By Ayomide Otitoju
President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima on Sunday joined other worshippers at the National Eid Ground in Abuja for Eid-El-Fitr prayers, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
Also present at the prayer session were Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and several ministers.
Eid-El-Fitr, known as the festival of breaking the fast, is a time of gratitude, charity, and communal unity. It begins with special prayers held in mosques and open fields, followed by festive meals, gift exchanges, and acts of charity. A key component of the celebration is Zakat al-Fitr, a mandatory donation that ensures everyone, regardless of financial status, can partake in the joy of the occasion.
Across cultures, Eid traditions vary, from elaborate feasts in South Asia to vibrant attire in Nigeria and Africa, as well as warm gatherings in the Middle East. However, the universal message of unity, gratitude, and compassion remains central.
Saudi Arabia Declares Sunday as Eid Day, Others Observe Monday
Saudi Arabia and several Gulf Arab states officially marked Sunday, March 30, 2025, as the first day of Eid al-Fitr following the sighting of the crescent moon. The Saudi Royal Court confirmed the announcement through official media. The United Arab Emirates and Qatar also followed suit.
However, Oman, Jordan, Iran, Egypt, and several North African nations declared that Eid would begin on Monday, as the moon had not yet been sighted in those regions.
Sultan of Sokoto Declares Sunday as Eid in Nigeria
In Nigeria, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, declared Sunday as Eid-El-Fitr day, equivalent to 1st Shawwal 1446 AH, after confirmation from the National Moon Sighting Committees.
The Sultan, who also serves as President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), congratulated the Muslim Ummah and urged them to uphold the lessons of Ramadan. He also called on Nigerians to pray for peace, progress, and national development while wishing all Muslims a joyous celebration.
