Ramadan 1446 Begins on March 1 as Saudi Arabia Confirms Moon Sighting

Israel Adeleke 

OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports that Saudi Arabia on Friday, announced that the holy month of Ramadan will commence on Saturday, March 1, after the Ramadan crescent moon was sighted in the Kingdom.

OTN News further reports that the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar III, officially declared Saturday, March 1, 2025, as the first day of the Holy Month of Ramadan, following the Saudi Arabia moon sighting confirmation.

The Islamic Eminence, who spoke from his palace on Friday evening, announcing that the crescent moon was sighted earlier in the day, Friday, February 28, corresponding to the 29th day of Shaban, said that the widespread reports of the moon sightings from various regions of the country were verified and accepted by the council, confirming the commencement of Ramadan 1446.

The Sultan however, urged all Muslims to dedicate the holy month to prayers, seeking Allah’s blessings and guidance for the nation and its leaders. 

He also encouraged acts of charity, emphasizing the importance of supporting the less privileged so that they too can partake in the fasting period.

OTN News observes that with the confirmation, more than 1.8 billion Muslims across the world will begin fasting from sunrise to sunset each day.

Ramadan falls on the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, which consists of 12 months in a year of 354 or 355 days.

Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam and is considered mandatory for all healthy Muslims.

According to OTN News understanding, young children, sick individuals, travelers, and women who are pregnant, nursing or menstruating are exempt.

OTN News further observes that Muslims have followed the tradition of looking for the crescent moon for thousands of years to determine the start of Ramadan as well as the two major holidays in Islam, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.

However, Muslims across Nigeria are now set to begin the month-long period of fasting, prayers, and devotion as working hours for private and public employees and school children are typically reduced.