The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has declared that the crescent moon marking the end of Ramadan was not sighted in Nigeria.
Although Saudi Arabia had earlier announced the sighting of the moon, marking the end of Ramadan in that part of the world. However, it is a rule to localise the sighting of the moon based on different climatic condition for the visibility of the moon at different times.
The announcement was made on Saturday, March 29, 2025, following extensive moon-sighting efforts by Islamic scholars and committees across the country. In a statement signed by the NSCIA’s Secretary-General, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, the council confirmed that reports from various moon-sighting committees indicated that the new moon had not been sighted, necessitating the completion of the 30-day Ramadan fast in line with Islamic tradition.
“The crescent moon of Shawwal 1446 AH has not been sighted in Nigeria. Consequently, Ramadan fasting will continue on Sunday, March 30, 2025, and Eid-el-Fitr will be observed on Monday, March 31, 2025, In Sha Allah,” the statement read.
The moon sighting is a significant aspect of the Islamic calendar, as it determines the beginning and end of the holy month of Ramadan. Islamic scholars, astronomers, and religious leaders collaborate each year to confirm the visibility of the crescent moon before officially declaring Eid.
The Sultan urged Muslims across Nigeria to remain steadfast in their prayers and use the additional fasting day to seek divine blessings for the nation. He also called for unity, tolerance, and acts of charity, emphasizing that the essence of Ramadan extends beyond fasting to include devotion, self-discipline, and service to humanity.
Eid-el-Fitr, which signifies the completion of Ramadan, is one of the most significant celebrations in Islam, marked by communal prayers, feasting, and charitable giving. Many Muslims across Nigeria and the world had eagerly anticipated an early sighting of the moon, but the extension of fasting is in accordance with Islamic principles, which mandate a 30-day fast if the moon remains unseen.
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