Yoruba Muslims Defy Sultan Of Sokoto Long-Standing Tradition, Declare March 1 As Ramadan Start Date

The League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland has declared that Ramadan 1446 AH (2025) will begin on Saturday, March 1, 2025, breaking away from the long-standing tradition of waiting for the Sultan of Sokoto’s official announcement.

According to the communique issued by the office of Grand Mufti, noted that the decision was based on astronomical calculations and resolutions from international Islamic conferences, including those held in Istanbul, Paris, and within the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

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According to the Office of the Grand Mufti, “The crescent moon marking the beginning of Ramadan will be visible after sunset on Friday, February 28, 2025, making March 1 the first day of fasting.”

“This announcement cites a hadith of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): “Fast when you see the crescent and break your fast when you see it.”

This move marks a shift in the traditional authority of the Sultan of Sokoto, who typically announces the start and end of Ramadan.

The decision may spark further discussions about religious autonomy among Yoruba Muslims, who have previously questioned the Sultan’s central authority in religious matters.

However, the Yoruba Nation Self-Determination Movement has denounced the Sultan’s push for Sharia law in Yorubaland, arguing that Islamic law doesn’t require Yoruba Muslims to recognize the Sultan’s authority.

The movement referenced the Unified Hijri Calendar Committee and International Fiqh Council, which confirmed the new moon’s appearance at 12:45 AM UTC on February 28.

As of now, there has been no official response from the Sultan of Sokoto or the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) regarding this independent declaration.