The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has officially declared that Eid-el-Fitr will be observed on Friday following the non-sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon across Nigeria.
The announcement, made in his capacity as President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, confirms that the fasting period of Ramadan will complete 30 days nationwide before the celebration of Eid.
The Sultan had earlier directed Muslims across the country to search for the new moon on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, which marked the 29th day of Ramadan. He urged individuals and traditional leaders to report any credible sightings through designated channels for verification.
However, after receiving and verifying reports from various moon-sighting committees across the country, the Sultanate Council confirmed that the crescent of Shawwal was not sighted. Consequently, Ramadan will be observed for a full 30 days, in line with Islamic tradition.
Under Islamic jurisprudence, the start of a new lunar month depends on the physical sighting of the crescent moon. Where the moon is not sighted on the 29th day, the month is completed as 30 days before the next begins.
- Bournemouth Humiliate Manchester United 3-0 at Old Trafford as Carrick Faces Mounting Pressure
Bournemouth delivered another painful blow to Manchester United on Sunday,… - Tragedy in Kogi: Police Corporal Allegedly Kills Female Colleague, Takes Own Life After Reported Relationship Crisis
A tragic shooting incident involving two serving police officers has…
Eid-el-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Shawwal—the tenth month of the Islamic calendar—is therefore scheduled to hold on Friday across Nigeria. The festival is typically marked by special prayers, charity, and communal celebrations among Muslims.
The Sultan also called on Muslims to continue acts of devotion, unity, and charity as they prepare to mark the significant religious occasion.
