Yoruba Muslim Leaders declare March 1 as start of Ramadan 1446 AH –
The League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland has announced that Ramadan 1446 AH (2025) will commence on Saturday, March 1, 2025, departing from the traditional practice of waiting for the official declaration by the Sultan of Sokoto, who is regarded as the spiritual leader of Nigerian Muslims
In a communiqué issued by the Office of the Grand Mufti of the League, the decision was based on precise astronomical calculations and international Islamic conferences on lunar sighting. The statement cited resolutions from Islamic jurisprudential councils, astronomical experts, and conferences held in Istanbul, Paris, and within the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
According to these sources, the crescent moon marking the start of Ramadan will be visible after sunset on Friday, February 28, 2025, making March 1, 2025, the first day of fasting. The League referenced a hadith of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him):
“Fast when you see the crescent and break your fast when you see it.” (Agreed upon by scholars).
This declaration marks a major shift from Nigeria’s long-standing practice, where the Sultan of Sokoto typically announces the beginning and end of Ramadan. The move could further fuel discussions on religious autonomy among Yoruba Muslims, who have in the past expressed concerns about regional independence in religious affairs.
The Yoruba Nation Self-Determination Movement has also been vocal about its stance, recently condemning the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III’s call for the imposition of Sharia law in Yorubaland, describing it as “disrespectful.”
In a statement signed by its leader, Professor Banji Akintoye, the group argued that no Islamic provisions mandate Yoruba Muslims to recognize the Sultan as their leader. The statement also rejected claims that Yoruba people are denying Yoruba Muslims their religious rights, calling such assertions “falsehood.”
As of now, neither the Sultan of Sokoto nor the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has officially responded to this independent declaration by the League of Imams and Alfas.
The communiqué further explained that the decision aligns with resolutions from past Islamic scholarly gatherings. It referenced:
The first session of the Unified Hijri Calendar Committee in Istanbul (November 27-30, 1978).Resolution No. 18 of the International Fiqh Council (1986).A scientific symposium held in Paris on February 4-5, 2012.
It further detailed that astronomical calculations confirm the new moon will occur at 12:45 AM UTC (1:45 AM Nigerian time) on February 28, 2025. The crescent moon is expected to be visible after sunset, either with the naked eye or through telescopes.
“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 taking place on Friday night, February 28, 2025, Insha Allah,” the statement concluded.
Full Story: https://citynewsng.com/2025/02/15/yoruba-muslim-leaders-declare-march-1-as-start-of-ramadan-1446-ah/
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