The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has officially declared the beginning of Ramadan following the sighting of the crescent moon on the evening of February 28, 2025.
In his announcement from his palace, the Sultan urged all Muslims in Nigeria to dedicate the holy month to fervent prayers, seeking Allah’s blessings and guidance for the nation and its leadership.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is a period of fasting, reflection, and devotion for Muslims worldwide. It is observed by abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn until sunset, emphasizing spiritual growth, self-discipline, and acts of kindness.
The Sultan emphasized that this sacred period is a time to reflect on national challenges and pray for peace, unity, and prosperity.
Call for National Unity and Prayers
In line with the Sultan’s call, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also encouraged Nigerians to embrace the holy month with sincerity and devotion. He urged Muslims to strengthen their relationship with Allah and extend love, kindness, and generosity to their fellow citizens.
“Ramadan is a time for deep reflection, renewed devotion to Allah, and acts of compassion and generosity toward humanity,” the President said. “It is a season of spiritual rejuvenation, self-discipline, and empathy for the less fortunate. Let us use this period to strengthen our bonds with Allah and one another, fostering unity and peace in our communities.”
President Tinubu emphasized that the month-long observance should not only be a period of fasting but also a time of introspection and good deeds that contribute to national unity and progress. He called on Nigerians to uphold the virtues of patience, resilience, and faith, especially in the face of economic challenges and security concerns.
Addressing National Challenges through Faith
The President General of the Nasrul-Lahi-L-Fatih Society (NASFAT), Ayodeji AbdulRauf, also joined the call for prayers, urging Muslims to intercede for an end to insecurity and suffering in the country.
He highlighted the plight of displaced persons due to conflicts in Nigeria and beyond, stressing the need for collective support and charity.
“We cannot forget the millions of lives that have been displaced by conflict and struggle across the world—Ukraine, Syria, Palestine, Pakistan, and others—as well as in our own nation,” AbdulRauf stated. “Many Muslims may not be able to observe Ramadan from the comfort of their own homes this year or afford to celebrate Eid with their children. We must continue working together to alleviate the suffering of these individuals.”
He further noted that Ramadan is an opportunity for spiritual growth, fostering forgiveness, patience, resilience, and compassion for the less fortunate. “Each lesson is profound on its own, and taken together, they form a harmonious whole. This sacred time reminds us of our shared obligations to uphold the dignity of every human being,” he added.
Charity and Community Support Encouraged
The Sultan of Sokoto also underscored the importance of acts of charity, urging Muslims to help the less privileged during Ramadan. He reminded the faithful that giving to the needy is not just an act of generosity but a fundamental aspect of Islam.
“We must encourage acts of charity and the importance of supporting the less privileged so that they too can partake in the fasting period,” the Sultan noted. He encouraged wealthy individuals to assist those struggling to meet basic needs, emphasizing that such gestures enhance societal harmony and goodwill.
Various Islamic organizations, mosques, and community groups across Nigeria have already begun organizing food distribution and welfare programs to support the underprivileged during Ramadan. Several state governments and private institutions have also pledged to provide relief packages to vulnerable communities.
Calls for Peace and Political Stability
As the country faces various economic and security challenges, religious leaders are using the Ramadan period to advocate for peace and stability. In a joint statement, several Islamic scholars urged Nigerians to embrace dialogue and understanding in resolving conflicts.
Sheikh Ahmed Lemu, a prominent Islamic scholar, advised that the month of Ramadan should inspire a renewed sense of national consciousness. “We must remember that Nigeria belongs to all of us, and our collective progress depends on unity, tolerance, and respect for one another,” he said.
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), a faith-based advocacy group, also issued a statement urging political leaders to prioritize the welfare of citizens and use Ramadan as a period to reflect on governance and service to humanity.
Security Measures for Ramadan Gatherings
In light of security concerns, authorities have assured citizens that measures are in place to protect worshippers and ensure a peaceful Ramadan season. The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) and other security agencies have announced increased surveillance around mosques, markets, and other public places to prevent any threats to safety.
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, stated, “We are committed to ensuring that all citizens, especially those observing Ramadan, can do so in a safe and secure environment. We urge Nigerians to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities.”
As Ramadan commences, the calls for prayers, charity, and national unity resonate across the country. Leaders, scholars, and religious groups emphasize the need for Nigerians to embrace the core values of the holy month—compassion, resilience, and communal harmony. With the Sultan of Sokoto, President Tinubu, and other key figures urging a renewed focus on faith and national progress, this Ramadan presents an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect, give back, and work towards a better and more united country.
