The League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland has announced that Ramadan 1446 AH (2025) will commence on Saturday, March 1, marking a significant departure from the tradition of awaiting the Sultan of Sokoto’s official declaration.
In a communiqué from the Office of the Grand Mufti, the group stated that its decision was guided by astronomical calculations and resolutions from international Islamic conferences.
“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,” the statement read.
The communiqué issued by the League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland referenced findings from Islamic jurisprudential councils, astronomical experts, and international conferences held in Istanbul, Paris, and within the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). It also cited a hadith of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): “Fast when you see the crescent and break your fast when you see it.”
This decision signals a shift from the long-standing practice where the Sultan of Sokoto, as the spiritual leader of Nigerian Muslims, traditionally announces the start and end of Ramadan.
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The move could reignite discussions on religious autonomy among Yoruba Muslims, who have previously questioned the central authority of the Sultan in Islamic affairs. The Yoruba Nation Self-Determination Movement has also criticized the Sultan’s call for Sharia law in Yorubaland, arguing that no Islamic doctrine mandates Yoruba Muslims to recognize his leadership.
The communiqué further referenced resolutions from the Unified Hijri Calendar Committee and the International Fiqh Council, confirming that the astronomical new moon will occur at 12:45 AM UTC on February 28.
The crescent moon is expected to be visible after sunset in several locations worldwide, either with the naked eye or through optical aids.
As of now, neither the Sultan of Sokoto nor the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has issued an official response to this independent declaration.#Ramadan
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