The League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland has clarified that its decision to announce the start of Ramadan fasting on March 1, 2025, was not meant to undermine the authority of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III. This move breaks from the traditional practice of waiting for the Sultan’s official declaration.
VIA PUNCH:
The League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland has said its decision to declare the commencement of Ramadan fasting was not intended to challenge the authority of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, who is traditionally recognised as the spiritual leader of Muslims in Nigeria.
In a communiqué issued by the Office of the Grand Mufti, AbdulAzeez Ishola, on Thursday, the League announced Saturday, March 1, 2025, as the date for the commencement of the Ramadan fast for Muslims in Yorubaland.
The communique read, “Precise astronomical calculations for the crescent moon of Ramadan 1446 AH confirm that the conjunction (Astronomical New Moon) will occur at 00:45 (12:45 am) Universal Coordinated Time on Friday, February 28, 2025, corresponding to 29 Sha’ban 1446 AH, which is 01:45 (1:45 am) local time in Nigeria.
“Consequently, the crescent moon will be visible after sunset on 29 Sha’ban 1446 AH equivalent to 28 February 2025 in various parts of the world, either with the naked eye or through telescopes and observation devices.
“Therefore, the first day of the blessed month of Ramadan 1446 AH will, Insha Allah, be Saturday, March 1, 2025, with the first Taraweeh prayer (Ashamu or Ashari) coming up on Friday night, February 28, 2025, Insha Allah.”
Reacting to reports that the League was challenging the Sultan’s authority by declaring the date of Ramadan fast, Ishola said the move was not meant to undermine the Sultan’s position or create division among Muslims in Nigeria.
Speaking with Sunday PUNCH, Ishola noted that the declaration of the Ramadan fast by the League has no political undertone and was not done to challenge the authority of the Sultan in any way.
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