The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called on Nigerian Muslims to wait for the official announcement from the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, before commencing the 2025 Ramadan fast.
In a pre-Ramadan message released on Friday, MURIC emphasized the need for unity and synergy among Muslims, aligning with the position of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA).
According to the statement signed by the Founder and Executive Director of MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola, the NSCIA has instructed Muslims to look out for the 2025 (1446 AH) crescent moon from the evening of Friday, 28th February 2025.
The group explained that if the moon is sighted by credible Muslim witnesses, the Sultan would declare Saturday, 1st March 2025, as the first day of Ramadan. However, if the moon is not sighted, fasting will automatically begin on Sunday, 2nd March 2025.
MURIC further urged all Muslim leaders across the country to ensure total compliance with the NSCIA’s directive, added that obedience to the Sultan is in line with the teachings of Islam as stated in the Qur’an (4:59): “Obey Allah, obey the Messenger and those in authority among you.”
The organization called on Muslims to shun division and embrace unity during the holy month.
