Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar 111, sultan of Sokoto and president-general, Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Nigeria, has declared Thursday as the first day of Ramadan in the country.
Addressing journalists at his palace on Wednesday, the monarch said Muslim leaders and organisations across the country have sighted the moon, signifying that the spiritual exercise can commence.
“I have the greatest pleasure to announce to you that today June 17, marked the end of Shaaban and therefore Thursday June 18 marks the beginning of Ramadan 1436,” he said.
“Reliable reports from Muslim leaders across the country show that the new moon of Ramadan has been sighted in various parts of the country. I urge you all to use the opportunity to offer prayers for peace and development of this country.”
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Ramadan is a period of dawn-to-dusk fasting, intense prayer and nightly feasts otherwise known as iftar.
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