The League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland has announced that Ramadan 1446 AH will commence on Saturday, March 1, 2025, based on precise astronomical calculations, departing from the traditional practice of awaiting the Sultan of Sokoto’s declaration.
In a communiqué issued by the Office of the Grand Mufti of the League, the decision was attributed to resolutions from Islamic jurisprudential councils, astronomical experts, and international conferences held in Istanbul, Paris, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
According to the communiqué, the crescent moon marking Ramadan’s start will be visible after sunset on Friday, February 28, 2025. This aligns with the hadith of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him):
“Fast when you see the crescent and break your fast when you see it.”
“This is also based on the confirmation by the International Fiqh Council in its Resolution No. (18) during its third conference in 1986, as well as the outcomes of the scientific symposium held in Paris on 12-13 Rabi’ al-Awwal 1433 AH (February 4-5, 2012 CE),” the statement added.
The communiqué further detailed:
“Precise astronomical calculations for the crescent moon of Ramadan 1446 AH confirm that the conjunction (Astronomical New Moon) will occur at 12:45 AM Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) on Friday, February 28, 2025, corresponding to 1:45 AM local time in Nigeria.
“Consequently, the crescent moon will be visible after sunset on 29 Sha’ban 1446 AH, equivalent to 28 February 2025, in various parts of the world, either with the naked eye or through telescopes and observation devices. Therefore, the first day of the blessed month of Ramadan 1446 AH will, Insha Allah, be Saturday, March 1, 2025, with the first Taraweeh prayer on Friday night, February 28, 2025, Insha Allah.”
This announcement highlights a shift in practice among Yoruba Muslims, sparking discussions on regional religious autonomy. The Sultan of Sokoto has traditionally been regarded as the spiritual leader responsible for declaring the start of Ramadan for Nigerian Muslims.
The Yoruba Nation Self-Determination Movement, often vocal about regional independence, previously criticized Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III’s comments on imposing Sharia law in Yorubaland. The group described the call as “disrespectful,” adding that no Islamic provisions mandate Yoruba Muslims to accept the Sultan’s leadership.
In a statement signed by its leader, Professor Banji Akintoye, the group claimed, “The Sultan’s message alleging that Yoruba people are denying Yoruba Muslims their religious rights is a falsehood.”
