By Ado Hassan, Sokoto
Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III has declared Thursday May 17, 2018 as the first day of Ramadan, 1439 AH which marks the commencement of the Ramadan fast by the Muslims across the country.
Making the announcement yesterday in his palace in Sokoto, Abubakar said the commencement of the fast followed reports of sighting of the moon across various states of the federation which marked the end of the month of Shaaban 1439 AH.
The Ramadan moon according to the revered leader was sighted in Gombe, Sokoto, Zamfara, Baluchi, Portharcourt, Maiduguri, Minna and Dutse.
” In accordance with the Islamic injunctions, we announce today Wednesday 1439A.Hehich equivalent to May 16, 2018 has marked the end of the month of Shaaban 1439A.H. which followed reliable reports duly verified and certified by states and national moon sighting committees. Consequent upon which tomorrow Thursday May 17, 2018 is first of Ramadan’.”
Abubakar, however implored Muslim ummah to devote themselves to the teachings of islam and pray fervently for the nation’s leaders to steer the country for the sustenance of peace, stability and progress of the nation and world while urging all Muslims to live in peace with one another irrespective of religion and ethnic backgrounds
