The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has declared Friday, March 20, 2026, as the day for the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr, following the non-sighting of the Shawwal crescent across Nigeria.
The announcement came after reports from the National Moon Sighting Committees confirmed that the new moon of Shawwal 1447AH was not sighted on Wednesday, March 18, which marked the 29th day of Ramadan.
In line with Islamic guidelines derived from the Qur’an and Hadith, Muslims are required to complete 30 days of fasting if the new moon is not sighted on the 29th day.
Consequently, Thursday, March 19, 2026, will be observed as the 30th day of Ramadan.
The decision was communicated in a statement issued by the Sultanate Council’s Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs in collaboration with the National Moon Sighting Committee.
The statement, signed by Sambo Wali Junaidu, confirmed that no credible moon-sighting reports were received from any part of the country.
Following the report, the Sultan, who is also President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, formally declared Friday as the 1st of Shawwal 1447AH and the day for Eid-el-Fitr celebrations nationwide.
He congratulated the Muslim Ummah on the successful completion of Ramadan and urged continued prayers for peace, unity, and national development.
The Sultan also prayed for the acceptance of the faithful’s acts of worship during the holy month and wished Muslims a peaceful and joyous Eid celebration.
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