The Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has declared tomorrow as Eid il Fitr .
The announcement followed the non sighting of the Shawwal moon across Nigeria on Wednesday night .
According to the Sultan’s media team, the declaration was contained in a statement issued by Prof Sambo Wali Junaidu, Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, in conjunction with the National Moon Sighting Committee .
The statement confirmed that no verified reports of the Shawwal crescent were received from moon sighting committees nationwide, meaning Muslims must complete 30 days of fasting for Ramadan 1447AH .
It explained that, in line with Qur’an and Hadith, when the new moon is not seen on the 29th day of a lunar month, Muslims are required to fast for 30 days before celebrating Eid .
Consequently, today, Thursday March 19, 2026, is observed as the 30th day of Ramadan, while Friday March 20, 2026, will be the first day of Shawwal 1447AH and the day of Eid il Fitr .
The Sultan congratulated the Muslim Ummah on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast and prayed that Allah accepts their acts of worship .
He urged Muslims to continue to pray for peace, unity and development in Nigeria and to sustain the virtues of discipline, sacrifice and compassion learned during Ramadan .
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