The leader of Muslims in Nigeria, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has announced that the new moon of Shawwal 1447AH was not sighted on Wednesday, corresponding to the 29th day of Ramadan 1447AH.
In accordance with Islamic injunctions as derived from the Qur’an and Hadith, when the new moon is not sighted on the 29th day of the lunar month, Muslims are required to complete 30 days of fasting before celebrating Eid. Consequently, today, Thursday, will be observed as the 30th day of Ramadan.
The Sultan’s announcement was conveyed in a statement issued by the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, in conjunction with the National Moon Sighting Committee.
The statement, signed by Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu, the Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman, Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sokoto, confirmed that no verified reports of the Shawwal crescent were received from moon-sighting committees across the country.
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The statement said that, accordingly, Sultan Abubakar has declared tomorrow, Friday, as the first day of Shawwal 1447AH and the day for the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr.
“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, March 20, 2026, as the first day of Shawwal 1447AH (Day of Eid-el-Fitr),” it said.
The Sultan felicitated with the Nigerian Muslim ummah on the successful completion of Ramadan and urged continued prayers for peace, unity and development in the nation.
He also prayed that Allah accepts the acts of worship) of all.
“His Eminence 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 Eid-el-Fitr. May Allah (SWT) accept our religious deeds, Amin,” the statement added.