Sultan Declares Friday, March 20 Eid-el-Fitr as Shawwal Moon is Not Sighted

"Additionally, I have directed security chiefs to move to Maiduguri to take charge of the situation. I have also directed the emergency agencies to provide proper care for the injured"

Per Second NewsMarch 18, 20261 Mins read461

The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, has officially announced that the crescent moon marking the start of Shawwal was not sighted in Nigeria on Wednesday.

In a statement released by the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, in coordination with the National Moon Sighting Committee, it was confirmed that Ramadan will complete its 30-day cycle.

The notice, signed by Sambo Wali Junaidu, Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Council, declared Friday, March 20, as the official day for Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.

Eid-el-Fitr signifies the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. The declaration follows reports from various moon-sighting committees across the country.

“His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar CFR, mni, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has accepted the report and accordingly declared Friday, 30th March 2926 as the first day of Shawwal 1447AH. (Day of Eid-El-Fitri),” the statement reads.

“His Eminence, the Sultan felicitates with the Nigerian Muslim Ummah and wishes them Allah’s guidance and blessings. The Sultan while urging the Muslim Ummah to continue to pray for peace, progress and development of the Country, also wishes all Muslims a happy El-El-Fitri. May Allah (SWT) accept our religious deeds.”