The holy month of Ramadan has officially begun, following the announcement by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, that the crescent moon was sighted on the evening of February 28, marking the start of Ramadan 1446 and President Bola Tinubu is one of the leading voices urging Nigerians to pray for the country during the period.
In a goodwill message to Muslims, President Tinubu called on Nigerians to unite in prayers and positive actions for the nation’s peace, security, and development.
He described Ramadan as a time of spiritual renewal, self-discipline, and empathy, urging Muslims to use the period to strengthen their bonds with Allah and fellow citizens.
“Ramadan is a time for deep reflection, renewed devotion to Allah, and acts of compassion toward humanity,” the President said.
“Let us use this period to foster unity, peace, and progress in our communities. May our words and actions throughout this month reflect our commitment to building a better Nigeria.”
Speaking from his palace, the Sultan, who also serves as the President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), urged Muslims across the country to dedicate this sacred period to prayer, reflection, and acts of kindness.
“We must encourage acts of charity and the importance of supporting the less privileged so that they too can partake in the fasting period,” he emphasized.
Adding his voice to the call for spiritual dedication, Ayodeji AbdulRauf, the President General of Nasrul-Lahi-L-Fatih Society (NASFAT), urged Muslims to pray for an end to insecurity and suffering in Nigeria.
He stressed the importance of remembering displaced persons and war victims worldwide, including those in Ukraine, Syria, Palestine, Pakistan, and Northern Nigeria, who may not have the privilege of observing Ramadan in peace.
“Far too many Muslims will struggle to observe Ramadan this year due to displacement and economic hardship. We must continue working together to alleviate the suffering of these individuals,” he stated.
AbdulRauf further noted that beyond fasting, Ramadan is a period of forgiveness, patience, resilience, and compassion. It is also a time for unity across communities, as families and neighbors gather for Iftar, sharing some of the most cherished meals of the year.
As Muslims begin their month-long journey of fasting, prayers, and good deeds, leaders have urged everyone to uphold the values of peace, charity, and discipline, ensuring that the spirit of Ramadan extends beyond the fasting period into everyday life.
Ramadan Kareem!
