Rabat – Muslims across Nigeria are preparing to welcome the holy month of Ramadan, expected to begin on February 18, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon.
According to Hamariweb, the month of fasting, reflection, and spiritual renewal is anticipated to conclude on March 18, marking Eid Al Fitr.
Ramadan is one of the most significant periods in the Islamic calendar, and a special time in Nigeria, as slightly over half of the population is Muslim.
For Muslims, fasting from dawn to sunset is more than abstaining from food and drink; it is a spiritual exercise aimed at fostering self-discipline, empathy for the less fortunate, and a deeper connection with God (Allah).
Families prepare for pre-dawn meals, known as suhoor, and the nightly breaking of the fast, or iftar, often becomes a social and familial event.
Mosques host nightly prayers called Taraweeh, and communities organize charitable initiatives to support the needy.
The announcement of Ramadan’s start is eagerly awaited each year, as it allows Muslims to organize their schedules for fasting, prayers, and other spiritual activities.
Islamic organizations and local religious authorities play a central role in confirming the crescent moon sighting and issuing guidance to ensure that observances are aligned across the country.
Ramadan serves as a period of unity and cultural expression. Markets, streets, and neighborhoods adjust to the rhythms of the month, while traditional foods, communal gatherings, and religious teachings take center stage.
It is a time when faith, family, and community intertwine, offering a shared sense of purpose and reflection.
As February approaches, Nigerian Muslims are preparing to embrace a month marked by discipline, spiritual growth, and solidarity.
