By Ayomide Otitoju
The Sultanate Council of Sokoto has declared Friday, March 20, 2026, as the first day of Shawwal 1447AH, marking the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr across Nigeria following the non-sighting of the crescent moon.
The announcement was made in a statement issued by the council’s Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs in collaboration with the National Moon Sighting Committee.
According to the statement, no confirmed reports of the new moon were received from across the country on Wednesday, March 18, corresponding to the 29th day of Ramadan, making Thursday, March 19, the 30th day of fasting.
The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, subsequently approved the report and declared Friday as Eid-el-Fitr.
He congratulated Muslims nationwide and urged the faithful to sustain prayers for peace, unity, and development in the country.
The Sultan also called on Muslims to uphold the spiritual lessons of Ramadan beyond the fasting period, expressing hope that their acts of worship would be accepted.
In Islam, the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Shawwal are determined by the sighting of the crescent moon. Where the moon is not sighted on the 29th day, fasting is extended to 30 days before Eid-el-Fitr is observed.
The statement was signed by Sambo Wali Junaidu, Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sokoto.
