Ramadan starts today!

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar has declared that the moon has been sighted, thus, signaling the commencement of Ramadan.

The declaration which came about 12 midnight caught many Muslims unaware due to the delay in the sighting the moon.

Earlier report in the media including Vanuard indicated that Sha’aban had to be counted 30 days before the commencement of the Glorious month on Sunday.

Addressing journalists, on behalf of the Sultan, after a very long meeting collating the reports of people earlier dispatched Friday to look out for the new moon, Chairman of National Moon sighting Committee and Chairman Advisory Council to the Sultanate, Prof. Sambo Wali, said the moon was sighted in Birnin Kebbi and Gwandu in Kebbi State.

By this development, Professor Wali said Saturday would be the first day of Ramadan and urged Muslims to begin to fast.

“As a result, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, had asked Muslims in the country to commence Ramadan fast of 1435AH on Saturday June 28, 2014,” Wali said.

Vanguard