The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has declared Friday, 20 March 2026, as the day for the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr in Nigeria.
The announcement followed the non-sighting of the crescent moon marking the end of Ramadan.
The declaration was conveyed in a statement issued by the Wazirin Sokoto, Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu, on behalf of the Sultanate Council.
The council said it did not receive any confirmed report of the Shawwal crescent from across the country.
The decision to fix Friday for Eid follows the completion of 30 days of Ramadan.
The Sultan urged Muslims to use the occasion to pray for peace, unity, and national progress.
The Sultan, who is also the President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, is responsible for officially announcing the sighting of the moon for Islamic festivals in Nigeria.
The announcement provides clarity for Muslims across Nigeria preparing for the celebration.
It also aligns with the earlier declaration of public holidays by the Federal Government to mark the festival.
Religious activities, including special Eid prayers and gatherings, are expected to take place nationwide.
Religious Significance
Eid-el-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting, prayer, and reflection for Muslims.
The festival begins with the sighting of the new moon, which determines the start of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic calendar.
Background
In Islamic tradition, Ramadan lasts either 29 or 30 days, depending on the lunar cycle.
When the crescent moon is not sighted on the 29th day, fasting continues to complete 30 days before Eid is declared.
The Sultanate Council follows this practice annually in determining the official date of Eid celebrations in Nigeria.
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