from indecent behaviour.
Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Islam, said yesterday was the final day of the lunar month of Sha’aban.
The beginning and end of Ramadan depends on the sighting of the new moon.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, who is the President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) last night announced the sighting of the new moon heralding the month of Ramadan 1436AH.
Alhaji Abubakar said various reports for the sighting of the new moon were received from Muslim leaders and organisations across the country, which were duly verified and authenticated by the National moon sighting committee.
The Sultan implored the Muslim Ummah to devote themselves to worship and offer fervent prayers for the new leadership in Nigeria to succeed in steering the affairs of the country.