The Sultan of Sokoto has declared Friday as the first day of Shawwal 1447AH, marking the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr, following the non-sighting of the crescent moon that signals the end of Ramadan.
The announcement was contained in a statement signed by Sambo Wali Junaidu, Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sokoto, in collaboration with the National Moon Sighting Committee.
According to the statement, there were no credible reports from across the country confirming the sighting of the Shawwal moon on the 29th day of Ramadan.
“No valid sighting of the crescent was reported from any part of the country. Therefore, Thursday shall be the 30th day of Ramadan 1447AH,” the statement read.
Based on this, the Sultan, who is also President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, approved Friday as Eid-el-Fitr.
He congratulated Muslims on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast and urged continued prayers for national unity and development.
“We call on the Muslim Ummah to sustain prayers for peace, unity, and progress of the nation,” he said.
The declaration follows an earlier announcement by the Federal Government of Nigeria, which declared Thursday and Friday as public holidays to mark the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.
In a statement signed by Permanent Secretary Magdalene Ajani, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, extended greetings to Muslim faithful.
“The Federal Government congratulates all Muslims on the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan and urges citizens to embrace peace and unity,” the statement noted.
Earlier, Saudi Arabia also confirmed that Friday would mark Eid-el-Fitr after its Supreme Court declared the completion of Ramadan.
“The Supreme Court has decided that tomorrow is the completion of the 30th day of Ramadan, and that Friday is the day of the Blessed Eid al-Fitr,” the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Eid-el-Fitr signifies the end of Ramadan, a sacred month in Islam during which Muslims observe fasting from dawn to sunset, one of the core pillars of the faith. The period also emphasizes charity, devotion, and spiritual reflection.
