Ramadan: Sultan, governors call for unity and kindness

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The commencement of the holy month of Ramadan 1445AH was confirmed by the Sultan of Sokoto and President of the National Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, on Sunday.

The National Moonsighting Committee Nigeria shared the announcement on its official handle, stating that Muslims nationwide should begin fasting on Monday, March 11, 2024.

Sultan Abubakar urged Muslims to utilize the sacred month for additional prayers for the leaders and the country, Nigeria.

“Consequently, Monday the 11th day of March 2024 will count as the first day of Ramadan 1445 AH. We, therefore, call on Muslims across the country to commence fast accordingly. We call on all Muslims to use the glorious month of Ramadan for extra prayers for our leaders and country, Nigeria.

He also appealed to well-meaning individuals to assist the vulnerable and poor with food and other necessities during Ramadan to alleviate the prevailing hardships.

The Sultan concluded by wishing all Muslims in Nigeria and around the world a blessed Ramadan.

“We appeal to the well-meaning individuals amongst us to assist the vulnerable and poor with food and other items during this glorious month to cushion the effect of hardship being experienced in the country. May Allah SWT reward our Ibadat with Al-Jannah Firdaus. Ramadan Kareem to all Muslims in Nigeria and the world over,” he said.

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Following the announcement, governors across the country echoed the call for unity and peace during this sacred period.

Chairman of the Northern States Governors Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya, emphasized the need for unity and requested the Federal Government to ensure adequate security for lives and properties.

Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, extended congratulations to the Muslim Ummah in the state and worldwide on the commencement of Ramadan 1445.

He encouraged Muslims to intensify their prayers for the country, especially amid economic challenges, highlighting the significance of combining efforts with prayers.

“I charge the Muslim Ummah to, as they have always done, pray for our dear State and Nigeria, as we have all come to realise that prayer remains the greatest key for believers to make things happen,” he said according to a statement from his Special Adviser on Media Olanrewaju Sulaimon.

“We do know that our country is in a bit of economic hardship, but while we continue to look up to the leaders to do the needful, we must also support our hopes with prayers to God. I also want to charge my Muslim brothers and sisters, especially those who have in abundance, to remember their neighbours and show kindness”.

Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, called on the Muslim faithful to promote good neighborliness and kindness during Ramadan.

He stressed the importance of using the fasting period for soulful reflection, devotion, prayers, and care for one another.

“As the Muslim faithful embark on Ramadan, I implore you to uphold the virtues of Islam by showing love and compassion to all. It is a time to show good neighbourliness and extend a helping hand to the needy in society, especially in these trying times,” he said.

“The Ramadan season is coming at a time when many people are faced with dire economic challenges. It is best to show love during this period as we approach the period solemnly.

“Ramadan provides us an opportunity to bond and show love to our friends and acquaintances and the current season calls for such.”

Similarly, Rivers State Governor, Sim Fubara, congratulated the Muslim community on the beginning of the Ramadan fast.

“I congratulate the Sultan on the sighting of the moon and urge the entire Muslim community to use the period of the fast and prayers to re-dedicate themselves to the teachings of Islam.

He urged Muslims to dedicate themselves to the teachings of Islam during this period and called on well-to-do individuals to generously support the less privileged with essential food items throughout the holy month.

“I appeal to all Muslims to observe the fast with the ultimate fear of God, and also advise well-to-do individuals to generously support the less privileged with basic foodstuffs during the Holy month of Ramadan,” he added.