Sultan Declares Friday As Eid-el-Fitr Day After Non-Sighting Of Shawwal Moon On Wednesday In Nigeria

By Micheal Chukwuebuka

The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has declared Friday, March 20, 2026, as the first day of Shawwal 1447AH, marking the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr, following the non-sighting of the Shawwal crescent across Nigeria.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council Sokoto, Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu.

The statement says, the National Moon Sighting Committee did not receive any verified report of the Shawwal crescent sighting from various Committees across the Country on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, corresponding to the 29th day of Ramadan 1447AH.

Consequently, Thursday, March 19th 2026, is declared as the 30th day of Ramadan, in line with Islamic tradition which stipulates completing thirty days when the new Moon is not sighted.

It explained that the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar-III, has approved the recommendation and accordingly proclaimed Friday, March 20th 2026, as the first day of Shawwal 1447AH, signifying the day of Eid-el-Fitr.

The Sultan extended his felicitations to the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria and across the World, urging continued prayers for peace, unity and development, while also praying that ALLAH accepts the acts of worship performed during the holy Month of Ramadan.