Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Mr Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar yesterday declared today as the first day of Ramadan, 1440 AH.

The announcement marks the commencement of the 29 or 30 days fast by Muslims across the country.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar in which Muslims will observe one month fasting.

Making the announcement in his Sokoto palace, Abubakar said the commencement of the fast followed reports of sighting of the moon in some states which marked the end of the month of Shaaban 1440 AH.

Abubakar said: “Upon due verification and authentication by states and national moon sighting committees and states confirmation, as well as routine scrutiny, the sighting of the new moon of Ramadan signifies the end of Sha’aban 1440 AH.

“In accordance with Islamic law, Muslim Ummah are to commence fasting on Monday accordingly.”

Sultan enjoined all Muslims to devote themselves fully to the worship of Allah throughout the holy month, and use the period to pray for leaders, peace and stability prosperity of the nation.

“We further called on Nigerians to continue to live peacefully with one another irrespective of religious and tribal difference,” he said.

The Nation