Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs Announces Ramadan Fast Dates

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has declared March 11 and March 12, 2024, as the tentative start dates for the annual Ramadan fast.

This declaration is pending the sighting of the moon after sunset on Sunday, March 10, 2024.

In a statement, the Deputy Secretary-General of the NSCIA, Prof. Salisu Shehu, urged the Muslim Ummah to search for the crescent of Ramadan 1445 on the given date, which corresponds to the 29th Sha’aban 1445 AH.

The NSCIA called on Muslim faithful who witness the crescent to inform members of the National Moon Sighting Committee.

The council, under the leadership of its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alh. Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, expressed felicitations to the Muslim Ummah on the upcoming 1445 AH Ramadan Fast.

The statement conveyed the council’s prayer for Allah to spare the lives of every Muslim to participate in the worship exercise and to maximize the benefits therein.

According to the advice of the National Moon Sighting Committee (NMSC), the President-General encouraged Nigerian Muslims to search for the crescent of Ramadan 1445 AH immediately after sunset on Sunday, March 10, 2024, which is equivalent to the 29th Sha’aban 1445 AH.

If the crescent is sighted by Muslims of impeccable character on the said evening, His Eminence would declare Monday, March 11, 2024, as the first day of Ramadan 1445 AH.

If not, Tuesday, March 12, 2024, would automatically become the first day of Ramadan 1445 AH.

The statement also appealed to “endowed Muslims” to extend acts of charity to the less privileged.

It cautioned traders against hoarding food products or unduly hiking the prices of goods during the fasting period.

“We urge Muslims to take advantage of the holy month of Ramadan to pray that Allah grants the Palestinians His divine support and liberates them from their oppressors,” the statement concluded.