Yoruba Imams ignores Sultan announce date for commencement of Ramadan

The League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland has declared that Ramadan 1446 AH (2025) will commence on Saturday, March 1, 2025.

This decision marks a significant departure from the customary practice of awaiting the official proclamation from the Sultan of Sokoto, who is widely recognized as the spiritual leader of Nigerian Muslims.

In a communiqué released by the Office of the Grand Mufti of the League of Imams and Alfas, the group stated that their decision is based on precise astronomical calculations and resolutions from global Islamic conferences on lunar sighting.

The statement referenced conclusions drawn from Islamic jurisprudential councils, astronomical experts, and international conferences held in Istanbul, Paris, and within the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

According to these findings, the crescent moon marking the beginning of Ramadan will be visible after sunset on Friday, February 28, 2025, making the following day, March 1, the first day of fasting.

To support their stance, the communiqué cited the hadith of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him):

“Fast when you see the crescent and break your fast when you see it.” (Agreed upon by scholars).

The communiqué further confirmed that precise calculations indicate the astronomical new moon will occur at 12:45 AM UTC on Friday, February 28, 2025 (1:45 AM local time in Nigeria). Consequently, the crescent moon is expected to be visible in various parts of the world either with the naked eye or through observation tools.

Based on these observations, the League of Imams and Alfas affirmed:

“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 (Ashamu or Ashari) coming up on Friday night, February 28, 2025, Insha Allah.”

This shift represents a significant change in Nigeria’s traditional approach to Ramadan declarations, which have historically been led by the Sultan of Sokoto.

The development may further spark discussions about religious autonomy among Yoruba Muslims, some of whom have previously voiced concerns about regional independence in spiritual matters.

The Yoruba Nation Self-Determination Movement has previously criticized the Sultan of Sokoto, Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, for advocating the enforcement of Sharia law in Yorubaland.

The group, led by Professor Banji Akintoye, described the proposal as “disrespectful” and argued that no Islamic doctrine mandates Yoruba Muslims to recognize the Sultan’s authority. The statement also dismissed claims that Yoruba Muslims are being denied religious rights, calling such assertions “falsehood.”

As of now, the Sultan of Sokoto and the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) have not issued any official response to the League’s independent declaration.