Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, has said the crescent moon for the month of Ramadan has been sighted, declaring Monday as the first day of fasting in the country.
Simwal, a member of the moonsighting committee of Nigeria, quoted the sultan as saying so.
Muslim faithful observe the 29 or 30 days fast during the Islamic month of Ramadan.
While it lasts, the Muslims abstain from food and sexual relations from dawn to dusk. They also strive to engage in more acts of worship.
Saum, referred to as fasting, is the fourth pillar of Islam.
“His Eminence the Sultan of Sokoto has authorized me to inform the general public that Ramadan crescent was sighted in different locations in Nigeria this evening , compilation of more results is going on.Taraweeh prayers can commence,” Simwal tweeted.