Eid-el-Fitr: Sultan declares Friday as Shawwal 1, urges prayers

By Musa Ubandawaki

The Sultanate Council of Sokoto has officially 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, which brings Ramadan to a close nationwide, was conveyed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Council’s Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs in collaboration with the National Moon Sighting Committee.

According to the statement, no credible reports were received from any part of the country confirming the sighting of the Shawwal crescent on Wednesday, March 18, corresponding to the 29th day of Ramadan.

“Thursday, March 19, 2026, shall therefore be observed as the 30th day of Ramadan 1447AH,” the committee stated, in line with Islamic lunar calendar provisions.

Acting on the report, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, approved the declaration of Friday as Eid-el-Fitr day.

“His Eminence has accepted the report and accordingly declared Friday, 20th March 2026, as the first day of Shawwal 1447AH,” the statement read.

In his message to the Muslim faithful, the Sultan congratulated the Ummah on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast and urged Nigerians to sustain the spirit of devotion beyond the holy month.

He called on Muslims and all citizens to continue offering prayers for peace, unity, and national development, especially at a time when the country faces socio-economic and security challenges.

The declaration ensures uniformity in the observance of Eid-el-Fitr across Nigeria, reinforcing the coordinating role of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in harmonising religious practices nationwide.

The Islamic calendar, which is based on lunar observations, requires the physical sighting of the new crescent to signal the end of Ramadan. In Nigeria, this process is centrally coordinated through committees across the country under the leadership of the Sultanate.

The statement was signed by Sambo Wali Junaidu, Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sokoto.

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