The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), under the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has announced the commencement of the moon-sighting process for the upcoming Ramadan 1446 AH. Muslims across Nigeria are urged to observe the sky on Friday, February 28, 2025, after sunset, in search of the new crescent moon. This sighting will determine the official start date of the holy month. The NSCIA has emphasized the importance of reliable eyewitness accounts, urging individuals who believe they have spotted the crescent to report their sightings to the designated moon-sighting committee. The official announcement regarding the commencement of Ramadan will be made by the President-General of the NSCIA, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, based on the verified sightings.
The significance of the moon sighting stems from the Islamic lunar calendar, which dictates the timing of religious observances. Ramadan, the ninth month of this calendar, is a period of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn until dusk, engaging in spiritual practices and acts of charity. The sighting of the crescent moon marks the beginning of this holy month, and its accurate determination is crucial for the unified observance of Ramadan within the Muslim community.
In anticipation of the upcoming Ramadan, several states in Nigeria have announced school closures to accommodate the religious observances. Bauchi State has declared a five-week closure, beginning on February 26, 2025, allowing students to participate fully in the Ramadan fast and the subsequent Eid al-Fitr celebrations. Schools are scheduled to reopen on April 6, 2025, for the continuation of the second term. Similarly, Kebbi State has revised its academic calendar, closing schools on February 28, 2025, for the Ramadan break, with resumption slated for April 7, 2025, marking the start of the third term. These closures reflect the importance placed on religious observance and allow students and their families to engage in the spiritual practices of Ramadan without academic disruptions.
The NSCIA has provided clear guidelines for determining the start date of Ramadan 1446 AH. If the crescent moon is sighted on Friday, February 28, 2025, by trustworthy witnesses, then Saturday, March 1, 2025, will be declared the first day of Ramadan. However, if the moon is not sighted on that day, then Sunday, March 2, 2025, automatically becomes the first day of the holy month. This two-day window provides clarity and allows for variations in moon sighting due to geographical location and atmospheric conditions.
Beyond the practical aspects of moon sighting and school closures, the NSCIA has also addressed the social and economic context of Ramadan. Professor Ishaq Oloyede, Secretary General of the NSCIA, has appealed to affluent Muslims to extend acts of charity and support to the less privileged members of society, particularly in light of the prevailing economic challenges. Ramadan is traditionally a time of increased giving and community support, and the NSCIA’s call reinforces this spirit of generosity. Furthermore, the council has specifically addressed traders, urging them to refrain from hoarding food products or unfairly increasing prices during the holy month. This appeal aims to ensure equitable access to essential goods and prevent exploitation during a time of heightened demand.
In essence, the NSCIA’s announcement regarding the moon sighting for Ramadan 1446 AH encompasses both the practical and spiritual dimensions of the holy month. The clear guidelines for moon sighting, the announcement of school closures, and the call for charitable giving and fair trading practices all contribute to a cohesive and meaningful observance of Ramadan for the Muslim community in Nigeria. The message emphasizes the importance of unity, compassion, and social responsibility, ensuring that the spirit of Ramadan extends beyond individual piety to encompass the well-being of the entire community. The NSCIA’s proactive approach reflects a commitment to both the religious observance and the socio-economic realities of the Muslim population.
