SULTAN ANNOUNCES FRIDAY AS EID-EL-FITR CELEBRATION

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By: Balogun Ibrahim

The Sultanate Council of Sokoto has announced Friday, March 20, 2026, as the first day of Shawwal 1447AH, marking the nationwide celebration of Eid-el-Fitr, following the non-sighting of the new crescent moon.

The announcement came in a press statement released on Wednesday by the council’s Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs in collaboration with the National Moon Sighting Committee Nigeria.

The statement explained that no confirmation of the new moon sighting was received from various Moon Sighting Committees across the country on Wednesday, March 18, corresponding to the 29th day of Ramadan. As a result, Thursday, March 19, 2026, was designated as the 30th day of Ramadan 1447AH.

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Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar has officially declared Friday, March 20, 2026, as the first day of Shawwal 1447AH, marking the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr, following the acceptance of the moon sighting report.

In a message to Muslims, the Sultan congratulated the Nigerian Muslim community and called for continued prayers for national peace and development.

“His Eminence extends his felicitations to the Nigerian Muslim Ummah and prays for Allah’s guidance and blessings upon them,” the statement added.

The Sultan of Sokoto has called on the Muslim Ummah to continue praying for Nigeria’s peace, progress, and development, the council said.

He also expressed hope that the spiritual benefits of Ramadan would extend beyond the fasting period, praying that “Allah (SWT) accepts our religious deeds.”

The start of Shawwal, marking the end of Ramadan and the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr, is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon, in line with the teachings of Prophet Muhammad.

Under the Sultan’s leadership, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs coordinates moon sighting across the country through a network of committees to ensure a unified announcement for Muslims.

When the crescent moon is not sighted on the 29th day of Ramadan, the month is completed as 30 days, with Eid-el-Fitr observed the following day.

The statement was signed by Sambo Wali Junaidu.